Ilyushin Il-80 ("Maxdome")

(USSR/Russian Federation)

Based on the Il-86 "Camber" civilian airliner, this unique aircraft fills a similar role to the American E-4B; a survivable command post for the President of Russia and/or surviving authority figures in times of nuclear war. The "Maxdome" first flew in 1985, and was first observed by western photographers in 1992. It is hardened against flash and electromagnetic pulse; and has no windows other than the flight deck. The onboard air conditioning is filtered to keep radioactive fallout out. The most striking feature is a huge dorsal antenna that houses advanced SATCOM gear. Numerous other blade antennas are visible, and the tail houses a winch for a towed VLF antenna to communicate with SSBN's. Three Il-80's are in service; they are painted in Aeroflot colours and international civilian registrations RA-86147, RA-86148, and RA-86149. They are based at Chkalovskii.

Length: 195'4" Span: 157'8" Height: 51'10"

Weight: 362,000lbs empty, 454,000lbs max takeoff

Powerplant: 4 Kuznetsov NK-86 turbofans; max speed 513kts