Ilyushin IL-214 MTA (Multirole Transport Aircraft)

History of the Ilyushin IL-214 MTA (Multipurpose Transport Aircraft)

Like China and Turkey, India is striving to join the ranks of the worlds leading powers as a recognized homegrown exporter of military goods to budget-conscious buyers in Asia and beyond. India can certainly provide the manpower and will to become a front-line power, although it is limited in some areas by technology and technological experience - forced to rely on outside help for more complex projects.

The Indian Industrial Park is currently developing a range of its own small arms, armoured vehicles, warships, submarines and aircraft - including the acclaimed multi-role fighter HAL Tejas, which is still in development. To launch a new medium tactical transport aircraft, India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has teamed up with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), which bears defense industry names such as Ilyushin and Irkut Services.

The aircraft in question is currently designated "IL-214" and the project name is "Multipurpose Transport Aircraft" (MTA). Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd was arranged as a joint venture to operate the new system. A scale model of the MTA was on display at the 2009 Indian Airshow.

Externally, the IL-214 has a design theme common to other mid-size jet airlifts - its wings are swept back and the main aircraft is placed high on the fuselage (also equipped with a base engine nacelle), the flight deck is A short aft nose cone provides excellent cockpit visibility, while a raised tail allows necessary access to the rear cargo ramp. The empennage was in a "T-shaped" layout to keep the horizontal plane away from the jet exhaust, the landing gear approached based on multi-bogie wheels under the center mass, and the dual wheel legs remained under the nose.

An on-board refueling probe can be seen above the cockpit roof with an almost unlimited operating range.

Internally, the IL-214 is expected to have a payload capacity comparable to the Soviet-era Ilyushin IL-76MD transport model. Large enough to transport up to 140 combatants and serve up to 90 fully equipped paratroopers. The aircraft will also be capable of performing MEDAVAC operations, transporting hospital beds and personnel, and associated mission equipment. Supports cargo pallets as well as entire military vehicles such as HUMVEE sized 4x4 wheel types. In addition, the aircraft has the opportunity to consign cargo on request.

In addition to its obvious military use, the IL-214 is also marketed as a civilian cargo aircraft.

Low-altitude and high-altitude performance will be key to the design of the IL-214, which is said to be powered by 2 Aviadvigatel PD-14M turbofans, each putting out 34,392 pounds of thrust. Designed for all-weather operations, the aircraft, coupled with a robust airframe, will be able to take off and land on both refurbished and unrefurbished runways, providing a tactical advantage in any theater of operations.

Currently, India's HAL will manufacture the front fuselage and main wing aircraft and assist in the development of avionics. The Russian company Irkut will supply the rest of the hull. The development is a joint venture between HAL and UAC. The Russian Air Force plans to buy about 100 of the variant, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) is said to receive 105 and provide at least 60 for export.

The IAF will replace its aging Antonov An-32 freight forwarder inventory with IL-214.

Current specifications include a length of 37.7m, a wingspan of 35.5m and a height of 12.95m. Payload capacity is in the 44,000 lb range with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 150,000 lbs.

Performance estimates include a top speed of 540 mph, a cruising speed of 505 mph, a range of 4,535 miles and a service ceiling of 43,000 feet.

Originally, the plan was for a maiden flight in 2014, but that wasn't realistic for a slow-moving product. Therefore, the first flight is now targeted for sometime in 2017, with an expected entry into service sometime in 2018 or shortly thereafter.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes