Ilyushin Il-80

The Ilyushin Il-80 is a Russian airborne command and control aircraft modified from the Il-86 airliner. It is meant to be used as an airborne command center for Russian officials, including the President, in the event of nuclear war. As of 2011 three Il- 80s remain in service.

About Ilyushin Il-80 in brief

Summary Ilyushin Il-80The Ilyushin Il-80 is a Russian airborne command and control aircraft modified from the Il-86 airliner. The aircraft is meant to be used as an airborne command center for Russian officials, including the President, in the event of nuclear war. As of 2011 three Il- 80s remain in service. When the present upgrades have reached the end of their life, it is expected that a new airborne command post, based on the Ilyush in Il-96-400 commercial aircraft and delivered as the so-called Doomsday plane, will replace them.

In December 2020, Russian media reported that radio communication equipment had been stolen from one of the Il -80s while it was undergoing maintenance.