Ilyushin IL-78 Midas (R11-003) - a photo on Flickriver

            The Soviet Union's first dedicated tanker aircraft were variants of preexisting bombers, like the Tupolev Tu-16 and Myasishchev M-4. Their performance was deemed insufficient, especially so since new bomber models were slated to enter service (the Tupolev Tu-22M and the Tupolev Tu-160). In 1968, the development of a new tanker began, based on the Ilyushin Il-76. Its performance was insufficient for use as a tanker: it could only transfer less than 10 tonnes of fuel to other aircraft. Instead of the basic Il-76, the improved Il-76MD version was chosen as the basis for the new tanker, named Il-78, owing to its higher fuel capacity. The Il-78 tanker was developed and designed in the Ilyushin Aviation Complex in the Soviet Union. The Il-78 made its first flight on 26 June 1983, and entered service in June 1987. Meanwhile, work on a version with a higher fuel capacity began. This version, the Il-78M, first flew on 7 March 1987. In total, 32 Il-78s, 13 Il-78Ms and a single Il-78E (a version exported to Libya) were built at the Tashkent Aviation Production Association, from 1984 to 1993.

Taking the Il-76MD as its basis, the Il-78 airframe retains its general configuration. The tail turret is removed, and an air refuelling operator is situated in the rear gunner's position. Three aerial refueling pods are added: one under each wing, and one fixed to the rear fuselage. The basic Il-78 use three UPAZ-1 pods, while the Il-78M uses two UPAZ-1s under the wings, and one UPAZ-1M on the rear fuselage (the UPAZ-1M has a superior fuel transfer rate). The underwing pods are used to refuel tactical aircraft, while the fuselage pod is used for heavier aircraft. The Il-78 uses the probe-and-drogue refueling method. The Il-78 can transfer fuel from its internal tanks, and two removable tanks located in the cargo hold. The Il-78M has three fixed tanks in its cargo hold. The basic Il-78 can transfer a maximum of 57.7 tonnes of fuel (internal tanks only) or 85.7 tonnes with the additional tanks, while the Il-78M can transfer 105.7 tonnes.

The Pakistan Air Force acquired four Il-78s from Ukraine during 2006 which were then refurbished at Mykolaiv airfield in southern Ukraine before being delivered during 2009 and 2011. Designated as the Il-78MP, these four aircraft are the only aerial refuelling assets on strength with the Pakistan Air Force and are flown by No. 10 Squadron known as the Bulls based at Nur Khan, originally called RAF Chaklala.

Taken in: UK / England / Marston Maisey (show map)

Taken on: July 16, 2025

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Camera: Canon EOS R5m2, f/6.3, 1/800 sec, 118mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS R5m2
Lens:	RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Aperture:	f/6.3
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/800)
Focal Length:	118mm
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Shutter speed priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Adobe Photoshop 26.9 (Macintosh)
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