In numbers Through the lens Video
NATO reporting name: Midas
The Il-78 four-engine air refuelling aircraft was based on the Il-76MD, with several structural improvements to carry more fuel. The carrying capacity of the Il-78 is 65.000 kg, it has the ability to refuel two to three aircraft simultaneously depending on the mission. The first flight took place 26 June 1983. The Il-78 Midas entered service in 1985. A total of 52 units were produced.
Technical specifications
| DESIGNER | OKB Ilyushin |
| COUNTRY | Ρωσία |
| TYPE |
Refueller aircraft
|
| CREW | 6 |
| POWER-PLANT | Four turbofan engines D-30KP |
| Thrust, kgf | 4x12.000 |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length, m | 46,59 |
| Height, m | 14,76 |
| Wing span, m | 50,50 |
| Wing area, m2 | 300,00 |
| WEIGHT | |
| Maximum take-off, kg | 190.000 |
| Normal take-off, kg | - |
| Empty aircraft, kg | 40.000 |
| Internal fuel, kg | 82.000 |
| Payload, kg | |
| - fuel | 65.000 |
| standard configuration: | |
| - wings tanks | 14.000 |
| - fuselage tanks | 28.000 |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 850 |
| Economic speed, km/h | - |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 800 |
| Service ceiling, m | 12.000 |
| Range, km | - |
| ARMAMENT | Doesn't have (defensive). |