About This File
In 1997, an IL-76TD lacking the distinct radome for the KP-2 ground mapping radar was delivered new to the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations. This was the first radomeless IL-76 aircraft to ever appear. The next two (4K-AZ40, 41) were modified to the same standard before delivery to Silk Way in 2004, who would later receive the last two IL-76TD aircraft ever built (4K-AZ55 in 2005, 70 in 2009). Sadly, 4K-AZ55 later crashed in 2011; it was only 6 years old at the time.
4K-AZ70, the last ever IL-76TD built, would fly the Silk Line until 2015, when it joined the Azerbaijani Air Force as 4K-78131, still in its distinctive Silk Way livery, minus the logos.
Fun fact: built in 2009, 4K-78131 is the youngest flying IL-76 ever registered in Azerbaijan, whereas sister ship 4K-78129 is the oldest. Both planes were built 20 years apart.
3C-TM06 was once RA-76446 of Ceiba Cargo. It received the radomeless shaved-chin treatment before joining the FAGE, for whom it still flies.
Liveries included:
- Silk Way Airlines
- Azerbaijan Air Force (AzHHQ)
- Ministry for Emergency Situations, Russia
- FAGE (Equatoguinean Air Force)
