Il-96, Il-96-300 by S.V.Ilyushin OKB

Il-96-300 of Domodedovo airlines, courtesy of @ Bird Publishing's Ultimate Aviation Marketplace ©

In early 80's S.V.Ilyushin OKB developed new Il-96 long range airliner, closely related to the Il-86 medium range widebody jet. Major differences include new wing, shortened by 4m fuselage, fly-by-wire controls and Soviet-built Perm PS-90 engines. First flight took place on September 28, 1988. In 1991 five prototypes were built, three used for flight evaluations and two airframes - for static and other extreme conditions tests. International certificate was obtained on December 29, 1992.

The Il-96-300 resembles the Airbus A-340 (to some extent). Both projects started at the same time and test flights took place at the same time. And both are a success - despite Airbus is just having the time of it's life while Russian aircraft industry passes from one hardship to another.

Il-96 with PS-90 engines went into production at the Voronezh aircraft-building plant under designation Il-96-300. When delivery of series machines started in 1993, approximately 100 were ordered by companies of the former Soviet republics. Regular flights started on July 14 1993 on route Moscow - New York, followed shortly by route Moscow - Tel-Aviv and other. Most of Il-96-300 were delivered to Russian 'Aeroflot'.

Estimated resource of the Il-96-300 is 60000 flight-hours or 12000 landings during 20 years. Aircraft may be prepared to the second flight during 45min after the landing. In 1997 first four Aeroflot Il-96-300 logged 3000 to 4000 flight-hours each, what is close to performance of the Western competitors, despite early concerns about reliability of domestic engines. Look like the engine problems are steadily cleared out. Nonetheless, the Il-96M variant with US-built Pratt & Whittney PW2237 engines and Western electronics was developed and put into production.

Predecessors	Modifications/developments
Il-86	Il-96M, Il-96-350	Il-96-550 550 seats 2-levels with high bypass (17...18) NK-92 engine (18...22 tons thrust)

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References
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Links
Il-96 Il-96-300 Il-96-300 Ilushin 96 Type of Aircraft: Ilyushin Il-96 Ilyushin Il-96 ILYUSHIN IL-96-300 Ilyushin Il-96-300	ILYUSHIN IL-96-300 Ilyushin IL-96 panel for MS FSim Il-96-300.jpg [37K] RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT SET TO OVERHAUL ILYUSHIN DESIGN SOME MODELS OF AIRCRAFT USED AT AEROFLOT The Air Bulletin Tons of photos Interview With The First Deputy General Director Of Aeroflot MAKS'97 civil aircraft