Aircraft

Iluyshin-78 Tanker

The Iluyshin-78 is an aerial refueling tanker that is fitted with three NATO standard external refueling units, giving it the ability to refuel three aircraft simultaneously. The IL-78 allows Tactical Air Defense Services, Inc. to significantly extend the length of training exercises and long range missions without its aircraft having to land for refueling.

TADS will operate the only Iluyshin-78 tankers available in the United States and become the only commercial provider in the world. The IL-78 airplane, based on the airframe of the IL-76MD military freighter, can carry a maximum cargo compartment payload of 48,000 kg and has the capability to transport water which can be dispersed from the aircraft to fight natural disasters such as wildfires.

Crew: 4-5

Capacity: 90,000 kg (198,416 lb) of fuel

Length: 46.59 m (152 ft 10 in)

Wingspan: 50.50 m (165 ft 8 in)

Height: 14.76 m (48 ft 5 in)

Wing area: 300 m² (3,230 ft²)

Empty: 98,000 kg (216,053 lb)

Maximum takeoff: 190,000 kg (418,000 lb)

Powerplant: 4x Aviadvigatel D-30 KP turbofans, 118 kN or (26,500 lbf) thrust each

Maximum speed: 850 km/h (530 mph)

Range: 7,300 km (4,551 miles)

Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,360 ft)

Rate of climb: 600 m/min (2000 ft/min)