Aircraft
Russia Drops Plans for a Strategic Air Tanker
Rather than convert some Il-96 freighters, the air force will rely on smaller new and existing Il-78s.
A Russian Air Force Il-78M air tanker refuels a Tu-160 strategic bomber. These tankers are being refurbished and upgraded, and joined in service by new-production versions with PS-90A turbofans. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
A Russian Air Force Il-78M air tanker refuels a Tu-160 strategic bomber. These tankers are being refurbished and upgraded, and joined in service by new-production versions with PS-90A turbofans. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

The Russian defense ministry has dropped earlier plans to buy several Ilyushin Il-96-400TZ air tankers after the industry failed to offer a cost-effective conversion of some aircraft that were previously built as Il-96-400T commercial freighters. Meantime, UAC’s Aviastar plant in Ulyanovsk has completed the first Ilyushin Il-78M-90A air tanker that is expected to commence flight trials shortly, several months behind schedule.

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