The Ilyushin Il-112 (Russian: Ильюшин Ил‑112) is a Russian twin‑engine turboprop transport aircraft developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau for short‑range tactical airlift, cargo, and passenger transport missions. It is intended to replace aging fleets of the Antonov An‑26 and Mil Mi‑8 helicopters in the Russian Aerospace Forces and other customers.
Development
Origins: In the early 2010s, the Russian Ministry of Defence identified a need for a modern, light transport aircraft capable of operating from unprepared airfields. The Ilyushin Design Bureau commenced the Il‑112 program to meet this requirement, aiming to provide a versatile platform for both military and civilian use.
Prototype and testing: The first prototype, designated Il‑112V, performed its maiden flight on 28 August 2019 from the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. Subsequent flight testing focused on performance, handling, and systems verification. By 2021, the aircraft entered a extended test program encompassing cold weather operations, short‑take‑off and landing (STOL) capabilities, and payload assessments.
Production: Serial production is planned at the Voronezh Aircraft Plant (Voronezh Aviation Production Association), with an initial target of delivering aircraft to the Russian Armed Forces starting in the mid‑2020s. A civilian variant, designated Il‑112V, is also envisioned for regional cargo and passenger services.
Design
Airframe: The Il‑112 features a high‑wing configuration with a rounded fuselage, facilitating cargo loading and air‑dropping of supplies. The airframe utilizes a combination of aluminum alloys and composite materials to reduce weight while maintaining structural strength.
Propulsion: It is powered by two Klimov TV7‑117 turboprop engines, each delivering approximately 2,500 shaft horsepower, driving four‑bladed composite propellers. The engines are equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) for optimized performance.
Capacity: The aircraft can carry up to 5,000 kg (11,023 lb) of payload, including troops, supplies, or medical evacuation equipment. The cabin can be reconfigured for up to 27 seats for passenger transport.
Performance: Reported maximum cruise speed is around 540 km/h (335 mph), with a range of approximately 2,200 km (1,367 mi) when fully loaded. The Il‑112 is capable of operating from austere airstrips, with a required runway length of roughly 600 m (1,969 ft) for takeoff under standard conditions.
Avionics: The cockpit incorporates modern avionics suites, including glass displays, GPS/GLONASS navigation, and a digital flight control system. Defensive aids, such as infrared counter‑measures, are available for military variants.
Variants
Designation
Role
Notable Features
Il‑112V
Baseline transport
Standard cargo/passenger configuration, dual turboprop engines
Il‑112VAB
Armed variant
Equipped with hardpoints for light weapons and reconnaissance pods
Il‑112V MP
Maritime patrol
Planned integration of maritime surveillance sensors and radar
Il‑112V SA
Search and rescue
Modified interior for medical evacuation and SAR equipment
Operational History
As of 2026, the Il‑112 has entered limited service with the Russian Aerospace Forces, primarily in transport and logistics roles. It has been evaluated for use in the Arctic regions due to its robust design and ability to operate in low‑temperature environments. Export interest has been expressed by several countries seeking a modern, cost‑effective light transport aircraft, but no foreign orders have been publicly confirmed.
Specifications (Il‑112V)
General
Crew
2 (pilot, co‑pilot)
Capacity
Up to 27 passengers or 5,000 kg payload
Length
22.6 m (74 ft 2 in)
Wingspan
30.1 m (98 ft 9 in)
Height
6.7 m (22 ft)
Empty weight
11,500 kg (25,353 lb)
Max takeoff weight
20,800 kg (45,867 lb)
Powerplant
2 × Klimov TV7‑117 turboprop engines, 2,500 shp each
Performance
Maximum speed
540 km/h (335 mph; 291 kn)
Cruise speed
470 km/h (292 mph; 254 kn)
Range
2,200 km (1,367 mi; 1,188 nmi) with maximum payload
Service ceiling
9,500 m (31,200 ft)
Takeoff run (unprepared)
~600 m (1,969 ft)
See also
Ilyushin Design Bureau
Antonov An‑26
Mil Mi‑8
Turboprop transport aircraft
References
Russian Ministry of Defence procurement documents (public releases, 2020–2024)
Ilyushin Design Bureau press releases and technical briefings
Aviation Week & Space Technology articles on the Il‑112 development program
Flight International coverage of the Il‑112 flight testing campaign (2021)
