Ilyushin Il-78 Midas

The Ilyushin Il-78 was developed from the Il-76MD airlifter to fulfill the aerial refueling role, addressing the limitations of earlier Soviet tanker aircraft derived from bomber designs. Following initial development work in 1968 based on the Il-76 which identified performance deficiencies, the improved Il-76MD, with its greater fuel capacity, was selected as the base platform. Designed by the Ilyushin Aviation Complex, the Il-78 made its first flight on June 26, 1983, and entered service in June 1987. Development of a higher-capacity version led to the Il-78M, which first flew on March 7, 1987. A total of 46 Il-78, Il-78M, and a single Il-78E aircraft were produced between 1984 and 1993 at the Tashkent Aviation Production Association.

Based on the Il-76MD airlifter, the Il-78 retains the general configuration but incorporates modifications for the tanker role. The tail turret is removed, and an air refueling operator station is installed in the rear gunner's position. Three aerial refueling pods are integrated: one under each wing and one on the rear fuselage. The basic Il-78 configuration utilizes three UPAZ-1 pods, while the Il-78M employs two UPAZ-1 pods under the wings and a UPAZ-1M on the rear fuselage, the latter providing a superior fuel transfer rate. These pods enable probe-and-drogue refueling, with underwing pods typically servicing tactical aircraft and the fuselage pod capable of refueling heavier aircraft. Fuel can be transferred from internal tanks. The basic Il-78 allows for the installation of two removable tanks in the cargo hold, supplementary to its integral fuel supply. The Il-78M is equipped with three fixed tanks in its cargo hold. The basic Il-78 can transfer a maximum of 57.7 tonnes of fuel using only its internal tanks, or 85.7 tonnes when utilizing the additional removable tanks. The Il-78M can transfer up to 105.7 tonnes from its three fixed cargo hold tanks. The maximum payload, comprising T-6 military jet fuel, can reach 100,000 kg.

The Il-78 has been operated by several air forces. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Russian Aerospace Forces inherited Il-78/78M aircraft, with approximately 19 in service as of 2019. The Ukrainian Air Force initially operated 20 Il-78s, some of which were subsequently converted for cargo use. Algeria acquired six Il-78s from Ukraine. China received three Il-78s, also from Ukrainian stocks. India operates six Il-78MKI aircraft, equipped with Cobham Mk.32B refueling pods for compatibility with both Russian and Western aircraft. Pakistan's Air Force operates four Il-78MPs, equipped with removable fuel tanks and UPAZ refueling pods. One Il-78E delivered to Libya was later destroyed in 2015. An Il-78 formerly operated by the Ukrainian Air Force was acquired by a private entity in the United States, although it was later grounded and repossessed.

Main Variants:

• Il-78: Original production version based on the Il-76MD, convertible to a cargo aircraft by removing additional fuel tanks.

• Il-78M: Dedicated tanker version featuring three permanent fuselage tanks, increased gross weight, and retaining a non-functional cargo ramp.

• Il-78-2: Modernization program for existing Il-78/78M aircraft incorporating components from newer variants to extend service life and update cockpit systems.

• Il-78M-90A (Il-478): Upgraded variant based on the Il-76MD-90A, incorporating advanced systems and capabilities.

• Il-78MKI: Export variant for India equipped with Cobham Mk.32B refueling pods for multi-platform compatibility.

China • Algeria • India • Libya • Pakistan • Russia • Ukraine • Ex-USSR