Who we are?

Fifty years ago, the Il-76 took to the skies for the first time — and it still remains the backbone of our country’s military transport aviation. Moreover, it will continue to hold that role for a long time to come — half a century after its maiden flight, upgraded Il-76MD-90A aircraft are still entering service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The “Seventy-Sixth” has not only become a legend of military transport aviation but has also served as the foundation for numerous fascinating — and sometimes unexpected — modifications. For example, the Il-76MDK used for cosmonaut training, the A-50 “flying radar,” the “Scalpel” airborne hospital, and the Il-76TD/MD aircraft used for missions to Antarctica — among many other remarkable variants.

Our article explores the history of the versatile Il-76 and its many modifications.