India has the potential to domestically develop a replacement for its aging fleet of Ilyushin IL-76 transport aircraft, leveraging technology derived from the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, according to a retired Indian Air Force (IAF) navigator.
The navigator, Mr. Vaidya, a veteran of the IL-76, believes that India can create a successor to the IL-76 by utilizing advancements made in engine technology during the AMCA project. Specifically, the development of a new, powerful engine for the AMCA could lead to "spinoff" technologies applicable to a larger transport aircraft.
The IL-76, a heavy-lift transport aircraft crucial to the IAF's operations, is currently powered by four Aviadvigatel D-30 KP turbofan engines. Each of these engines generates approximately 118 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust. However, maintaining these engines has become increasingly difficult due to international sanctions and geopolitical challenges, which have restricted the availability of spare parts.
Mr. Vaidya stated that a new engine developed for the AMCA, projected to produce a similar level of thrust, could be modified for use in a larger transport aircraft. He suggested that a high-bypass turbofan engine, with a thrust capacity of around 130 kN, derived from the AMCA project, could be a suitable power plant for a new indigenous transport. This would provide the necessary thrust while also potentially improving fuel efficiency and the aircraft's ability to carry heavier payloads.
Such an engine could power a transport aircraft capable of carrying 60 to 66 tons of payload. This represents a substantial increase in capacity compared to the current IL-76, and would better meet the evolving needs of the IAF. The current maximum payload capacity of IL-76 is between 42-48 tons, based on various open source database.
While technically feasible, the project's success hinges on several key factors. Significant financial investment in research, development, and manufacturing infrastructure would be required.
Critically, a firm commitment from the IAF to purchase a substantial number of the new aircraft – at least 30 to 40, according to Vaidya – would be essential to make the project economically viable.
Beyond replacing the IL-76, developing an indigenous transport aircraft would offer significant strategic benefits. It would reduce India's reliance on foreign suppliers for critical military hardware, including future platforms like Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and aerial refueling tankers, which often utilize similar large airframes. This aligns with India's broader push for self-reliance in defence production.
