Russian MoD Receives Tanker Planes That Can Refuel 3 Aircraft Simultaneously

Russia’s Aviastar-SP, part of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), has started delivery of ten Il-76MD-90A tanker planes to the Ministry of Defense that can refuel three warplanes simultaneously.

“The IL-78M-90A will allow for the simultaneous refueling of two front-line aircraft, and from the tail unit it is possible to refuel long-range and special aircraft. On ground, the tanker plane can simultaneously refuel four aircraft,” Rostec said in a statement recently.

The aircraft was built on the basis of the Il-76MD-90A transport aircraft. It can be converted into a cargo plane.

The upgraded aircraft is equipped with four new-generation PS-90A-76 engines manufactured by UEC-Perm Motors.

At the refueling station, the flight and navigation complex has been completely renewed, as well as a "glass cockpit" has been implemented, which allows to reduce the workload on the crew and improve flight safety.