The Ilyushin Aviation Complex has finished R&D works to create a heavy cargo aircraft, which will replace the existing An-124 Ruslan airlifter. A contract for development works has been signed, the Ilyushin said in its annual report.

The Ilyushin continues to maintain its fleet of An-124 airlifters in good working order until the first super heavy cargo airlifter appears. (Picture source: Sergey Kustov)

"A pre-contract phase has been finished within the framework of R & D works to create a super heavy cargo aircraft. A state contract for the execution of the third-fifth phases of development works has been signed," the report said.

The pre-contract phase, according to the report, was devoted to studying ways of creation of a prospective aviation complex of military transport aviation.
The Ilyushin continues to maintain its fleet of An-124 airlifters in good working order until the first super heavy cargo airlifter appears.

"In the year under review the company tried to modernize, restore and extend the service life of the An-124 type aircraft. The D-18T engines also underwent repairs," the Ilyushin said.

The Ilyushin’s Chief Design Manager Nikolai Talikov said in December 2018 that the new flying craft to be named Il-106 was due to appear in 2025-2026. According to him, the size of its cockpit will be the same as of the Ruslan airlifter. However, the Il-106 will have new engines, avionics and other modern equipment.

The question of recreation of an An-124 airlifter has been raised many times. But finally a decision was made to develop a new military transport aircraft, which will meet all modern requirements in terms of flight systems, service life and transported cargoes.

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