Introduced in 1974, the Ilyushin IL-76 was designed to replace the Antonov AN12 and bring much needed jet speed and range to air cargo operations on a global scale. Since its introduction its function has been widespread including outsized and heavy cargo’s, crisis response evacuations, humanitarian and disaster relief flights as well as aerial firefighting tasks. It has a payload capability of over 40 tonnes, with a maximum speed of 490 knots and range of 2. 700 nautical miles.The IL-76 is an incredibly versatile aeroplane able to operate in a range of environment from the Arctic to the desert. It has a cargo hold 20 metres long, 3.4 metres wide and 3.4 metres tall. Russian IL-76 aircraft were used to transport equipment and troops in and out of Aghanistan between 1979 and 1991. Rebels frequently tried to down the IL-76 aircraft on approach and departure into Afghanistan, though it is testimony to the strength of the IL-76 airframe that very few aircraft were lost to this technique. Mo re recently it has been widely reported that IL-76 aircraft have been utilised by the Syrian government to bring arms and money and cargo from Russia to Syria in a bid to overcome UN sanctions following the Syrian uprising in 2011.Execflyer use this aircraft for outsize cargo missions, air evacuations and air drops operations.For more information on charter or purchase of an Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft contact us at or call 44 (0)207 993 8368.