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| Russia Develops New Anti-Submarine Aircraft to Replace Soviet Il-38 |
Moscow - Russia began developing a new anti-submarine aircraft with a wider range of weapons, to replace the Soviet Il-38. The news was disclosed by sources of information to Sputnik.
"Development work has started on creating a basic anti-submarine, reconnaissance and patrol aircraft to replace the Soviet Il-38," the source said. "This new engine will maintain the standard four-engine layout for aircraft of this class, the plan is to be equipped with a TV7-117 turboprop engine," said the source.
The source added that the new aircraft will receive the latest on-board equipment, including new sonar buoys, and its weapons range will be expanded compared to the Il-38. The new Russian anti-submarine aircraft will be built using almost entirely domestic electronic components.
The Ilyushin Il-38 anti-submarine and sea patrol aircraft was produced in 1967-1972. In total, more than 60 warplanes were built. The aircraft in its basic version is equipped with radio sonar buoys to hunt down enemy submarines, as well as various anti-submarine weapons, including torpedoes and mines.
To date there are about 25 Il-38 aircraft, including the modernized Il-38N, in service with the Russian military.