|
IL-78 Tanker
In September 2005 came news that China has ordered four IL-78 (NATO codename: Midas) aerial refuelling tankers along with 30 IL-76MD transport aircraft from Russia. This confirmed the earlier speculation that the PLAAF was considering to purchase the tanker to expand the range of its latest Su-30MKK fighter-bomber fleet. The IL-78 tanker was demonstrated to China during the joint military exercise between two countries in September 2005. However, the delivery of these aircraft has been delayed due to increased production costs and the financial dispute between Uzbekistan and Russia.
The PLAAF has been reportedly considering to acquire the IL-78 aerial refuelling tanker for many years. Although China has developed its indigenous refuelling tanker on the basis of the H-6 (Tu-16 Barger) medium bomber, its performance is much inferior to that of the Russian IL-78. Additionally, the aerial refuelling probe on the PLAAF’s Su-30MKK fighter-bombers is said to be not compatible with the refuelling system of the H-6 tanker.
The IL-78, created on the airframe of the IL-76 transport, is designed for in-flight refuelling of airplanes of various types. The tanker is fitted with a three-point probe and drogue refuelling system (one under each wing and they removable, and one mounted on the port side of the rear fuselage). The aircraft carries a maximum payload of 48,000kg, and is capable of delivering fuel at a rate of 900 to 2,200 litres/min. The aircraft is also fitted with navigation and positioning systems for night/bad weather operations.
In the News
See Also
Last update: 17 January 2009 |
