The modernized Il-76 aircraft landed and took off from the ground for the first time

During testing, the experimental Il-76MD-90A aircraft successfully landed and took off from a dirt runway, reported in the press service of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

The new transport aircraft was developed at the IL enterprise of the UAC, part of the Rostec state corporation. The Il-76MD-90A is a “deeply modernized” version of the Il-76MD aircraft, the press service clarified.

“The new transport aircraft received more powerful PS-90A-76 engines, thanks to which the aircraft has improved takeoff, landing and cruising characteristics and an updated landing gear with a high safety margin,” the report says.

Improvements, as noted, allow the aircraft to be operated at equipped and unequipped airfields, on concrete and dirt runways and in various climatic conditions. The aircraft is designed for transportation and parachute landing of military equipment, personnel and cargo, added in the press service of Rostec. The corporation also emphasized that the transport vehicle is made from domestic components.

In October, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, during a trip to Ulyanovsk, checked the implementation of the state defense order at the Il PJSC enterprise. Then Shoigu inspected the production process of the Il-76MD-90A aircraft, as well as the repair and maintenance of the An-124-100.” Shoigu heard a report from UAC General Director Yuri Slyusar, who confirmed that all aircraft that need to be transferred to the Russian Armed Forces by the end of the year will enter service within the timeframe established by the contract, the Ministry of Defense reported.