The IL-18, a medium-range passenger jetliner, is manufactured by Ilyushin Aviation Complex, Russia and its NATO reporting name is COOT. The maiden flight of the aircraft took place on 4 July 1957 and it entered into service in 1959.
The IL-18 is one of the most popular aircraft in Russia as well as other countries worldwide. It is capable of accommodating 100 passengers. The aircraft, currently being operated from Sheremetevo Airport located in Moscow, has achieved an aircraft operational certificate.
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The aircraft was developed to meet the operational requirements of Aeroflot and Air Koryo. During 1958 and 1990, it broke 25 world records. Around 125 IL-18 planes were purchased by 17 foreign air liners.
IL-18 aircraft variants
The aircraft has seven variants, namely IL-18A, IL-18B, IL-18V, IL-18I, IL-18D, IL-18E and IL-18T.
The Kuznetsov NK-4 or Ivchenko AI-20 turboprop engine is incorporated at the fuselage section of the IL-18A variant. The IL-18B features only 84 passenger seats.
The IL-18V, an Aeroflot version, entered into service in 1961 and has the capacity to accommodate 80 to 100 passengers. Four Ivchenko AI-20K turboprop engines are installed in the fuselage section of the variant.
The IL-18I can accommodate 122 passengers and is powered by Ivchenko AI-20M turboprop engines.
An extra fuel tank fitted at the fuselage section of the IL-18D enhances the aircraft’s range. Four 3,169kW (4,250hp) Ivchenko AI-20M turboprop engines are incorporated in the variant.
The IL-18E varies from the IL-18D as the former aircraft is not fitted with an extra fuel tank. An Aeroflot aircraft version, the IL-18T was transformed into a cargo transport aircraft.
IL-18 aircraft development
The IL-18 was developed in two models. The first model was fitted with propellers in 1946, however the programme was deserted after performing flight tests for a year. The second model has similar features of Lockheed L-188 Electra and Bristol Britannia, and is powered by four turboprop engines.
The IL-18 became more popular in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) because of the possibility to increase the number of passenger seats and enhance the flight range.
The former model was developed based on the Russian B-29 aircraft. The production of the initial model was terminated in 1965 as the aircraft features more parts of bomber version. The production of the original IL-18 started in 1957. The development of various variants based on the IL-18 was made later.
Aircraft features
The aircraft features two glass windows, blisters and three downward open windows for optical devices. Four hardpoints are mounted on the wings of the aircraft for deploying PMS sensors. Other systems incorporated in the aircraft encompass inlets for air sampling, aboard system for ground power supply, a system for shooting out squib, a system for seeding solid carbon dioxide, and cement and acquisition systems.
IL-18 flight deck
The flight deck of the IL-18 accommodates five crew, including a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, navigator and cabin attendant.
IL-18 aircraft cabin
The IL-18 comprises three spacious, pressurised and comfortable cabins, namely cabin 1, cabin 2, and cabin 3. The length and width of cabin 1 is 3.23m and 4.6m respectively. The length of the cabin 2 and cabin 3 is similar to that of cabin 1. Their widths are 13.8m and 2.7m respectively.
Aircraft avionics
The avionics installed in the aircraft includes an inertial navigation system (INS), global positioning system (GPS) and air and temperature signal system. The INS helps to monitor the position and velocity of the aircraft without any external devices (GPS receiver or a human operator). The GPS receiver was designed and developed by the US Department of Defense (DoD) for defence operations.
AI-20 M turboprop engines
The aircraft is powered by four AI-20 M turboprop engines, which each produce a maximum power output of 3,169kW (4,250hp). The engine was designed and developed by Ivchenko Progress. The engine meets the requirements of the ICAO standards.
The length and width of the engine are 3.09m and 8.42m respectively. It has a height of 11.8m and weighs around 1,040kg.
The lifespan of the engine is 22,000 hours and its propeller diameter is 4.5m. The engines are fitted in the fuselage section of the aircraft, the diameter of which is 3.5m.
IL-18 aircraft performance
The maximum and cruise speed of the aircraft are 675km/h and 630km/h respectively. It has a maximum range of 6,500km and a normal range of 4,300km. The altitude of the IL-18 varies between 8,000m and 10,000m, while its service ceiling is 10,000m.
The endurance of the IL-18 is 40,000 hours. The aircraft weighs around 35,000kg. It has a maximum take-off weight of 64,000kg.
