Aviation

Russia’s Next-Gen Il-76 Commercial Variant Ready for 2028 Debut

Russia Proposes Joint Production of IL-76 Aircraft in India, Boosting 'Make in India' Initiative.

Russian aerospace giant United Aircraft is setting the stage for the next evolution of its renowned Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft, with plans to develop a modernized commercial variant known as the Il-76TD-90A.

This new model is a significant upgrade of the Il-76TD, which has been a workhorse in the commercial transport sector. According to FlightGlobal, the upgraded variant is set to enter production before the end of the decade, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.

The Il-76TD-90A will be based on the military-focused Il-76MD-90A, which is already in production. This modernization comes at a crucial time, as over 100 Il-76TDs currently in operation are nearing the end of their service lives. These aircraft, originally manufactured in Tashkent, have served reliably for decades, and the new variant aims to continue this legacy with enhanced capabilities.

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United Aircraft’s managing director, Daniil Brenerman, expressed confidence that the upgraded Il-76TD-90A will attract significant interest from commercial carriers, particularly those needing a reliable and versatile cargo transport solution.

The aircraft’s development is underscored by the recent certification from Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsia, which issued a type certificate to Ilyushin covering the Il-76 modifications. This certification outlines the flight performance characteristics and operational limitations of the new variant, paving the way for its eventual deployment.

Beyond its traditional role, russia commercial aircraft the Il-76 has also been adapted for several unique and unexpected uses. One such adaptation is its role in firefighting. The Il-76TD and Il-76TD-90VD variants have been modified with a water-dispensing system and tanks capable of holding up to 42 tonnes of water or fire retardant. This upgrade has transformed the Il-76 into an effective tool for combating wildfires, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

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Additionally, the Il-76 platform has been used for airborne early warning and control missions. The A-50 Mainstay, derived from the Il-76, is equipped with an extensive radar system mounted atop a rotating disc above the fuselage. This radar system provides long-range surveillance and command and control capabilities, making it invaluable for strategic defense and reconnaissance missions.

Aviation

Boeing Resumes 737 MAX Manufacturing After Seven-Week Strike

In a crucial move for its recovery, Boeing has restarted production of its best-selling 737 MAX jetliner, about a month after a significant seven-week strike involving 33,000 factory workers came to an end.

This marks a key milestone for the planemaker, which has been facing considerable challenges in recent years, including heavy debt and a series of setbacks.

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According to the report from Reuters, Boeing resumed the production of the 737 MAX jetliner last week, a pivotal step as the company aims to meet the growing global demand for air travel. With over 4,200 orders from airlines, Boeing’s ability to get the 737 MAX production line back in motion is vital for its financial recovery.

Although Boeing had previously planned to restart production earlier, the company faced numerous obstacles that delayed this process. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) head Mike Whitaker told Reuters on Thursday that while Boeing had not yet resumed production, they had plans to restart by the end of the month.

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The road to this point has been rocky for Boeing. Setbacks such as the tragic fatal crashes of the 737 MAX, the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing supply chain issues, production safety concerns, and increased regulatory scrutiny have all contributed to delays in the company’s efforts to ramp up production.

The seven-week strike, which involved thousands of Boeing’s factory workers, added yet another hurdle. Despite these challenges, production of the 737 MAX officially resumed on Friday, according to one of the anonymous sources.

Boeing, however, declined to comment on the matter. The planemaker is now focused on reaching its goal of producing 56 737 MAX airplanes per month, a target that has been delayed due to the many issues that have beset the company over the past few years.