Aircraft for passenger traffic IL 18

IL 18 is made in the form of an all-metal monoplane equipped with AI-20 turbine engines designed by AG Ivchenko. In the mid-fifties of the twentieth century it was determined that aircraft equipped with piston engines could not cope with the increasing flow of passenger traffic. There was a need for aircraft with a high passenger capacity and speed of flight, while ensuring a good range.

The decision to produce a passenger aircraft of the IL-18 model was approved by Decree of the Council of Ministers No. 703-404 in 1956 on May 25. Design work on the development of the aircraft was started in 1954. The first test flight of the aircraft was made in July 1957. In the test flights, machines with AI 20 and NK 8 engines participated. During the tests it was determined that the design of the AI 20 engine was more reliable, and this engine was chosen for the serial model of the passenger aircraft IL 18. Mass exploitation of the new liner was started in 1959. The aircraft, equipped with four turbine engines, became a model in the first generation of passenger aircraft with turbine engines. The experienced aircraft had 75 seats. In the process of operation Ilyushin's design bureau was constantly improving the aircraft, creating new modifications of it. Increased comfort, safety, reliability, flight range, as well as the cabin capacity. In 1958, the IL 18A model was created with an increased passenger compartment up to 89 seats and a weight of up to 58 tons. A little later, a plane was built with a new modification of the IL 18 B, with takeoff weight up to 61.5 tons.

Aerodynamic configuration provides the highest possible flight safety with high economic indicators. Particular importance was given to the layout of the wing of the IL 18, whose photo allows you to see it. The fuselage of the aircraft has a semi-monocoque design with elements reinforced in the hatchways and in the wing attachment points, the front landing gear and the tail assembly. The control system of the IL-18 is mechanical, consisting of servo-compensators, loading springs of the rudder and links made of aluminum alloy. The hydraulic system serves to ensure the release and cleaning of the chassis, the braking mode, the turns of the front support, the fendering of the screws and the operation of the windshield wipers.

More important is the security system in the airliner. The IL-18 aircraft is equipped with engines that ensure the flight of an aircraft engine with a possible failure of up to two of them. In order to improve safety, unique design solutions were used. For example, heat-resistant walls are provided in hot parts of engines. The exhaust pipes exit over the wing. The aircraft has a powerful fire-extinguishing system. Radar, warning of a thunderstorm, is installed in the nose of the aircraft under the fairing. The aircraft successfully fulfilled the tasks of state tests and began to be serially produced in 1959. It is successfully operated now. In the period up to 1960, the IL-18 aircraft established several records on the range and altitude of flights with a varied commercial load.