The story
By special order of the Soviet Ministry of Defence, two Il-76MD transports were rebuilt in 1987 as airborne command posts. Their cargo is communications: keeping command links alive with the forces if ground networks can't. Only two were ever converted, RA-76450 and RA-76451, making this one of the rarest airframes a feed will ever paint.
The Il-82 answers to three designations: Il-76VKP, Il-76SK and Il-82.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Il-82?
An Il-76 outline with a bulged satellite fairing on the forward spine and extra antennas everywhere. With only two airframes in existence, check the registration — it ends in 450 or 451.
What does a Il-82 sound like?
Four D-30KP turbofans — the classic smoky Il-76 drone.
How fast is the Il-82?
Top speed is 430 kts cruise (Il-76 airframe).
How many people does the Il-82 carry?
Typical configuration: Flight crew + communications operators.
How far can the Il-82 fly?
Range is about Not published.
How big is the Il-82?
It is 152 ft 11 in long and 165 ft 8 in across the wings.
When did the Il-82 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1987.
How many Il-82s have been built?
2 built.
How rare is a Il-82 in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first Il-82 catch is worth 1,000 points.
