The new Russian Il-96-400M aircraft retains the four-engine configuration, which leads to high operating costs compared to modern twin-engine long-range aircraft. However, the redundant reliability provides greater stability and gives the qualities necessary for performing strategic tasks, according to Cavok.
The authors of the material recalled that the new version of the Il-96-400M can be compared to the American Boeing E-4B Nightwatch. This aircraft is designed to accommodate an airborne command post in the event of a full-scale nuclear war.
The large internal volume of the Il-96-400M, combined with the strength of the structure and redundant power, "makes it a potentially ideal platform for integrating advanced communication, control, and strategic coordination systems," Cavok believes.
There is reason to believe that the Il-96-400M is being created specifically as a Doomsday plane - the "Zveno-3S" project.
"Pervyi Technicheskiy" reminds that the only chance for the Il-96 to become mass-produced and economical is to replace the four old PS-90A engines with two super-powerful PD-35s.
Work on them is underway, but serial production is likely closer to 2028–2030. At the same time, the four-engine version of the Il-96-400M remains in demand as a new airborne command post capable of replacing the outdated Il-80.
Earlier it became known that a new test bench for testing prototype PD-35 engines has already begun to be built in the Perm region. The investment volume has increased to 3.7 billion rubles.
