The fleet of Russian military transport planes will be replenished with the new Il-212 with jet engines, it will replace the An-26 and An-72. An informed source told RIA «News». According to the agency's interlocutor, we are talking about the modification of the Il-112B.
It is noted that the aircraft will be «significantly reworked». The Il-212 will retain the fuselage, onboard equipment, and avionics from its predecessor.
Instead of the turboprop TV-117C, the new aircraft will receive Russian-made jet engines PD-8. In addition, it will be equipped with updated landing gear, a new fuel system, and a hydraulic system.
Aircraft builders are currently discussing such indicators as range, payload, and dimensions of the aircraft. But with the installation of a more powerful engine, it is expected that its payload will increase.
News about the upcoming modification of the Il-112B appeared in the summer of 2023 at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. It was confirmed by the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, Denis Manturov. According to the minister, the changes were set to affect the design of the aircraft's wing and its engine. The head of the department did not disclose other details.