The story
Four Aeroflot Il-86s were converted in the late 1980s into airborne command posts: cabin windows deleted, satellite gear in a canoe fairing on the spine, generator pods under the wings, and a very-low-frequency trailing wire antenna for reaching submarines. The Il-80 exists so command decisions can still be made from the air if the ground can't answer.
The only windows on an Il-80 are in the cockpit — the cabin was sealed to shield the people and equipment inside from electromagnetic pulses.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Il-80?
An Il-86 with no cabin windows and a long canoe fairing over the forward fuselage. Based at Chkalovsky near Moscow; seen in public mostly around parade rehearsals.
What does a Il-80 sound like?
Four NK-86 turbofans — the same mid-seventies growl as the Il-86 it was built from.
How fast is the Il-80?
Top speed is Mach 0.82 cruise (Il-86 airframe).
How many people does the Il-80 carry?
Typical configuration: Flight crew + mission staff (not published).
How far can the Il-80 fly?
Range is about Not published.
How big is the Il-80?
It is 197 ft 7 in long and 157 ft 8 in across the wings.
When did the Il-80 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1987.
How many Il-80s have been built?
4 built.
How rare is a Il-80 in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first Il-80 catch is worth 1,000 points.
