Ilyushin Il-18
Ilyushin · Soviet Union · first flew 1957 · airliner
Aeroflot's four-turboprop stalwart — the Soviet answer to the Vanguard and Electra, and one of the most-produced large turboprops ever.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 35.9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Four turboprops on a low straight wing
- Long row of round cabin windows
- Slim fin with straight leading edge
Classic four-turboprop layout on a straight low wing — distinguishable from a Britannia or Electra by its perfectly round windows, slimmer nose, and the straight-edged Soviet fin.
Specifications
- The Ilyushin Il-18 has a length of 35.9 m (118 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 37.4 m (123 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 675 km/h (419 mph).
- Typical crew: 5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1957, the Il-18 gave Aeroflot an economical 100-seater for its vast domestic network and was exported across the socialist world. Over 670 were built, and its airframe spawned the Il-38 maritime patroller.
Variants
Il-18B/V/D versions refined engines and range; specialist conversions handled polar support, VIP transport and electronic missions. A handful flew as freighters into the 2010s.
Where you'll see it
East European carriers brought Il-18s to UK airports regularly during the Cold War. The military Il-38 derivative was long shadowed by RAF crews over northern waters.
Related aircraft
- Ilyushin Il-54
- Ilyushin Il-14M
- Ilyushin Il-38
- Ilyushin Il-40
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- Boeing 707
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