Transport Aircraft
Ilyushin Il-78 Midas
The Ilyushin Il-78 Midas is a four-engine aerial refuelling tanker built by Ilyushin in the Soviet Union and Russia, in service since 1987. Based on the Il-76 airlifter, it supports Russian bombers and fighters and is also used by India, China and Pakistan.
Russia|Ilyushin / Tashkent Aviation Production AssociationWhat Is the Ilyushin Il-78 Midas? Overview, History and Development
The Il-78 is a tanker version of the Il-76MD airlifter, designed by Ilyushin and first flown on 26 June 1983. The improved Il-78M flew in March 1987, and service entry came in 1987. Four D-30KP-2 turbofans of about 118 kN each give a top speed of about 850 km/h. Three UPAZ-1A hose-drum units, two under the wings and one in the fuselage, allow it to refuel three fighters at once, and the Il-78M can transfer about 105 tonnes of fuel.
About 46 Il-78 and Il-78M tankers were built in Tashkent between 1984 and 1993. The newer Il-78M-90A, built at Ulyanovsk, flew in January 2018 with PS-90A-76 engines and a glass cockpit, with an order for 10 signed in December 2020. Russia operates roughly 20 tankers, an estimate. India has 6 Il-78MKI, Pakistan has 4 Il-78MP, China has 3 and Algeria operates 2 to 4. Russia has used them for Tu-160, Tu-95MS and Su-34 missions.
Ilyushin Il-78 Midas Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Ilyushin Il-78 Midas Variants and Versions Compared
The Il-78 is the original tanker version, transferring about 85 tonnes of fuel.
The Il-78M is the improved tanker, transferring up to about 105 tonnes of fuel.
The Il-78M-90A is the modern Russian-built version with PS-90A-76 engines and new avionics.
Which Countries Use the Ilyushin Il-78 Midas? Operators and Users
Russia
India
Pakistan
China
AlgeriaIlyushin Il-78 Midas FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much fuel can the Il-78 carry?
The Il-78M can transfer up to about 105 tonnes of fuel, while the original Il-78 transfers about 85 tonnes. Three hose-drum units let it refuel three aircraft at once.
How many tankers does Russia have?
Russia operates roughly 20 Il-78 and Il-78M tankers, though estimates vary. Further Il-78M-90A aircraft are being built at Ulyanovsk. The fleet supports long-range missions by Tu-160 and Tu-95MS bombers and Su-34 and Su-35 fighters, and the exact number of airworthy aircraft is not published.
Which countries use the Il-78?
Russia, India, Pakistan, China and Algeria operate the Il-78. India has 6, Pakistan has 4, China has 3 and Algeria has 2 to 4, according to open-source estimates.
Il-78 vs KC-135: which is better?
The Il-78M carries more fuel and can refuel three aircraft at once, while the KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer track record and boom refuelling. The two use different refuelling systems.
How fast is the Il-78?
The Ilyushin Il-78 has a top speed of about 850 km/h. Its commonly cited ferry range is about 7,300 km. That cruise speed is similar to the Il-76 airlifter on which it is based, and its maximum takeoff weight is 210 tonnes.
Does Libya or Ukraine still use the Il-78?
No, Libya’s Il-78E is no longer operational, and Ukraine’s inherited aircraft are not in active service. Algeria is the Arab country still believed to operate Il-78 tankers.