Il-76MD-90A

The Ilyushin Il‑76MD‑90A is a modernized version of the Soviet‑era Il‑76 heavy transport aircraft, developed by the Russian aerospace company Ilyushin in the 1990s and entering service in 2015. The programme, originally designated Il‑76MF, aimed to replace aging airframes with a more efficient and capable platform for strategic airlift, aerial refuelling and humanitarian missions. The MD‑90A incorporates a completely new cockpit based on glass‑panel avionics, digital flight‑management systems and modern navigation equipment, while retaining the robust high‑wing, high‑tail configuration that gives the Il‑76 its distinctive cargo‑handling capability. Powered by four Progress D‑27 turbofan engines with increased thrust and fuel‑efficiency, the aircraft can carry up to 50 tonnes of payload over 4,000 km, or up to 24 tonnes on intercontinental routes. Additional features include a reinforced floor, rear‑loading ramp with a 4‑meter cargo door, and optional aerial refuelling pods. Since its introduction, the Il‑76MD‑90A has been adopted by the Russian Air Force and several foreign operators, reinforcing Russia’s strategic lift capacity and demonstrating the longevity of the Il‑76 design philosophy. Its blend of proven airframe strength with contemporary systems makes it a pivotal asset in both military logistics and disaster‑relief operations worldwide.

Ilyushin

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