The first flying prototype of the Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A airlifter has passed the initial phase of its factory tests in Ulyanovsk. Aircraft has been ferried to Zhukovsky where Ilyushin’s test facility is.

The manufacturer stated that the first flying example of the Il-76MD-90A had logged 38 sorties as part of the first phase of its official tests conducted by a joint Ilyushin-Defence Ministry crew.

The Russian Defence Ministry and United Aircraft Corporation finalised the deal for 39 Il-76MD-90 airlifters and the latter are being made by Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk. Ten aircraft are in various stages of completion at the moment.