Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A "Candid"
Aviastar-SP / UAC · Russia · first flew 2007 · transport aircraft
The Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A is a substantially upgraded variant of the classic Il-76 heavy transport, featuring modern Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 turbofan engines and updated avionics replacing the original Soviet-era systems. It is the primary Russian Air Force heavy airlifter currently in production.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 46.59 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Updated Il-76 with PS-90A-76 turbofan engines replacing original D-30s
- Four under-wing turbofans on high-wing Soviet-era freighter
- Glazed nose retained from original Il-76 design
Externally similar to all Il-76 variants — high-wing four-engined freighter with upswept rear fuselage, large clamshell doors, and a glazed navigator's nose — distinguished by modern PS-90A-76 engine nacelles which are longer and slimmer than original D-30KP pods.
Specifications
- The Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A has a length of 46.59 m (153 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 50.5 m (166 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 850 km/h (528 mph).
- Typical crew: 5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the Il-76MD, the -90A variant was certificated in the 2010s and entered production at the Aviastar-SP plant in Ulyanovsk. The new engines significantly reduce fuel consumption and increase payload compared to the original Il-76, and the aircraft features a glass cockpit.
Variants
The Il-76MD-90A is the latest production standard; the Il-76MD-90AE is the export designation. The Il-76MD-90A(N) tanker and AEW&C variants have also been proposed or developed.
Where you'll see it
The Il-76MD-90A entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces as a replacement for older Il-76MD airframes; orders have been placed for both military transport and special-mission derivatives.
Related aircraft
- A330 MRTT Voyager
- Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter (Dreamlifter)
- DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400
- Dreamlifter (747-400LCF)
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