The maiden flight of the new Ilyushin Il78M90A aerial refuelling tanker for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS/VozdushnoKosmicheskiye Sily) took place on 25 January. The VKS is expected to buy 34 of the new tankers to replace its current Il78s. The Il478 can carry 91 tonnes of fuel in its main tanks, plus another 36 tonnes in an auxiliary tank in the cargo hold to give 127 tonnes of transferable fuel. The Il78M90A (previously referred to as the Il478) is based on the new Il76MD90A (Il476) transport aircraft, which is itself a modernised version of the Sovietera Il76 ‘Candid’ airlifter.
The new tanker version shares the avionic, structural, and powerplant improvements of the upgraded transport aircraft. These enhancements include a digital ‘glass’ cockpit as well as modernised flight, navigation, and communication systems. Structural improvements comprise a modified wing and reinforced landing gear. The new aircraft powered by four PS90A76 turbofan engines instead of D30KP2. The engines have also been updated, giving the aircraft a 60tonne payload (up from 40 tonnes for the baseline Il76/78) and a 12% reduced fuel consumption. The aircraft will allow simultaneous fuelling of two frontline planes (Su27, MiG29) with wingmounted fuelling units. The tail unit allows refueling of longrange and specialpurpose aircraft. Also when used on the ground the Il78M90A will allow simultaneous refueling of four aircraft.

The new Ilyushin Il78M90A will allow simultaneous fuelling of two frontline planes (Su27, MiG29) with wingmounted fuelling units. The tail unit allows refueling of longrange and specialpurpose aircraft. Also when used on the ground the Il78M90A will allow simultaneous refueling of four aircraft.