page_title: Ilyushin Il-76
section_title: Special purpose / research variants
hierarchical_section_title: Ilyushin Il-76 / Variants / Prototypes and developmental variants / Special purpose / research variants
caption_attribution_description: English: Gromov Flight Test Institute Ilyushin Il-76LL with one Aviadvigatel PD-14 engine
context_page_description: The Ilyushin Il-76 is a multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter designed by the Soviet Union's Ilyushin design bureau. It was first planned as a commercial freighter in 1967, as a replacement for the Antonov An-12. It was designed to deliver heavy machinery to remote, poorly served areas. Military versions of the Il-76 have been widely used in Europe, Asia and Africa, including use as an aerial refueling tanker or command center.
  The Il-76 has seen extensive service as a commercial freighter for ramp-delivered cargo, especially for outsized or heavy items unable to be otherwise carried. It has also been used as an emergency response transport for civilian evacuations as well as for humanitarian aid and disaster relief around the world. Because of its ability to operate from unpaved runways, it has been useful in undeveloped areas. Specialized models have also been produced for aerial firefighting and zero-G training.
context_section_description: Il-76LL
  with reinforced wing (at least 3 aircraft) to be used as test-bed aeroplane for engine prototypes flight testing in Gromov Flight Research Institute.
  Izdeliye-176
  prototype Il-76PP.
  Izdeliye-576
  Izdeliye-676
  Telemetry and communications relay aircraft, for use during trial programmes (prototype).
  Izdeliye-776
  Telemetry and communications relay aircraft, for use during trial programmes (prototype).
  Izdeliye-976 ("SKIP", Il-976, or Il-76SK) – (СКИП – Самолетный Контрольно-Измерительный Пункт, Airborne Check-Measure-and-Control Center)
  Il-76/A-50 based Range Control and Missile tracking platform. Initially built to support Raduga Kh-55 cruise missile tests.
  Izdeliye-1076
  Special mission aircraft for unknown duties.
  Izdeliye-1176
  ELINT electronic intelligence aircraft, or Il-76-11
caption: Ilyushin Il-76LL with PD-14 engine prototype under testing, 2015
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