{{short description|Soviet/Russian aerial refueling tanker}} {{redirect|Il-78|the road|Illinois Route 78}} {{Unreliable sources |reason=There are inconsistencies in the transferable fuel load numbers between the GlobalSecurity.org and Airforce-Technology.com pages.|date=December 2018}} <!-- This article is a part of Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft. Please see Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout. --> {{Infobox aircraft | name = Il-78 | image = Ilyushin Il-78M inflight.jpg | caption = An Il-78M of the Russian Air Force | type = Aerial refueling tanker | national_origin = Soviet Union <br /> Russia | manufacturer = Ilyushin | designer = | first_flight = 26 June 1983 | introduction = 1984 (Il-78) | retired = | status = In service and production | primary_user = Soviet Air Forces (historical) | more_users = Russian Aerospace Forces<br />Ukrainian Air Force (historical)<br />Indian Air Force<br />Pakistan Air Force | produced = 1984–present | number_built = 53<ref name="active">{{cite web |publisher=AeroTransport Data Bank |url=http://www.aerotransport.org |title=Il-78 Production Numbers |access-date=2019-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021121105512/http://www.aerotransport.org/ |archive-date=2002-11-21 |url-status=live }}</ref> | unit cost = | developed_from = Ilyushin Il-76 | variants = }}
The '''Ilyushin Il-78''' ({{langx|ru|Илью́шин Ил-78}}; NATO reporting name '''Midas''') is a Soviet/Russian four-engined aerial refueling tanker based on the Il-76 strategic airlifter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilyushin.org/en/aircrafts/special_aircraft/1178/ |title=Il-78 | OJSC "Ilyushin Aviation Complex" |publisher=Ilyushin.org |date= |accessdate=2022-04-04}}</ref>
==Design and development== thumb|Il-78s from 203rd Guards Air Refuelling Regiment
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.<ref name="midas red samovar">{{cite web |title=[Actu] L'Ilyushin IL-78 Midas |url=https://redsamovar.com/2021/06/18/actu-lilyushin-il-78-midas/ |website=Red Samovar |date=18 June 2021}}</ref> The Il-78 tanker was developed and designed in the Ilyushin Aviation Complex in the Soviet Union.<ref name="AT-IL78">{{cite web |title=IL-78 Midas Air-to-Air Refuelling / Transport Aircraft |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ilyushin-il-78/ |publisher=Airforce Technology |access-date=27 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723200325/https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ilyushin-il-78/ |archive-date=23 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=February 2022}} 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.<ref name="midas red samovar"/>
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.<ref name="midas red samovar"/>
==Variants== ;Il-78: Original production version based on the Il-76MD. With the additional fuel tanks removed, the Il-78 can serve as a regular cargo aircraft.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> ;Il-78M: The Il-78M entered service in 1987 as a dedicated tanker equipped with three permanent fuselage tanks, a higher gross weight of 210 tonnes, and no cargo door or cargo handling equipment. The cargo ramp is retained but non-functional. Total fuel capacity is 138 tonnes (303,600 lb), of which 105.7 tonnes (232,540 lb) is transferable.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Yefim |last1=Gordon |first2=Dmitriy |last2=Kommissarov |title=Ilyushin Il-76, Russia's Versatile Airlifter|year=2002|publisher=Midland|isbn=1-85780-106-7}}</ref> ;Il-78-2: Modernization of Il-78/78M aircraft, using same parts as used in newly produced Il-78M-90A and Il-76MD-90A variants, to enhance service life from 30 to 40 years. The cockpit equipment is modernised, and flare launchers are installed. The aircraft have three UPAZ-1M air refuelling pods.<ref name="bmpd"/><ref name="midas red samovar" /> The first modernized aircraft was rolled out on 25 August 2019.<ref name="bmpd">{{cite web|url=https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3748865.html|title=Первый модернизированный самолет-заправщик Ил-78М2|website=bmpd.livejournal.com|date=25 August 2019|access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> '''Il-78E''' : Export version of the Il-78. One example built for Libya.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> ;Il-78MKI: Export version for India. Six aircraft were ordered in 2002, built at the Tashkent Aviation Production Association plant using unfinished airframes. Uses Cobham Mk.32B air refuelling pods, which allow to refuel both Russian-built and Western aircraft.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> ;Il-78MP: Multi-role aerial refuelling tanker/transport aircraft, with removable fuel tanks in cargo hold and three UPAZ-1 refuelling pods, for the Pakistan Air Force.<ref name="defensenews.com">{{cite news |last=Ansari |first=Usman |date=3 November 2008 |title=Pakistan Eyes Boost in Transport, Lift |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3801474 |work=Defense News}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="Pakistan Receiving IL-78 Refuelling aircraft">{{cite news |date=2008-12-08 |title=Pakistan Receiving IL-78 Refuelling aircraft |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Pakistan-Receiving-IL-78-Refueling-aircraft-05191/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415005353/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Pakistan-Receiving-IL-78-Refueling-aircraft-05191/ |archive-date=2010-04-15 |access-date=2009-07-24 |publisher=Defense Industry Daily}}</ref> ;Il-78M-90A (Il-478): An upgraded variant based on the Il-76MD-90A. First prototype was rolled out on 29 November 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |last=bmpd |date=2017-11-30 |title=V Ulyanovske vykachen pervy samolet-sapravshchik Il-78M-90A |script-title=ru:В Ульяновске выкачен первый самолет-заправщик Ил-78М-90А |trans-title=The first tanker aircraft Il-78M-90A was rolled out in Ulyanovsk |url=https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2977891.html |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=bmpd}}</ref> and performed its maiden flight on 25 January 2018.<ref>{{cite news |quote=The maiden flight of the new Ilyushin Il-78M-90A aerial refuelling tanker for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) took place on 25 January. The 35-minute flight took place out of the Aviastar-SP production facility located in Ulyanovsk, approximately 600 km east of Moscow. |publisher=Jane's Information Group |url=http://www.janes.com/article/77387/russia-marks-maiden-flight-of-il-78m-90a-tanker |title=Russia marks maiden flight of Il-78M-90A tanker |first=Gareth |last=Jennings |date=January 26, 2018 |access-date=January 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201020921/http://www.janes.com/article/77387/russia-marks-maiden-flight-of-il-78m-90a-tanker |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> On December 12, 2020, an order for 10 Il-78M-90As was signed, with the serial production starting in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/russian-defense-ministry-signs-contract-to-ge-1117489.html|title=Russian Defense Ministry Signs Contract to Get 10 Modern Tanker Planes - Deputy Minister}}</ref>thumb|The latest Il-78M-90A.: ;IL-78MK-90A: The latest export version based on Il-78M-90A being marketed by Rosoboronexport.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tanker aircraft IL-78MK-90A |url=https://roe.ru/eng/catalog/aerospace-systems/special-purpose-aircraft/il-78mk-90a/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Catalog Rosoboronexport}}</ref>
===Refueling capability=== {| class="wikitable" |+ Transferable fuel load in tonnes<ref name="uac-ta.ru">{{cite web |url=http://www.uac-ta.ru/productsall/2009-11-02-11-30-36/-78.html |title= САМОЛЕТ ТОПЛИВОЗАПРАВЩИК Ил-78М-90 |website=ОАК-Транспортные самолеты |access-date=2012-11-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024002124/http://uac-ta.ru/productsall/2009-11-02-11-30-36/-78.html |archive-date=2013-10-24 }}</ref><ref name="ilyushin.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.ilyushin.org/aircrafts/special_aircraft/319/ |title=Ил-78МКИ |website=ОАО "Ил" |access-date=2 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712183053/http://www.ilyushin.org/aircrafts/special_aircraft/319/ |archive-date=12 July 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://www.ilyushin.org/aircrafts/special_aircraft/317/ |title=Ил-78 |website=ОАО "Ил" |access-date=2 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712183045/http://www.ilyushin.org/aircrafts/special_aircraft/317/ |archive-date=12 July 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> |- ! Distance ! Il-78 ! Il-78M |- | 1000 km | 42 | 74 |- | 2000 km | 24 | 56 |- | 3000 km | 15 | 40 |}
==Operators== [[File:Victory Day parade in Moscow, Russia in 2009.jpg|thumb|An Ilyushin Il-78 simulating aerial refuelling with a Tu-95MS during the Victory Day Parade in Moscow on 9 May 2009]] [[File:Ilyushin Il-78MKI (RK-3452).jpg|thumb|IAF Ilyushin Il-78 providing mid-air refueling to two Mirage 2000 fighter planes]] [[File:Ilyushin IL-78 (R09-001) Pakistan Air Force.jpg|thumb|A PAF IL-78 landing]] [[File:Su-30 MKI doing in-flight refuelling from Ilyushin Il-78 of Indian Air Force during Konkan Shakti 21.jpg|thumb|Sukhoi Su-30MKI refuelling from an Ilyushin Il-78 during exercise Konkan Shakti 21]]{{Main|List of Ilyushin Il-76 operators}}
[[File:RK-3452 Ilyushin IL-78MKI Indian AF 78 Sqdn. (2993322560).jpg|thumb|An Indian Air Force Ilyushin Il-78]] ===Current operators=== ;{{ALG}} * Algerian Air Force – six Il-78s bought from Ukraine in 1998, delivered between 1998 and 2003 after servicing in Russia.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> Four Il-78s in service of Algerian Airforce as of 2017.<ref name="World Air Forces 2018">{{cite web|url =https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-world-air-forces-maintaining-strength-443655/|title =World Air Forces 2018|publisher =Flightglobal Insight|year =2018|access-date =16 December 2018|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20171202153055/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-world-air-forces-maintaining-strength-443655/|archive-date =2 December 2017|url-status =live|df =dmy-all}}</ref> ;{{CHN}} * Chinese Air Force – three Il-78s ordered from Ukraine in 2011, delivered between 2014 and 2016 after overhauls. These aircraft are fitted with UPAZ-1 pods.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> ;{{IND}} * Indian Air Force – six Il-78MKIs delivered in 2003 and 2004, operated by No. 78 Squadron at Agra AFS.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> ;{{PAK}} * Pakistan Air Force – four Il-78s were ordered from Ukrainian surplus stocks in 2006, fitted with removable fuel tanks and UPAZ refueling pods.<ref name="defensenews.com"/><ref name="Pakistan Receiving IL-78 Refuelling aircraft"/><ref name="midas red samovar" /> They were delivered between 2009 and 2011 after being overhauled at the Mykolaiv aircraft repair plant. These aircraft received the designation Il-78MP.{{cn|date=December 2022}} **No. 10 Squadron "Bulls"<ref name="midas red samovar" /> ;{{RUS}} * Russian Aerospace Forces – 19 Il-78/78Ms in service as of 2019.<ref name="World Air Forces 2020">{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2020/135665.article|title=World Air Forces 2020|publisher=Flightglobal Insight|year=2020|access-date=23 February 2020}}</ref> **43rd Center for Combat Application and Training of Aircrew for Long Range Aviation – Dyagilevo (air base), Ryazan Oblast<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/schools/43tsbppls.htm|title=43rd Center for Combat Employment and Retraining of Personnel DA|website=ww2.dk|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705065004/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/schools/43tsbppls.htm|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vitalykuzmin.net/Military/43TsBPiPLS/|title=43rd Center for Combat Application and Training of Aircrew for Long Range Aviation|website=vitalykuzmin.net|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129181337/https://www.vitalykuzmin.net/Military/43TsBPiPLS/|archive-date=29 January 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> **203rd Guards Air Refueling Regiment<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/bap/203gvtbap.htm|title=203rd Guards Orlovskiy Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment|website=ww2.dk|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005012318/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/bap/203gvtbap.htm|archive-date=5 October 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
===Former operators=== ;{{ANG}} * National Air Force of Angola – one ordered from Ukraine in 2001. Refueling equipment was removed and the aircraft rebuilt into an Il-76TD before it was sent to Angola in 2003.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> Scrapped in 2014.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> ;{{flag|Libya|1977}} * Libyan Air Force – one Il-78E bought in 1989. Destroyed in a 2015 attack on Mitiga International Airport.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> ;{{USSR}} * Soviet Air Forces – aircraft were transferred to the Russian and Ukrainian Air Forces after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.<ref name="midas red samovar" /> ** 106th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division – Uzyn Air Base, Kyiv Oblast, Ukrainian SSR<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/bad/106tbad.htm|title=106th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division im. 60th anniversary SSSR|website=ww2.dk|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525100559/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/bad/106tbad.htm|archive-date=25 May 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ** 409th Aviation Regiment of tanker aircraft<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/bap/409apsz.htm|title=409th Aviation Regiment of tanker aircraft|website=ww2.dk|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017203303/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/bap/409apsz.htm|archive-date=17 October 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ;{{UKR}} * Ukrainian Air Force – inherited 20 Il-78s after the collapse of the Soviet Union.{{sfn|Zaloga|2014|page=200}} At least three were converted to transport aircraft for Busol Airlines by 1995.{{sfn|Jackson|Munson|Taylor|1995|page=319}} ** 106th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division – Pryluky Air Base, Chernihiv Oblast{{sfn|Zaloga|2014|page=200}} ;{{USA}} * An Il-78 of the Ukrainian Air Force was bought by North American Tactical Aviation Inc (NATA) in 2005, and flown to the United States in July 2006 for use in air refueling operations contracted to the United States military. It passed into Air Support Systems LLC ownership and got an American civilian registration N78GF. It was then mothballed at the North Texas Regional Airport for two and a half years. In 2009, it left the airport with a Ukrainian crew hired by NATA and was heading to the Wittman Regional Airport, Wisconsin, to refuel before flying to Pakistan for phase aircraft maintenance. However, it was diverted to the Sawyer International Airport, Michigan, where it remains grounded. In 2010, the aircraft was repossessed by the Bank of Utah Trustee and in 2019 sold to Meridican Inc, an international consulting firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The aircraft was to receive a cockpit upgrade for international operations in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/il-78.htm|title=Il-78M Midas Ukraine|website=globalsecurity.org|access-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216074329/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/il-78.htm|archive-date=16 December 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N78GF|title=N78GF Aircraft Registration|website=flightaware.com|access-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216074052/https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N78GF|archive-date=16 December 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=78GF&x=0&y=0|title=FAA Registry for N78GF |website=registry.faa.gov |access-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216120611/https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=78GF&x=0&y=0 |archive-date=16 December 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{update after|2019}}<ref>{{cite web |date=2010-11-30 |title=Under the radar « FOCUS/midwest |url=http://focusmidwest.com/2010/05/07/under-the-radar/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130195614/http://focusmidwest.com/2010/05/07/under-the-radar/ |archive-date=30 November 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was undergoing engineering changes in 2022 to upgrade its air-to-air refueling pods, hose and drogue system to a Western-manufactured system that is compatible with US Navy and NATO.{{cn|date=December 2022}}
==Specifications (Il-78M)== {{Aircraft specs |ref= ''Ilyushin'',<ref>http://www.ilyushin.org/aircrafts/special_aircraft/319/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604231450/http://www.ilyushin.org/aircrafts/special_aircraft/319/ |date=2014-06-04 }}''Ilyushin''.</ref> ''UAC''<ref name="uac-ta.ru"/> |prime units?=met <!-- General characteristics --> |crew=6 |capacity= Max 100,000 kg payload (T-6 military jet fuel)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/il-78.htm|title=Il-78 MIDAS|first=John|last=Pike|work=globalsecurity.org|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305081215/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/il-78.htm|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |length m=46.59 |span m=50.5 |height m=14.76 |wing area sqm=300 |empty weight kg=72,000 |max takeoff weight kg=210,000 |more general= *'''Special equipment:''' 3 x UPAZ-1M 'Sakhalin', ('''U'''nifitsirovaniy '''P'''odvesnoy '''A'''gregat '''Z'''aprahvki;— standardised suspended refuelling unit), refuelling pods; Two on pylons under the outer wings, and the third on the port side of the rear fuselage. *'''Fuel transfer rate:''' 900 to 2,200 liters/min <!-- Powerplant --> |eng1 number=4 |eng1 name=Aviadvigatel D-30 KP |eng1 type=turbofan engines |eng1 kn=118 <!-- Performance --> |max speed kmh=850 |range km=7,300 |ceiling m=12,000 |thrust/weight=0.23 | }}
==See also== {{aircontent |similar aircraft= * Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker * McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender * Lockheed TriStar (RAF) * Vickers VC10 |lists= * List of tanker aircraft |see also= }}
==References==
===Notes=== {{reflist}}
===Bibliography=== {{refbegin}} *{{cite book|last=Gordon|first= Yefim|title= OKB Ilyushin: a history of the design bureau and its aircraft |year=2004|publisher= Ian Allan|isbn= 1-85780-187-3}} *{{cite book |editor-last1=Jackson |editor-first1=Paul |editor-last2=Munson |editor-first2=Kenneth |editor-last3=Taylor |editor-first3=Dr. John W R |title=Jane's All The World’s Aircraft 1995-96 |date=1995 |edition=86th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Surrey |isbn=978-0-7106-1262-5 |url=https://archive.org/details/janes-all-the-worlds-aircraft-1995-96 |access-date=19 January 2025}} *{{cite book |last1=Zaloga |first1=Steven J. |title=The Kremlin's Nuclear Sword: The Rise and Fall of Russia's Strategic Nuclear Forces 1945-2000 |date=2014 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution |isbn=978-1-58834-485-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yKpqBgAAQBAJ |language=en}} {{refend}} {{aviation.ru}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Ilyushin Il-78}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20050207150416/http://www.aviation.ru/Il/#78 Il-78 at aviation.ru] *[http://mmb-avia.narod.ru/avia/myzei/myzei.htm Museum of 203 regiment] {{in lang|ru}} * [http://pafwallpapers.com/articles/role-of-strategic-tanker-in-paf.html Role of IL-78 strategic tanker in Pakistan Air Force www.PAFwallpapers.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609005435/http://www.pafwallpapers.com/articles/role-of-strategic-tanker-in-paf.html |date=2014-06-09 }} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20090716130710/http://www.indian-military.org/air-force/support/air-to-air-refuellers/9-ilyushin-il-78mki-midas.html IL-78MKI Midas at indian military database]
{{Ilyushin aircraft}} {{NATO miscellaneous reporting names}}
Il-078 Category:1980s Soviet military tanker aircraft Category:Quadjets Category:High-wing aircraft Category:T-tail aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 1983 Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear