Il78

The Il-78 is a Soviet and Russian aerial refuelling tanker developed from the Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft. It was designed to extend the range and endurance of military aircraft by providing mid-air refuelling using a hose-and-drogue system.

Design and capabilities: The Il-78 retains the Il-76 airframe but adds dedicated fuel storage and refuelling equipment. It employs hose-drogue pods mounted under the wings and typically includes a centerline refuelling unit to service multiple receivers in flight. The aircraft is operated by a standard military aircrew that includes pilots, flight engineers, navigators, and refuelling technicians.

Operational history: The Il-78 entered service with the Soviet Air Forces and remained in use with the Russian Aerospace Forces after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It has also been acquired by a limited number of export customers under government agreements. The type has been employed in long-range exercises and missions to support combat airpower by extending the reach of fighter and strike aircraft.

Variants and modernization: Over time, several variants and modernisations were developed to increase fuel capacity, improve range, and enhance compatibility with different receptor aircraft. Some programs focused on upgrading refuelling equipment and integrating newer airframes based on the Il-76 family.

Operators: The primary operator is the Russian Aerospace Forces. Former operators included the Soviet Air Forces, with a handful of export customers throughout the post‑Soviet period. The Il-78 remains part of historical and current discussions on aerial refuelling capability within former and current operators.