Ilyushin Il-78 Midas

Summary

Category	Other aircraft
Origin country	🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
First flight	26 June 1983
Year of introduction	1984
Number produced	53 units

Description

The Ilyushin Il-78 Midas is a military aerial refueling tanker aircraft developed by the Soviet Union and subsequently used by the Russian Air Force and several other countries. It is based on the Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft and was specifically designed to extend the range and endurance of combat aircraft in mid-flight through aerial refueling operations. The Il-78 Midas features a modified airframe with additional fuel tanks, a sophisticated refueling system, and advanced avionics. Its primary mission is to support long-range strike, reconnaissance, and transport missions by providing fuel to fighter jets and other aircraft during flight. The Il-78 Midas has been deployed in various conflict zones and has demonstrated its capability as a reliable and efficient aerial refueling platform.

Technical specifications

Version: Il-78M
Maximum speed	850 km/h (528 mph)
Wing area	300 m² (3229.2 sqft)
Wingspan	50.5 m (165.7 ft)
Height	14.8 m (48.4 ft)
Length	46.6 m (152.9 ft)
Service ceiling	12000 m (39370 ft)
Empty weight	72000 kg (158733 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	210000 kg (462970 lbs)
Powerplant	4 × turbojets Aviadvigatel D-30 KP delivering 12020 kgp