Bright photographs of the "Antarctic" Il-76TD-90VD RA-76503 "Artur Chilingarov" have appeared online, taken at the "Spektr-Avia" painting center in Ulyanovsk. The aircraft received a livery with rich red stripes, reminiscent of the coloring of aircraft from the Arctic Fleet of the USSR.
The Il-76TD-90VD aircraft, belonging to the airline "Volga-Dnepr", has registration number RA-76952. The inscription ANTARCTICA is applied on board, but the original livery is preserved. The aircraft regularly flies to Antarctica, providing transportation for specialists, scientists, and equipment for participation in the Russian Antarctic expedition. In addition, it is involved in servicing international scientific missions, including projects with scientists from China and India.
Technical characteristics of the Il-76TD-90VD aircraft:
- Maximum take-off weight — 195 t.
- Maximum load (including equipment weight) — 50 t.
- Maximum landing weight — 155 t.
- Maximum weight without fuel — 144 800 kg.
- Cruising speed — 750 km/h.
- Flight range with maximum load — 4 500 km.
- Cargo cabin dimensions: 3.4×3.45×20 m.
- Crew: 4 people.
Earlier www1 recommended for viewing a masterpiece of Soviet cinema — "They Fought for Their Country".