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Ilyushin IL-20 (Coot-A)

1969 COLD WAR MODERN AIRCRAFT

History

The Ilyushin IL-20 is a militarized version of the Soviet-era quad-turboprop IL-18 "Coot" personnel carrier. The original IL-18 design flew for the first time on July 4, 1957, production was taken over by Moscow's 30th Machine Works, and at least 678 prototypes were eventually delivered for various civilian and military applications around the world. Production time span from 1957 to 1985.

The Ilyushin IL-38 is an offshoot of the IL-18 design.

The IL-20 made its first flight in March 1968.

IL-20 (aka IL-18D-36 "Bison") eventually evolved into the primary IL-20M ("Coot-A") variant, serving an Electronic Signals Intelligence (ELINT) role. These aircraft are equipped with special mission systems for intelligence gathering to better serve ground commanders and escort aircraft.

Aircrews and systems analyze various detected signals that can help attackers better understand and neutralize adversary defense networks. With such a network neutralized, attackers can operate on contested battlefields with little to no punishment.

In addition, all other lines and features of IL-18 are preserved. Four engines power the model (engines are mounted above the main plane of the wing).

The main aircraft is located at a low position on both sides of the fuselage, and the tail adopts a traditional single tail arrangement with a low horizontal plane. Wheeled retractable tricycle landing gear for ground operation.

With the same inherent power as the 4 x Ivchenko AI-20M turboprops, the aircraft has excellent range, much needed for a station aircraft in the ELINT role.

The important physical features of the IL-20, not seen in a typical IL-18, are the long (side-looking) radar array mounted on the ventral side (below the belly of the aircraft) and the air bubbles attached to the back and sides of the fuselage, Indicates sensors and the like.

Next to the base IL-20M is the IL-20RT. These were four telemetry and communications relay platforms (later replaced by the IL-76 series) used in the Soviet space program.

Specification

Basic

Year:

1969

Status:

Active Limited Service

Staff:

Production

[10 units] :

Ilyushin - USSR/Russia

Roles

- Electronic Warfare (EW)

Dimensions

Length:

117.78 ft (35.9 m)

Width:

123.03 ft (37.5 m)

Height:

33.46 ft (10.2 m)

Weight

Curb Weight:

35,000 kg

MTOW:

65,000 kg

(difference: +66.139lb)

Performance

4 x Ivchenko AI-20M turboprop engines producing 4,250 hp and driving a four-bladed propeller unit.

Performance

Maximum Speed:

419 mph (675 km/h; 364 knots)

Service Limit:

39,370 ft (12,000 m; 7.46 mi)

Maximum range:

4,039 miles (6,500 km; 3,510 nautical miles)

Armor

No. Carry only ELINT mission equipment.

Changes

IL-20 "Coot-A" - the name of the basic series.

IL-20M (IL-18D-36 "Bison") - militarized IL-18; equipped with ventral side-looking radar and various antenna and sensor protrusions above the hull for ELINT roles.

IL-20RT - Four telemetry and communications relay aircraft modified for the Soviet space program during the Cold War.