The Maiden fɩіɡһt of the IL-78M-90A Air Refueling Tanker

Dec 21, 2023

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On January 25, the inaugural flight of the cutting-edge Ilyushin Il-78M-90A aerial refueling tanker marked a significant milestone for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS/Vozdushno-Kosmicheskaya Sila). Anticipating a substantial upgrade, the VKS plans to acquire 34 of these advanced tanker aircraft to phase out its aging Il-78 fleet. With a fuel capacity of 91 tonnes in its primary tanks and an additional 36 tonnes in an auxiliary cargo hold tank, the Il-78 can efficiently transfer an impressive total of 127 tonnes of fuel.

Derived from the modern Il-76MD-90A (Il-476) transport aircraft, itself a substantial modification of the Soviet-era Il-76 ‘Candid’ airlifter, the Il-78M-90A (formerly known as the Il-478) boasts not only a contemporary design but also structural and performance enhancements. These include a state-of-the-art digital cockpit, revamped navigation systems, modernized avionics, and improved communication systems. Structural upgrades extend to a redesigned flight deck and reinforced landing gear.

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Propelled by four PS-90A-76 turbofan engines, a departure from the older D-30KP-2 engines, the Il-78M-90A achieves heightened capabilities. These engine upgrades result in a payload increase to 60 tonnes (up from 40 tonnes in the baseline Il-76/78) and a noteworthy 12% reduction in fuel consumption.

The Il-78M-90A’s augmented performance facilitates the concurrent refueling of two front-line aircraft (Su-27, MiG-29), each equipped with wing-mounted fuel tanks. The inclusion of a tanker’s tail boom allows for the refueling of long-range and special-purpose aircraft. With an enhanced fuel system, the Il-78M-90A can support the simultaneous refueling of up to four frontline aircraft, underscoring its versatility. Furthermore, the tail unit enables refueling of long-range and special-purpose aircraft. As the Il-78M-90A becomes an integral part of the VKS, its deployment promises streamlined and simultaneous refueling capabilities for up to four front-line aircraft, marking a substantial leap forward in aerial refueling technology.

The innovative Il-78M-90A aircraft heralds a new era, enabling seamless refueling operations for two frontline fighter aircraft, specifically the Su-27 and MiG-29, each equipped with wing-mounted fuel tanks. Distinguished by its tail unit, the aircraft facilitates the inflight refueling of long-range and special-purpose aircraft. Additionally, harnessing the prowess of this aircraft, the Il-78M-90A sets the stage for simultaneous refueling maneuvers of up to four frontline fighter aircraft, solidifying its role as a game-changer in aerial refueling capabilities.

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