Il-78-2 air tanker makes first test flight.

Upgraded Il-78-2 air tanker made the first test flight, the Ilyushin Company said.

Il-78-2 air tanker (Picture source: pilootenvliegtuig)

"The modernized Il-78-2 air tanker made the first flight. It is being prepared for preliminary trials," it said. The Myashchiev plant participated in the modernization.

"The aircraft received new piloting and navigational equipment, defense and communication means. The upgrade used machinery unified with Il-76MD-90A airlifter and Il-78M-90A air tanker. The service life of Il-78-2 has been extended," Ilyushin CEO Yuri Grudinin said.

Two upgraded Il-76MD-90A airlifters were earlier handed over to the milita6ry under the modernization program of Il-76MD.

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