Russia has one of the most enigmatic and powerful aircraft in the world, the Ilyushin Il-80, known as the doomsday plane. This plane is an air command center in the event of nuclear war, equipped to keep state leaders and key military officials safe while still commanding the situation.
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Meet the Ilyushin Il-80, Russian “doomsday” plane
The design of the Ilyushin Il-80, which made its first flight in 1985 and began delivery in 1987 after several modifications, is based on Ilyushin’s Il-86 civil aircraft model, but with visible differences. The name by which the aircraft is called is Maxdome, although some refer to it as Camber, a term used in commercial shipping for Il-86s.
A notable feature of the Maxdome is the absence of windows in the cabin, except in the cockpit, which has blast-protected windows. These changes were made to protect occupants from an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or nuclear explosion. The upper deck doors have been reduced in number and only a staircase remains.
A large SATCOM canoe is located on top of the fuselage at the front, with large antennas at the rear. The tail of the aircraft also houses a winch for a towed very low frequency (VLF) antenna, while the horizontal stabilizers also have space for more sensors or a communications antenna.
The plane also has two large electrical generators placed inside its engines, which have air intakes and exhaust jets at their ends. A retractable refueling probe is located below the cockpit.
Compared to its American counterpart, the Nightwatch, which was developed from the Boeing 747 aircraft a good decade before the Maxdome made its first flight, the Russian plane is protected from EMP by shielding its equipment and wiring, as well as keeping analog instruments inside. from the cockpit.
The three-deck plane carries electrical panels, voltage-reducing transformers, and SATCOM and VLF equipment. The aircraft is equipped with a trailing wire antenna that can extend up to five miles (8 km) in length and can carry 13 communications links. The Nightwatch needs two fully loaded KC-135 tanks to fully refuel, and although the aircraft has been airborne for a maximum of 35 hours, it can stay airborne for up to two weeks.
Ilyushin Il-80 could become Russian government base in case of nuclear war
These characteristics make the Ilyushin Il-80 a central piece in Russia’s defense and command strategy, prepared to guarantee the continuity of government in the event of a nuclear conflict. The existence and capabilities of this aircraft are a reminder of the reality of nuclear war and the ongoing preparation of nations for the possibility of a conflict of unimaginable proportions.
As leaders and citizens around the world watch with concern, Russia continues to strengthen its defense and command capabilities to face any future eventuality.
With information: SlashGear
