In the last days of December 2025, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) commissioned the seventh serial military transport aircraft Il-76MD-90A, manufactured at the Ulyanovsk branch of PJSC "Il" - the "Aviastar" enterprise, which is part of the structure of PJSC "United Aircraft Corporation" (UAC).
According to available data, the aircraft with the presumed serial number 0501 and tail number RF-78686 made its first flight on December 7, 2025, at the airfield in Ulyanovsk. Thus, during 2025, "Aviastar" handed over seven new Il-76MD-90A aircraft to the VKS.
Il-76MD-90A is a deeply modernized version of the Soviet military transport aircraft Il-76. The main differences of the new model include the installation of modern PS-90A-76 turbofan engines, a digital "glass" cockpit with an integrated control system, a reinforced chassis and fuselage, as well as expanded capabilities for operation from unprepared airfields.
The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 210 tons, the practical flight range is up to 4,200 km with a maximum load of 50 tons. The aircraft is capable of transporting up to 126 paratroopers or oversized equipment, including combat vehicles and modular cargo.
Read more materials on the topic:
Now on home
The restyled SUV received a turbo diesel, LED optics, and a new multimedia system
The device will allow conducting research at the nanometer level
The enterprise will be launched at the end of 2028, with a design capacity of 10.5 thousand extra-large tires per year
The largest grain transshipment terminal in the Caspian Sea will appear here
The modular design is cheaper than imported counterparts and adapted to the Russian climate
Nitrogen bridge and different oxidation states will expand the possibilities of radiodiagnostics
AI Analyzed Data from 3007 Russians for the Torrance Test
The crossover withstood a load of 9 tons on the rear row belts and showed a 30 percent safety margin for the body
The first launch was planned for March 27, then for April 4
Reviewer of "Behind the Wheel": "The Fifties" can attract Toyota Camry drivers
Engineers are preparing the "Mayak-3" version for mass production
For the first time, the device will allow adjusting the permissible voltage limits directly at the workplace