Ilyushin Il-20

The Ilyushin Il‑20 is a Soviet‑era electronic reconnaissance and ELINT platform derived from the Il‑18 airliner. Development began in the early 1960s when the Soviet Air Force required a long‑range aircraft capable of gathering signals intelligence and photographic data over hostile territory. The first prototype flew in 1962 and series production started in 1965 at the Ilyushin design bureau, founded by Sergey Ilyushin. Powered by four Kuznetsov NK‑12 turboprop engines, the Il‑20 retains the Il‑18’s spacious, double‑deck fuselage while adding a suite of antennas, radar‑absorbing panels and a distinctive bulbous nose radome that houses direction‑finding equipment. Internally the aircraft features pressurised workstations for up to twelve operators, onboard analysis labs and a dedicated communications suite that can intercept, record and transmit a wide band of radio and radar emissions. Its range exceeds 10,000 km and it can loiter for many hours, making it valuable for strategic surveillance during the Cold War. The Il‑20’s blend of reliability, endurance and advanced electronic payload set a benchmark for modern SIGINT aircraft and continues to influence contemporary reconnaissance programs worldwide. Variants such as the Il‑20M and Il‑20R were later introduced for specialised roles.

Sergey Ilyushin

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Design & Classification