The first prototype of the Ilyushin-76TD (IL-76) turbofan jet cargo aircraft was constructed in 1989. Since that time, vast improvements have been made to its size and to the VAP-2 tank system capacity. The awe-inspiring size of the IL-76 makes it hard to believe that it’s the world’s fastest, longest-range air tanker. From firefighting to ocean oil spills, this aircraft comes outfitted with a twin-tank system capable of carrying either 100,000 or 135,000 pounds of liquid and can be filled and ready for takeoff in 15 minutes. In its smaller 100,000-pound version, this patented system is capable of depositing more than 3,608-3,937 ft x 263-295 ft of liquid in one 8-10 second pass - water only - and one 15-20 second pass with foam additive. This is up to five times greater than the volume deliverable by the largest-volume "water bomber" commonly used in the world today. (Source: actual observed data from Australian test).

The IL-76 has the capability of dropping its load all at once, therefore creating a smaller, heavier saturation drop, perfect for very hot or powerful fires, as well as other special situations. The aircraft is equipped with heat-seeking devices and associated computer-driven fire data simulations providing assistance with aiming the drop for maximum effect on mass fires. In firefighting, liquid drops are normally delivered at a speed of 151 knots at a 300-foot altitude. Liquids descend vertically, as rain, evenly penetrating forest canopy, thereby optimizing the fire-retarding effect on the forest floor.

A fully integrated emergency service complete with spares and certified EMERCOM crew for firefighting, humanitarian relief and disaster mitigation and prevention stands ready for emergency deployment. Emergency availability is managed on a 48-hour, best efforts call-out basis. Plans for radiological disaster prevention are also offered.

The IL-76’s resume is extensive internationally as a cargo and personnel carrier, but it’s relatively new to the multi-purpose emergency response industry. 1994 was the first time the aircraft had been used in an emergency response situation, when it was called upon to evacuate village populations in the wake of life-threatening munitions. Outside of that mission, the tanker was only used for five regular duty missions in 1994.

The IL-76 passed its test season with flying colors, for the next year it was used more extensively. With Russia expanding its budget, the IL-76 aircraft were sent to several large, hard to contain fires across the region. Some of those jobs included Greece’s 1998 fire season, work in North Africa, Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia by request of the United Nations.

Because of the IL-76’s ability to better fight fires and because of its more efficient response times to emergency situations, regional insurance plans are making it easier to employ the airplane. The work will also allow developers to see the potential of the aircraft. A potential, they hope, will be to allow this Russian-made airliner to be used globally for emergency and disaster relief. With host sites set up around the world, an IL-76 aircraft could be sent anywhere at any time.

The ramp:
Manually activated by operators on radio signals from the navigator, this gravity-feed liquids delivery system contains no pre-pressurized or electronic equipment. As the liquid is released from the ramp, its four jet engines provide the necessary stability to maintain consistent flight.

The airport:
Host-designated airports must have the necessary infrastructure to handle this aircraft. Landings require 3,281 feet and take offs require 6,562 feet. Because runway conditions in frost-laden areas of the CIS can vary tremendously with the seasons, the Il-76 has a 20-wheel undercarriage giving the aircraft a tremendously "light footprint" helping preserve intact the softest taxiways and runways. Further, for the same purposes, tire and strut pressures are adjustable in flight. Safe runway lengths will vary with height above sea level and temperature. For example, an airport at elevation 2,200 feet MSL at airport temperature 28°C requires 6,000 feet runway for takeoff.

Leading edge wing designs and special flaps together with high-lift devices and thrust reversers on each of the four very powerful engines allow for low, slow flight and safe landings on remote, rough and generally shorter runways. These are ideal features for remote drop missions of any kind including, for example, dropping relief supplies bundles, pre-fab hospitals, oil spill containment equipment, and the like.

The system:
Through manual controls, the entire load of liquid can be unloaded in staggered or immediate sequential drops. A simultaneous drop can cover an area 1,804 feet long by 328 feet wide and a consecutive drop can cover 3,937 feet long by 295 feet wide. The IL-76 is certified for water and Monsanto’s Phos-Chek foam fire retardant. Certifications for other water additives are pending.

Other IL-76 uses without the liquids tank system will include cargo carriage of up to 50 tons of relief supplies. The IL-76 has been designed for rugged, reliable use and its crews are very experienced in remote fix-and-fly servicing. For more info www.waterbomber.org