Ilyushin IL-22 (Coot-B)

History

The Soviet-era Ilyushin IL-18 ("Coot") was the backbone of the evolved "Coot" form of IL-22. The IL-22 is intended to be used as an "Airborne Command Post" (ACP) in the modern Russian Air Force ranks and is equipped with the systems and subsystems required for this role. The original IL-18 flew for the first time on July 4, 1957, and subsequently entered service between 1957 and 1985, producing airframes, with fewer than 700 eventually built by Ilyushin.

The Il-18 is also the basis for the Russian Naval Aviation IL-38 anti-submarine (ASW) platform (detailed elsewhere on this page).

The IL-22 "Coot-B" followed another branch of the IL-18, the IL-20 "Coot-A", which was dedicated to COMINT/ELINT reconnaissance missions As z, the versatility of IL-18 design has existed for decades.

The IL-22 variant was rebuilt from the existing IL-18 aircraft inventory and modified to fit the sensors and processing systems required for the role. An airborne command post is an effective mobile command and control (C2) center for the military, preferably operating in uncontested airspace, with defense-oriented escorts, and providing air and/or ground command to allied forces.

Typically, this can be accomplished with a complex device connected to the host platform.

The aircraft retains its tubular shape, with the two-seat cockpit overlooking a short, blunt nose cone. Circular windows adorn the sides of the fuselage, providing the accompanying crew with various required system stations. The main plane is located low on the side of the fuselage and has a straight shape. The aircraft is powered by no fewer than four turboprop engines housed in long, streamlined nacelles that sit above the main aircraft and protrude from the leading edges of the wings.

Each drives a four-bladed propeller unit. Wheeled retractable landing gear is used for ground operation, the front legs are located under the cockpit and the main legs are retracted (forward) into the internal engine nacelles.

The front legs have a dual bogie configuration, and the main legs each have four wheels to support the weight of the aircraft on the ground.

The aircraft has a prominent ventral arc from nose to tail, as well as other protrusions found on the fuselage (especially the dorsal line). This includes pod sensors at the very tip of its tail.

The basic designation "IL-22" represents the beginning of the series as a solution for the Soviet Air Force. Following this branding as a modernized "IL-22M", it brought improved character equipment.

Until 2017, the offshoot of IL-22PP "Porubshchik" (NATO codename "Mute", casually called "refrigerator" by the Russians) doubled as a reconnaissance electronic warfare (EW) platform and established a signal jamming role. The IL-22PP is known for its side fuselage bulges at the front and rear of the fuselage.

Both retain the IL-18's four-engine turboprop configuration and similar performance specifications.

Specification

Base

Years in Service

1973

Origins

Soviet Union

Status

Active.

Crew

14

Production

1,200

Manufacturer

Ilyushin OKB - USSR

Operator

Russia; USSR (formerly)

Roles

Special Mission: Airborne Early Warning (AEW)

A specially equipped platform that provides command and control (C2) capabilities to Allied air forces on the battlefield.

Special Mission: Electronic Warfare (EW)

Ability to actively deny adversaries electromagnetic (EM) spectrum and protect that spectrum for allied forces.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Notable Features

Radar Capability

Houses may house (via specialized variants) radars for searching, tracking, and attacking enemy elements.

Countermeasures

Onboard electronic or physical countermeasures taken by the aircraft or pilot/crew to enhance survivability.

Multi-engine

Include two or more engines to improve survivability and/or performance.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Depression in crew members

Support the pressurization required for crew survival at higher operating altitudes.

Crew management

In addition to the pilot, the aircraft also employs additional crew members who specialize in specific functions on the aircraft.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Camera equipment

Payload supports photography devices that provide real-time still images and/or image/video results.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

117. 8 feet

(35.90m)

Width/span

123. 0 feet

(37.50m)

Height

33.5 feet

(10.20m)

Cured weight

77,162 lbs

(35,000 kg)

MTOW

143,300 lbs

(65,000 kg)

Wgt Difference

+?66,139

(+30,000 kg)

MAINPLANE STRUCTURE

wing/low/straight

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

install low

The main aircraft is mounted low on the side of the fuselage.

Straight

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

(Structural descriptors refer to Ilyushin IL-22 production variants)

Performance

Installed:

4 Ivchenko AI-20M turboprops, 4,250 hp each, driving four-bladed propellers.

Maximum speed

419 km/h

(675 km/h | 364 knots)

Cruising speed

388 km/h

(625 km/h | 337 knots)

Maximum speed difference

+31 km/h

(+50 km/h | 27 kn)

Maximum

39,370 feet

(12,000 m | 7 km)

Area

4,039 km

(6,500 km | 12,038 nautical miles)

Range (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

Armor

None. Equipment reserved for airborne command posts.

VARIANTS

IL-22 ("Coot-B") - name of the basic series; airborne command post variant of the IL-18 airliner series. IL-22M - Improved mission equipment. IL-22PP "Porubshchik" ("Silent") - Electronic Warfare (EW)/reconnaissance variant debuted in 2017.