SOURCE: AFI
Russia has proposed to equip its Aviadvigatel PS-90 engines on the 17 Il-76MD transport aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). This offer comes as the IAF plans to overhaul the aircraft and extend their service life.
Currently, the 17 Il-76MD transport aircraft are powered by the older Soloviev D-30KP-1 turbofans. However, six Il-78 and three A-50 aircraft, acquired by the IAF at later stages, are already equipped with the Aviadvigatel PS-90 engines.
The Indian government first approved the induction of Il-76MD aircraft in March 1983. The IAF subsequently ordered a total of seventeen aircraft between December 1983 and 1988. In 2003, six Il-78/78M in-flight refueling aircraft were acquired from Uzbekistan, and the A-50 Phalcon AEW was added to the fleet in 2008.
The proposed engine upgrade could significantly enhance the performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency of the IAF’s Il-76MD aircraft. It remains to be seen whether the Indian government will accept Russia’s offer and proceed with the engine upgrade.