RIA Novosti learned about plans to create the Il-212 to replace the An-26 and An-72 in the army

In Russia, it is planned to create a new light military transport aircraft Il-212 to replace the fleet of An-26 and An-72 aircraft in the Armed Forces (AF) of the Russian Federation. About it writes RIA Novosti with reference to an informed source.

“The Il-112V project will be significantly redesigned and will receive a new marking – Il-212,” the agency’s interlocutor said.

He clarified that the aircraft’s avionics and avionics, as well as the fuselage, will be preserved. Among the updates are PD-8 turbojet engines instead of TV-117S turboprops. The aircraft’s wing and landing gear will also be changed and new fuel and hydraulic systems installed, the source added.

According to the interlocutor, the PD-8 engines of the Il-212 will be installed above the wing to “ensure the operation of the new aircraft from unprepared runways and unpaved airfields” and to prevent debris and objects from getting into them from the ground. He noted that indicators of range, payload capacity and cargo compartment dimensions are still being developed. At the same time, he emphasized that the aircraft will have a greater payload capacity “due to more powerful engines.”

October 11, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu checked fulfillment of the state defense order at the enterprise PJSC “Il” – “Aviastar” of the United Aircraft Corporation (part of Rostec). Then he said that Russian developers were able to find a solution related to light transport aircraft that would replace the An-72 and An-26. According to him, it remains to be seen how quickly this decision can be implemented.