The IL-76 was originally conceived for delivering heavy machinery to remote, poorly-serviced areas of the USSR.
As such it needed to meet the requirements for a heavy-lift freighter with good speed and range, be able to operate from short and unprepared airstrips.
The IL-76 is therefore capable of coping with the worst weather conditions likely to be experienced in Siberia and the Soviet Union’s Arctic regions.
The IL-76 has seen extensive service as a commercial freighter, especially for oversized or heavy items unable to be otherwise carried. An onboard crane can self-load and offload items up to 10 tonne, without the need for specialized airport equipment.
The IL-76 has been used as emergency response transport for civilian evacuations and to deliver humanitarian/disaster relief aid around the world, especially to undeveloped areas due to its ability to operate from unpaved runways.
The IL-76TD has a greater range and load capacity than the original IL-76.
ABC Flash Point News 2023.
Proven to be the best all weather, all terrain airplane to be used on special missions around the world.