Первый межконтинентальный: 62 года с первого полёта знаменитого Ил-62

The Il-62 aircraft (NATO codification: Classic) became the first Soviet turbojet long-range passenger airliner of intercontinental range. It was developed at the Ilyushin Design Bureau in 1960, taking into account global requirements for aircraft of this class, to replace the Tu-114 and Il-18 aircraft.

In terms of technical perfection, the Il-62 corresponded to the "second generation" turbojet passenger aircraft. A group of design engineers from the Design Bureau were awarded the Lenin Prize for the creation of this aircraft. It made its first flight on January 2, 1963, and went into operation four years later, officially becoming the first domestic airliner of intercontinental range.

The Il-62, capable of making non-stop flights to the Far East from Moscow, was considered a marvel of technology in the early 1970s. Serial production aircraft became the main aircraft of Aeroflot.

Tests and subsequent operation of the new machine confirmed its effectiveness both in a technical sense and in terms of basic amenities for passengers. In flight, the Il-62 is quiet and comfortable. The flexible wing absorbs most of the turbulence loads, passengers hardly feel any shaking when the aircraft passes through areas of turbulent air. Passengers are spared from noise, shaking, and vibration in flight.

Sergey Ilyushin, Soviet aircraft designer

The Il-62 long-range turbojet and its subsequent modification, the Il-62M, provided comfort and high flight safety for passengers, and also served the further development of international routes.

Passenger transportation started in 1967. In total, more than 290 aircraft were produced during the serial production period. 86 airliners were delivered to other countries, some of which are still in operation.