Il 96 cargo plane. Russian Aviation

01.04.2021

IL-96- a wide-body passenger aircraft for medium and long-haul airlines, designed at the Ilyushin Design Bureau in the late 1980s. It made its first flight in 1988 and has been in serial production since 1993 at the Voronezh Joint-Stock Aircraft Manufacturing Company plant. Il-96 became the first and last Soviet long-range wide-body aircraft.

By the mid-1970s, almost all long-haul air transportation in the USSR and socialist countries was carried out on Il-62 aircraft. However, the capabilities of these aircraft could not fully meet the rapid growth in volume long-distance transport: due to the relatively low passenger capacity, the number of flights increased, and accordingly, the load on airports increased.

In addition, the cabin of the narrow-body aircraft was far from the degree of comfort that was achieved on the Boeing 747, which entered service in 1969, which became the world's first wide-body aircraft.

In 1978, using the results of work on the Il-86D project, the OKB began developing the Il-96 aircraft with a T-shaped tail, a higher aspect ratio wing with supercritical nose profiles and an area of up to 387 sq.m. Research on this option was carried out until 1983, when the progress achieved in the field of aviation science and technology made it possible to abandon the idea of creating Il-96 aircraft using in its design many ready-made units and systems of the Il-86 aircraft and move on to the creation of a fundamentally new Il-96-300 aircraft.

The Il-96-300 aircraft differs from its predecessor Il-86 by having a fuselage shortened by 5.5 meters, a larger wing span and a reduced sweep angle, increased dimensions of the vertical tail, and an improved interior of the passenger cabin.

New alloys are used in its design and the proportion of composite materials is increased. The aircraft uses an automatic fuel consumption control system, which allows it to maintain the alignment of the aircraft in flight. Particular attention was paid to the reliability and safety of aircraft operation.

The Il-96 uses a Russian digital avionics system with six color multifunction displays, an electronic thrust control system, an inertial navigation system and satellite navigation aids. Also on Il–96–300 it was decided to install new Solovyov PS-90A engines. The PS-90A smooth nacelle, uncharacteristic of the dual-circuit engines previously produced in the USSR, increased the fuel efficiency of the aircraft.

A set of requirements presented to Ilyushin Design Bureau by the Ministry civil aviation- transportation of a commercial load of 30 and 15 tons over a practical range of 9,000 and 11,000 km with a cruising speed of 850 to 900 km/h at an altitude of 9,000 to 12,000 m - made the traditional one the optimal aerodynamic design: a four-engine cantilever low-wing aircraft with a vertical tail. The T-shaped tail was abandoned. The IL-96-300 was initially created as an aircraft with development potential: its design allows for the relatively fast and inexpensive development of various modifications of the aircraft.

Further development of the aircraft Il–96–300 was the creation of the Il-96M variant, in which many US aviation companies took part. The fuselage of the aircraft was extended to 64 meters, that is, even more than on the Il-86. But the main distinguishing feature of the Il-96M was the Pratt & Whitney PW2337 engines.

The prototype was created on the basis of the first prototype Il-96-300. The plane took off on April 6, 1993, but was not put into serial production. On the basis of the Il-96M, the cargo Il-96T was created, which was also assembled in a single copy. A double-deck version of the Il-96-550, equipped with an NK-92 turbofan engine (4 x 20,000 kgf) and designed to carry 550 passengers, was also studied.

In 1999-2000, work was carried out on the project of the Il-96-400T cargo aircraft, which has the capabilities cargo plane Il-96T, but has Russian PS-90A-2 turbofan engines and avionics. It made its first flight on May 16, 1997. In operation since 2009.

The first prototype was assembled directly at the design bureau workshop on Leningradsky Prospekt in Moscow. At the beginning of September 1988, the plane was solemnly rolled out of the assembly shop. The first flight of the experimental Il-96-300 aircraft was carried out on September 28 from the Frunze Central Airfield on Khodynskoye Field. The plane was piloted by a crew under the command of Honored Test Pilot of the USSR Hero Soviet Union Stanislav Bliznyuk. The flight directly over the central regions of Moscow lasted 40 minutes.

During testing IL-96 performed several notable long-range flights, including Moscow–Petropavlovsk–Kamchatsky–Moscow without landing in Petropavlovsk. The plane covered 14,800 km in 18 hours and 9 minutes. On June 9, 1992, Il-96 flew from Moscow to Portland via the North Pole, spending 15 hours in the air.

The aircraft was tested in Yakutsk at –50 °C and in Tashkent at +40 °C. Based on the test results, on December 29, 1992, the aircraft was awarded an airworthiness certificate. For six months, the new cars were tested on Aeroflot routes, and due to lack of funding, operational tests had to be combined with commercial cargo transportation.

Commercial operation of the aircraft began on July 14, 1993 on the Moscow–New York route. At first, the aircraft was used mainly on foreign flights: to Singapore, Las Palmas, New York, Tel Aviv, Palma de Mallorca, Tokyo, Bangkok, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Seoul, Sao Paulo, Havana, Hanoi, Santiago, Lima.

Everyone flying on this moment at Aeroflot Il-96 aircraft were collected in the first half of the 1990s. In exchange for reducing duties on the import of foreign equipment, Aeroflot undertook to purchase an additional batch of Il-96, but the deal never took place, although duties were reduced.

In 2005–2006, three Il-96-300s were delivered to Cuba, including one to serve the President of Cuba. In 2009, the Venezuelan government signed a contract for the supply of two Il-96-300 - one for passenger, the other for VIP transportation. In the fall of 2008, the IFC leasing corporation seized two Il-96-300s from Krasnoyarsk Airlines due to the company's insolvency.

In 2009, Polet Airlines began operating Il-96-400T cargo aircraft, which Aeroflot initially planned to buy, but later abandoned them. As of September 2009, Polet airline has three Il-96-400T aircraft with a plan to receive three more aircraft in 2010.

Also, during the MAKS-2009 aerospace salon, an agreement was signed with a Peruvian airline for the supply of two Il-96-400T freighters with an option for another such aircraft, and negotiations are underway on its delivery to China and the countries of the Middle East. The current version of the aircraft is equipped with new engines and the most modern Russian-made flight and navigation system, which allows the aircraft to be operated without any restrictions around the world.

Such aircraft have not yet been produced in Russia. Il-96-400T can transport up to 92 tons of cargo on medium and long-distance routes. The aircraft is certified in accordance with Russian airworthiness standards, harmonized with the standards of the European Union and the USA. At various times, negotiations were held on the sale of Il-96 to China (three aircraft), Syria (three aircraft) and even Zimbabwe. KrasAir airline planned to transfer two of its Il-96s to Iran Air on a one-year wet lease in 2007.

The first two prototypes (nos. 96000 and 96001), stored for a long time at the Gromov Flight Research Institute in Ramenskoye, were destroyed in May 2009. Another 5 aircraft (2 KrasAir and 3 Domodedovo Airlines) are temporarily taken out of service and are in storage.

Creators Il–96–300 were guided by the economic indicators of the Boeing 767, however, since the first flight of the Il-96-300, long-haul airliners of the new generation Boeing 777, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A380 have been put into operation, and the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 are expected to enter the market soon. By 2012, two more Il-96-300 will be produced for SLO Russia (including the presidential Il-96-300PU). The cargo version of the Il-96-400T aircraft remains in production.

Flight characteristics of Il-96

If we talk about flight safety... then It would probably be worth mentioning the safest civilian airliner.

Let me make a reservation right away: I think the cause of the tragedy in Egypt is not “old age” or poor technical readiness of the Airbus A321. In my amateurish opinion, this is a terrorist attack (an explosion on board) or an external influence. But, if we abstract from this case, then the main cause of plane crashes today is the human factor. Although technology also has a significant influence on the positive or negative outcome of a flight accident.
For example, I strongly doubt that the feat of the “Alrosovskaya” Carcass (completely de-energized with non-functional communications and navigation, and even the remaining fuel for half an hour of flight) could be repeated in a similar situation by the crews of modern Boeings and Airbuses.

So – which long-haul route is the safest?
The answer is IL-96. Over the 22 years of operation, this last airliner created in the USSR did not kill a single person in flight accidents.

Yes, yes - this is the plane on which V.V. flies. Putin, you understood everything correctly.

Il-96-300 of the special flight squad "Russia"

Il-96 became our first wide-body long-haul passenger aircraft. The fuselage diameter is 6.08 meters; by the way, it is surpassed only by the Boeing 777 (which flew 6 years later). Others are still thinner.
But it is incorrect to compare it with the 777 - the car is both newer and of a slightly different class. Maximum take-off weight The IL-96-300 is 216 tons, and the Boeing 777-300 is already 299 tons. But at one time, the IL-96 could well have been a serious competitor to its “classmates”.

- When in the 90s I flew to the States on an IL-96 and I had There is fuel left in the tanks for another three hours of flight, the Americans were terribly surprised. A representative of their aviation authorities then directly stated: for some reasons, this type of aircraft is unattainable for us. It's strange that Russia is still able to create a competitive product.
On the IL-96, on instructions from the general designer, I made six landings simulating the failure of all engines. No one has done this on any foreign type. And on the IL-96 even a crew of average training level can do this.
Anatoly Knyshov, test pilot, Hero of Russia.

- If we compare two long-haul aircraft: Boeing-767 and Il-96-300, then an American with two engines carries 200 passengers and consumes 6 tons of fuel. The IL-96 carries 300 passengers and 15 tons of cargo with a consumption of only 7 tons. Divide tons by kilometers - and everything will become clear to you. In addition, the Il-96 is a magnificent car: a spacious cabin, large screens - a blind person will see everything. The diameter of the fuselage is 6 meters, like a subway tunnel. You feel like you are in a normal, reliable airliner with four engines. By the way, in its entire history, the IL-96 has not been involved in a single accident. Didn't kill a single person.
Sergey Knyshov, commander of the Il-96 (trained in the USA on Boeing).

The Il-96 made its first flight in 1988.

Initially, it was assumed that the domestic long-range wide-body aircraft would be a further development of the Il-86 aircraft and would retain the maximum possible structural similarity with it. In accordance with this approach, the new aircraft, designated Il-86D (“long-range”), had the same design of the fuselage, tail, and main on-board functional systems as the Il-86. This made it possible to reduce the time required to create a new aircraft, quickly introduce it into mass production in parallel with the production of the Il-86 aircraft, and simplify the maintenance of the Il-86 and Il-86D in operation. However, due to the active struggle for fuel efficiency, as well as the emergence of new production technologies, the designers had to seriously reconsider the project.
At the same time, a requirement was put forward to equip two new generation aircraft - the long-range Il-96-300 and the medium-range Tu-204 aircraft - with a single unified PS-90 engine with a high bypass ratio and low cruising specific fuel consumption.
As a result, the designers abandoned the use of airframe units and systems from the Il-86 aircraft and created a completely new Il-96-300 aircraft. The priorities when creating the machine were design solutions aimed primarily at increasing the aerodynamic perfection of the aircraft, reducing its weight, and ensuring ease of maintenance of the machine in operation.
The required aerodynamic perfection of the IL-96-300 was achieved by introducing large quantity various events developed jointly with TsAGI. Work to improve aerodynamics was carried out both in the direction of improving the aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft, and in introducing new design and technological solutions, which led to an improvement in the quality of the outer surface. For example, rivets with countersunk heads were used throughout the entire surface of the aircraft.

The aircraft was a big step forward compared to its predecessors. For example, in relation to the Il-86, the flight range has increased significantly, while the maximum take-off weight remains the same. And the minimum fuel consumption per passenger-kilometer for the Il-96-300 was two times less than that of the previous “narrow-body” long-haul aircraft, the Il-62M.

During testing, the Il-96 performed several long-range flights, including “Moscow - Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky - Moscow” without landing in Petropavlovsk. The plane covered the 14,800 km route in 18 hours and 9 minutes. On June 9, 1992, an Il-96 flew from Moscow to Portland via the North Pole, spending 15 hours in the air. The aircraft was tested in Yakutsk at −50°C and in Tashkent at +40°C. Based on the test results, on December 29, 1992, the aircraft was awarded an airworthiness certificate. For six months, new cars were “tested” on Aeroflot routes, and due to lack of funding, operational tests had to be combined with commercial cargo transportation - they carried radio equipment. The work of the Ilyushin Design Bureau team on the Il-96−300 was awarded the State Prize of the Russian Federation.

Safety

The use of multi-channel redundant systems on the IL-96-300 with automatic shutdown or switching of faulty channels basically frees the crew from any actions in the event of failures. The information display system notifies the crew about a failure, and only in some cases does the crew need to manually duplicate the operation of the automation. Only in individual cases, when untimely switching on or off of the most critical systems (engines, second and third fire extinguishing stages) can significantly affect flight safety, automation is not used and decision-making is entrusted to the crew.

Main feature The Il-96-300 aircraft, from the point of view of its operational manufacturability compared to the Il-86, is the presence on the Il-96-300 aircraft of more advanced and developed systems for built-in monitoring, detection and recognition of faults during maintenance. These systems collect information about the operation of on-board functional systems and equipment (down to the operation of individual component elements) of the aircraft in flight, register it and, if necessary, can provide information about malfunctions that have occurred either on the indicators of an integrated information alarm system, or in the form of printouts(I wonder if there are printers on Boeings and Airbuses?).

Much attention was paid to ensuring the fail-safety of the control system of the Il-96-300 aircraft. Its EMDS is duplicated by a mechanical control system. As on the Il-86, the various control surfaces are divided into sections, each of which is deflected by one or more actuators (boosters). Drive redundancy also increases the operational reliability of the control system.

The design of the Il-96-300 fuselage has been significantly changed (compared to the Il-86) to increase its reliability and ensure safety in the event of damage, reduce the rate of crack growth, ensure a given service life, reduce weight, improve the quality of the outer surface and the manufacturability of the design during production. .

Sharks of capitalism

However, it was not possible to create real competition for foreign cars.
It turned out that no one needed the plane in the Russian Federation anymore—Western corporations rushed into the open market in anticipation of a big piece of the pie. Despite the fact that Boeing was twice as expensive ($180 million versus $90 million) and an hour of flight of the Il-96−300 cost a thousand dollars less than the B-767−300ER... Lobbying did its job. It’s not for nothing that Boeing sold us their expensive simulators at a price of... $1!

“... Air Force Commander Alexander Novikov reported that two aircraft were ready for flight. The first will be led by Colonel General Golovanov, the second by Colonel Grachev. The Supreme Commander was offered to fly with Golovanov, but Stalin grinned: “Colonel generals rarely fly planes, we’ll fly with the colonel...” ... Together they arrived in Tehran - Stalin, Molotov, Voroshilov and my father” (from the book of memoirs of Sergo Beria).

Stalin's visit to the Tehran Conference in November 1943 became the first air travel of the First Person of the State in the Russian Federation. The details of this event are quite scarce: it is only known that the original American Douglas C-47 was chosen for the flight (according to other sources, its individually assembled licensed copy of the Li-2). During the flight, Air Force One was accompanied by an escort of 27 Red Army Air Force fighters.

Nikita Khrushchev, on the other hand, was an avid air traveler and regularly used airplanes during his world tours. The story of his visit to the USA (1959) became the most famous. For the transatlantic trip, Khrushchev chose the Tu-114, the largest turboprop aircraft in the world, also the civilian version of the Tu-95 intercontinental bomber. In addition to the Secretary General, his family and a retinue of 63 accompanying persons were on board the airliner. There was some embarrassment - upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, it turned out that all the American ladders were not long enough to reach the door of the tall TU-114. The Soviet delegation had to go down the fire truck ladder.

Visit of N.S. Khrushchev in the USA. Andrews Air Force Base near Washington

Leonid Brezhnev's favorite airliner was the swift, handsome Il-62, the flagship of civil aviation of the Soviet Union. Brezhnev’s successors, Yuri Andropov and Mikhail Gorbachev, flew on the same plane. During all this time, the plane never let its VIP passengers down; each time it confidently took off from the runway and, a few hours later, carefully landed on the other side of the Earth. Extremely reliable technology. Only once, while in airspace Algeria, the Brezhnev Il-62 came under fire from the French Mirages. Fortunately, everything worked out well (it is still not known for certain whether it was a mistake, a provocation or an attempt at sabotage).

First President Russian Federation wished to replace the elderly Il-62 with a more modern wide-body airliner Il-96 (a special modification of the Il-96-300PU - “control point”). To this day, there are legends about this aircraft (tail number RA96012): exclusive interior design from Ilya Glazunov, painting in Holland, interior decoration in Switzerland, armored glass and electronic cabin locks, precious woods, inlay precious stones, tapestries and rare works of art. Finally, the communication and remote control systems of the Strategic Missile Forces in the event of a conflict involving nuclear forces - the presence of special equipment is indicated by a characteristic plexiglass “trench” on the fuselage of the aircraft. In addition, the “Yeltsin” Il-96-300PU differed from the civilian versions of the “ninety-sixth” in its increased flight range and, according to unofficial data, the presence of optical-electronic jamming stations for homing heads of MANPADS missiles, as well as a system for rescuing the First Person from a falling aircraft (parachutes or an ejection capsule - here the inexhaustible folk fantasy goes into infinity).

The same one, RA96012

If you do not take into account various speculations of questionable quality and adequacy, then the Il-96 is simply an elegant aircraft with noble lines and a harmonious appearance, which, moreover, has excellent reliability - for all 20 years of operation of aircraft of this type, not a single one has been noted major accident resulting in loss of life. Agree, it sounds impressive against the backdrop of incessant reports of Boeing and Airbus disasters! The high safety of the Il-96 is partly explained by the theory of probability (only about 30 aircraft were built) and specific operators - the quality of aircraft maintenance in the flight squad of the Presidential Administration is probably higher than that of any private airline.

IN currently The Special Flight Detachment “Russia” includes four Il-96-300 of various modifications. The flagship is the Il-96-300PU(M), tail number R96016 - a modernized version of the Yeltsin Il-96-300PU, which first flew in 2003. A real “Flying Kremlin” with the President’s office, meeting rooms, a conference room and a luxury cabin for accompanying persons and guests on board the aircraft. At hand, the First Person of the State has everything necessary to govern a huge country: computers and office equipment, satellite communication systems, special communication channels. The unique radio-electronic “filling” of the airliner, developed at one of the defense enterprises in Omsk, allows you to broadcast messages encrypted with a special code from any height to anywhere in the world.

Other features of the super-aircraft include a mini-gym on board, lounges for VIP guests, a dining room, a bar, showers and even a medical unit for resuscitation and emergency care. medical care. To avoid a repeat of the 1959 incident when Nikita Khrushchev had to climb down the ladder of a fire truck, the new Russian aircraft has a built-in stairway. In addition, the “Putin” plane is equipped with modernized PS-90A engines.
Il-96-300PU(M) was built by special order in Voronezh, above interior decoration The best jewelers from Zlatoust worked, the salon is decorated with engravings on historical themes, embroidered by masters of the Pavlovo-Posad silk factory. The layout of the premises and the technical arrangement of the aircraft were carried out by specialists from Diamonite Aircraft Furnishings Ltd. The interior is made in predominantly light colors, with preference given to the colors of the Russian flag.

Despite the occasional indignation about the rich interior decoration of the Il-96-300PU(M), it should be noted that this is not just an aircraft for personal use. Foreign guests, diplomatic missions and media representatives are regularly present on board the Il-96-300PU(M). The President's plane is a special symbol that creates the image of our country in the eyes of foreigners.
To the disappointment of spiteful critics, there are no “golden toilets” here; the interiors of the Flagship are designed in a “sovereign” style with a hint of the Imperial ambitions of Russia. Noble, beautiful and high quality, without unnecessary “tinsel” and other vulgar elements of flashy luxury.

In a word, the presidential IL is a comfortable flying office for business trips around the world - nothing like the “expensive toy” of Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who ordered a huge swimming pool and a huge swimming pool to be placed on board his personal three-story Airbus A380. concert hall with a symphony orchestra!
The high cost of the “government IL” is largely due to the complex of secret radio-electronic equipment installed on board and special measures related to ensuring the safety of the government “aircraft”.

In December 2012 air fleet The special flight squad "Russia" was replenished with another Il-96-300 (tail number RA96020), which replaced its predecessors. At the end of this year 2013, the Presidential Administration will receive the second ordered Il (tail number RA96021).

Special government aircraft exist in all countries of the world. The President of the United States flies on a comfortable blue and white Boeing 747 Air Force One. The Chancellor of Germany is on a European airliner Airbus A340 with the personal name “Konrad Adenauer”. The President of Ukraine uses a small An-74 business class aircraft for his visits. However, most powerful of the world Therefore, we are forced to travel on foreign aircraft. Only a few countries have a developed aviation industry capable of independently creating an aircraft for the top officials of their state. Here we can proudly state that senior officials of Russia continue to fly domestic aircraft.

Long-haul passenger aircraft Il - 96-300.

Dimensions
Wingspan: 60.1 m; aircraft length 55.35 m; aircraft height 17.57 m; wing area 391.6 m2; sweep angle along the 1/4 chord line - 30 degrees; fuselage diameter 6.08 m;

Passenger cabin dimensions
Length 41 m;
maximum width 5.7 m;
maximum height 2.61 m;
volume 350 cubic meters

Engines
Turbofan engine of the Perm engine-building design bureau PS-90A with reversing devices (4x156.9 kN, 4x16000 kgf)

Masses and loads
Maximum take-off weight - 230 tons; maximum landing weight - 175 tons; empty weight - 119 tons; maximum weight without fuel - 157 tons; maximum payload - 40 tons, maximum fuel capacity - 122 tons (150400l).

Flight data
Cruising speed at an altitude of 10100 m is 850-900 km/h; approach speed - 260-270 km/h; balanced takeoff distance - 2600 m, required landing distance - 1980 m; practical flight range with fuel reserve: with a maximum payload of 7,500 km, with a payload of 30 tons - 9,000 km; with a commercial load of 15 tons - 11,000 km.

Design features and technical and economic characteristics
Wing with a supercritical profile and end aerodynamic surfaces. Design life 60,000 flight hours (12,000 landings over a 20-year service life), maintenance labor intensity 11 man-hours per 1 hour of flight, preparation time for re-flight 45 minutes. Fuel consumption per passenger-kilometer is within 23 g.

Equipment
Flight navigation equipment ensures the operation of the aircraft to a minimum of ICAO category IIIA. It uses a built-in analog fly-by-wire flight control system and a flight mode optimization system, a built-in inertial navigation system, satellite navigation equipment and the Omega radio navigation system, and an electronic information display system with six indicators on a CRT and HUD. There is built-in control equipment and an automatic system for displaying information about the aircraft's alignment.

Production and release
Serially produced since 1992.

Program status
Certification of the aircraft according to Russian standards was completed by the end of 1992. To date, the IL-96 corresponds to the second ICAO category, i.e. can take off and land in very low visibility conditions.

Developer
Aviation complex named after. S. V. Ilyushina.

Il-96 is the first Soviet passenger airliner for long-haul flights with a wide fuselage. The Il-96 aircraft was developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau at the end of the 1980s on the basis of the previous aircraft, the Il-86. The new plane was distinguished by wings that had large area and installation of new PS-90A turbofan engines. The aircraft is equipped with four such engines, each with a thrust of 16,000 kgf.

The reason for the creation of new passenger aircraft is the constant development of our society and the increase in those wishing to use the services of airlines. That is why the new long-range passenger aircraft Il-96 was created. The main feature of this model is that it has a wide fuselage, which allows it to accommodate even more passengers and provide them with comfortable flight conditions. By using large aircraft, an airline can transport large quantity passengers at a time, and this allows you to reduce the price of this service. All these factors forced the leadership of the USSR to think about creating a new machine, which was the Il-96. It was designed on the basis of the already existing Il-86 aircraft.

Where is the Il-96 passenger aircraft used?

Il-96 is a long-range aircraft that carries passengers. This aircraft model is capable of long-distance flights without landing. The main objective of this model was to replace narrow body aircraft, which were used on flights both within the country and abroad. Before the creation of the new Il-96, all passenger transportation was carried out by old IL-62 and IL-86. The need for a new wide-body aircraft grew every year, as the number of passengers who wanted to use airline services began to actively grow. Also, aircraft that had a wide fuselage could provide more comfortable flying conditions for customers.

History of the creation of IL-96 and its modifications

The designers began developing a new aircraft model in 1978. The new development was based on the existing domestic long-range aircraft Il-86D. The designers used the IL-86 as a basis right up until 1983, until advanced technologies began to appear, which forced the creators to reconsider the project and use more advanced materials and technologies. The designers were faced with the fact that the units and parts they had developed were no longer relevant, and the global aircraft industry had stepped far forward.

For these reasons, the designers had to retreat from their plans and develop a fundamentally new machine, which was the basis for all subsequent modifications of the new Il-96 machine. The new Il-96 first took off from the ground in October 1988, and already in 1989 it was presented in Paris at the world air show. During the testing process, Il carried out many tests, the main one being long-range flight. Based on the new car, many new modifications were created that were more specialized.

The Il-96-400 modification was improved compared to the base model, as it increased engine power and the number of seats for passengers. A cargo model of Ila was also created, which is actively used in our time. Even more progressive was the Il-96M model, which was developed jointly with US airlines. But this model currently exists in one copy and is used only for presentation at air exhibitions around the world. As for the standard IL-96 model, it entered mass production only in 1993.

Description of the Il-96 passenger aircraft

This aircraft is built according to a monoplane design, which has low wings, as well as a classic fuselage tail. The main purpose of this unit is to transport 300 passengers, their luggage and additional cargo, which amounts to 40 tons. The passenger transportation range ranges from 4 to 9 thousand kilometers, depending on the modification of the aircraft. The designers provided for a maximum flight range of 11 thousand kilometers, so it is possible to change the number of seats for passengers in the cabin.

The fuselage of the Il-96 aircraft has the same diameter as the previous model, but the length of the new Il-96 is 5 meters less than that of the old Il-86. The designers, together with aerodynamics experts, carried out fruitful work to create an efficient wing for the new aircraft. The area of the tail feather was also increased in case of failure of one of the engines, this innovation would help keep the aircraft in flight.

The landing gear of this aircraft includes three main legs, which are located behind and take into account the centers of mass. A front support is also included in the chassis system. Each rear support consists of four wheels, which are equipped with effective braking systems. The front support has two wheels and does not have a braking system. All wheels that are part of the IL-96 chassis system have the same dimensions and pressure.

Lift off the ground is provided by four PS-90A engines. This model of turbofan engines is quite efficient and economical. Speaking about the fuel system, it should be noted that it works automatically, but if necessary, you can control it manually. Fuel enters the system from 9 tanks. Eight tanks are located in the wings, and one is located in the center of the aircraft.

Due to the fact that the Il-96 is a double-deck vessel, it can be used in two main versions: mixed and tourist. The first and main option is the tourist one. Its feature is that passenger seats placed in 3 rows of 9 seats. When using this method of seating, the front cabin of the aircraft can accommodate 66 people, and the rear cabin - 234. With a mixed version, the aircraft is divided into three classes and can accommodate 235 passengers.

Il-96 in commercial operation

This aircraft entered commercial operation only in the summer of 1993; the first flight was from Russia to the USA. At the first stages of use, this unit carried out international flights around the globe, and then began servicing flights within our country. In domestic transportation, it connected Russian cities both long-distance and short distances. In 2005-2006, the Ilys began to be exported abroad, namely, three cars were sold to Cuba, one of them was of the presidential class. Nowadays, domestic airlines widely use the Il-96 to transport their passengers. Also, some companies have cargo models of vehicles in their hangars.

The two most widely used airlines in our country are Aeroflot and Cubana. The IL-96 has a big advantage over long distances because it is more spacious and comfortable for passengers than its narrow-body counterparts. Passengers themselves talk about the advantages of this model over all others.

Unfortunately, this airliner could not achieve very great popularity due to its high price and fairly high fuel consumption, this was also influenced by other economic factors. At the beginning of 2009, aircraft designers raised the issue of removing the Il-96 aircraft from mass production. This problem arose mainly due to high competition from foreign passenger aircraft models.

Interesting data about the Il-96 passenger aircraft

This passenger aircraft became the first aircraft with a wide fuselage, which was manufactured in the territory of the former USSR.

It is one of the safest passenger aircraft on the entire globe, since there has not been a single accident in which a person was injured.

Two modifications of this aircraft were built under the name Il-96-300PU. It serves as a command and control point for troops in the event of a nuclear strike. This model also has an increased flight range.

Many Eelas are given names. As a rule, they are named after famous pilots or astronauts.

This aircraft is distinguished by its reliability, since in all the years of use of these aircraft, only one of them, namely the presidential aircraft, received a flight ban, and that was due to problems with the landing gear.

The IL-96 is the first aircraft from the entire huge Ilov family that can be operated by only three people. This became possible due to the installation of the latest on-board equipment in the aircraft.

Despite the fact that today the creation of Il-96 passenger aircraft has been practically suspended, this airliner still faithfully serves the people in our country and abroad.

Il 96-Photo

The first test prototype of the Il-96 took off on September 28, 1988. After passing 1,200 hours of flight testing, the IL-96 received a certificate of airworthiness in December 1992. The aircraft was tested in different meteorological conditions, with a temperature range from -50 to +40, and in different climatic zones. The aircraft uses a fly-by-wire control system (EDCS). There is also a backup mechanical control system. Information about the states of the aircraft systems and flight indications is displayed on six color displays. The Il-96-300 aircraft has been in serial production since 1993. Production of the serial Il-96-300 is carried out by the Voronezh Joint-Stock Aircraft Manufacturing Company (VASO).

IL-96 Interior photo

In 1993, the Il-96 was modified and designated Il-96M. This modification has an elongated body, and the aircraft is equipped with American PW-2337 engines from Partt & Whitney. This aircraft is capable of flying over a distance of over twelve thousand kilometers and accommodating up to 435 passenger seats.

The best seats in the IL 96-300 aircraft cabin - Aeroflot

IL 96-300 interior diagram

In 2000, the IL-96 was improved again. The fuselage from the Il96-M was used in the new modernization. This model was designated Il96-400. This modification is equipped with PS-90A-1 turbojet engines. Each has a thrust of more than 17,000 kgf. The aircraft's avionics also underwent changes. The flight range of the Il96-400 is thirteen thousand kilometers. And on the basis of this model, a cargo version of the aircraft was developed - Il96-400T. Today, the Il96-300 models and the cargo version of the Il96-400T are in operation. The passenger version of the Il96-400 is not in service, since there were no orders for this version from air carriers.

Characteristics of IL-96-300:

Empty weight: 117000 kg

Length: 55.35 m.

Height: 17.55 m.

Wingspan: 57.66 m.

Wing area: 391.6 sq.m.

Cruising speed: 850 km/h.

Maximum speed: 910 km/h

Flight range: 9000 km.

Ceiling: 11500 m.

Takeoff length: 2600 m.

Run length: 1980 m.

Number of passenger seats: 230-300 seats.

Crew: 3 people

Il-96 is the first Soviet passenger airliner for long-haul flights with a wide fuselage. The Il-96 aircraft was developed by the Ilyushin design bureau in the late eighties of the last century on the basis of the previous aircraft, the Il-86. The new aircraft was distinguished by wings that had a larger area and the installation of new PS-90A turbofan engines. The aircraft is equipped with four such engines, each with a thrust of 16,000 kgf.

The reason for the creation of new passenger aircraft is the constant development of our society and the increase in those wishing to use the services of airlines. That is why the new long-range passenger aircraft Il-96 was created. The main feature of this model is that it has a wide fuselage, which allows it to accommodate even more passengers and provide them with comfortable flight conditions. By using larger aircraft, an airline can carry more passengers at one time, and this reduces the price of this service. All these factors forced the leadership of the USSR to think about creating a new machine, which was the Il-96. It was designed on the basis of the already existing Il-86 aircraft.

Where is the Il-96 passenger aircraft used?

Il-96 is a long-range aircraft that carries passengers. This aircraft model is capable of long-distance flights without landing. The main task of this model was to replace narrow-body aircraft that were used on flights both within the country and abroad. Before the creation of the new Il-96, all passenger transportation was carried out by the old Il-86. The need for a new wide-body aircraft grew every year, as the number of passengers who wanted to use airline services began to actively grow. Also, aircraft that had a wide fuselage could provide more comfortable flying conditions for customers.

History of the creation of IL-96 and its modifications

Description of the Il-96 passenger aircraft

Due to the fact that the Il-96 is a double-deck vessel, it can be used in two main versions: mixed and tourist. The first and main option is the tourist one. Its peculiarity is that passenger seats are arranged in 3 rows of 9 seats. When using this method of seating, the front cabin of the aircraft can accommodate 66 people, and the rear cabin - 234. With a mixed version, the aircraft is divided into three classes and can accommodate 235 passengers.

Il-96 in commercial operation

This aircraft entered commercial operation only in the summer of 1993; the first flight was from Russia to the USA. At the first stages of use, this unit carried out international flights around the globe, and then began to serve flights within our country. In domestic transportation, it connected Russian cities over both long and short distances. In 2005-2006, the Ilys began to be exported abroad, namely, three cars were sold to Cuba, one of them was of the presidential class. Nowadays, domestic airlines widely use the Il-96 to transport their passengers. Also, some companies have cargo models of vehicles in their hangars.

Unfortunately, this airliner was not able to achieve very great popularity due to its high price and fairly high fuel consumption, which was also influenced by other economic factors. At the beginning of 2009, aircraft designers raised the issue of removing the Il-96 aircraft from mass production. This problem arose mainly due to high competition from foreign passenger aircraft models.

Interesting data about the Il-96 passenger aircraft

This passenger aircraft became the first aircraft with a wide fuselage, which was manufactured in the territory of the former USSR.

It is one of the safest passenger aircraft on the entire globe, since there has not been a single accident in which a person was injured.

Two modifications of this aircraft were built under the name Il-96-300PU. It is a command and control point in case of a nuclear attack. This model also has an increased flight range.

Many Eelas are given names. As a rule, they are named after famous pilots or astronauts.

Despite the fact that today the creation of Il-96 passenger aircraft has been practically suspended, this airliner still faithfully serves the people in our country and abroad.

Il 96-Photo

IL-96 Interior photo

In 1993, the Il-96 was modified and designated Il-96M. This modification has an elongated body, and the aircraft is equipped with American PW-2337 engines from Partt & Whitney. This aircraft is capable of flying over twelve thousand kilometers and accommodating up to 435 passenger seats.

The best seats on the IL 96-300 - Aeroflot

IL 96-300 interior diagram