The First Intercontinental: 62 Years Since the First Flight of the Famous Il-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 turbojet passenger aircraft of the "second generation." A group of design engineers from the Design Bureau were awarded the Lenin Prize for the creation of this aircraft. The first flight took place on January 2, 1963, and four years later it went into operation, officially becoming the first domestic intercontinental airliner.

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

Tests and subsequent operation of the new machine confirmed its effectiveness both in the technical sense and in relation to the basic amenities for passengers. In flight, the Il-62 is quiet and comfortable. The flexible wing absorbs most of the loads from turbulence, 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 turbojet long-range Il-62 and its subsequent modification, the Il-62M, provided comfort and high flight safety for passengers, and also served the further development of international lines.

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