IL-76 Modernization Program
Il-76, a heavy ramp freighter, has been one of the most efficient and demanded aircraft for over twenty years for both Russian and many foreign air cargo transporters. The ability of this aircraft to operate in airports with undeveloped or underdeveloped infrastructure allows both to meet the needs of entire regions in terms of air cargo transportation, and significantly expands the customer base of the cargo aviation by attracting shippers who would normally use other ways of transportation.
The Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies has been involved in the Il-76TD upgrading program since 2002, which includes outfitting the aircraft with PS-90A-76 engines and the cutting-edge avionics. The first IL-76TD aircraft meeting all ICAO requirements and restrictions was built by the Chkalov Aviation Production Complex TAPOiCh in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 2005. Plans are in place to upgrade the currently operated Il-76 aircraft at a Russian aircraft-building plant.
A leasing company, Volga-Dnepr-Leasing, was established by Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies in 2004 to consolidate the organizational and financial resources to allow to upgrade the Il-76 aircraft fleet and organize the project management.
The first Il-76TD-90VOLGA-DNEPR aircraft built by Volga-Dnepr-Leasing was commissioned to the Volga-Dnepr Airlines in May 2006. The market analysis revealed the availability of orders for at least 15-20 aircraft by 2015. The Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies intends to meet the growing demand working within its long-term strategy.
Brief History of the Project
2001. The Russian air companies are actively discussing the re-motorizing idea. Joint meetings by the Russian Air and Space Committee, Russian Civil Aviation National Service, Association of Cargo Air Companies are being held. Nobody is willing to assume responsibility for the project implementation.
2002. Volga-Dnepr took up the role of the Project leader. As a first step on the way to its implementation, Volga-Dnepr and Perm Motor Plant signed a deal to buy a set of engines for the first aircraft during Farnborough-2002.
2003. Volga-Dnepr signs a contract to develop design documents for the new type of aircraft, and receives the rights of ownership to the design documents for Il-76TD-90VOLGA-DNEPR from OAO IL. In November, Volga-Dnepr and TAPOiCh Plant signed a contract to build first two Il-76TD-90VOLGA-DNEPR.
August 2005. Il-76TD-90VOLGA-DNEPR makes its first flight. The aircraft has been introduced at the MAKS-2005 air show.
January 2006. Il-76TD-90VOLGA-DNEPR receives a certificate of type local noise in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 4.
May 2006. Beginning of commercial exploitation of the first aircraft.
Reasons for Upgrading
Il-76TD-90VOLGA-DNEPR meets all modern and future ICAO requirements and can be operated around the world without limitations.
