Zvezda Z7011 Ilyushin IL-76MD

During the late 1960s, the Ilyushin Experimental Design Bureau (OKB) developed a four-engined, turbine-powered, heavy-lift cargo aircraft to supplement and eventually replace the An-12 (NATO Codename: Cub) turboprop airlifter. Designated as the Il-76 (NATO Codename: Candid), the aircraft entered service in the mid-1970s and bears a strong resemblance to the C-141 Starlifter that entered service almost a decade earlier. Unlike the C-141, the Il-76 remains in service and many have received the PS-90 engine upgrade. The Il-76 airframe has been adapted by the Ilyushin OKB for a variety of special mission configurations including the Il-78 (NATO Codename: Midas) air refueling tanker and Il-76PP electronic warfare platform; as well as by the Beriev OKB including the A-50 (NATO Codename: Mainstay) AWACS and A-60 airborne laser laboratory. Zvezda continues to turn out some interesting kits as well as evolve their kit engineering capabilities. Here's one of their latest masterpieces, the Il-76MD Candid military airlifter. While Trumpeter first released the Il-76 in 1/144 some 15 years ago, good things come to those who wait. Like the Trumpeter kit, this kit has some nice exterior details, but unlike the Trumpeter kit, this release also has an impressive interior as well. The kit is molded in gray styrene and presented on nine parts trees (duplicate trees not shown) plus two parts for an optional in-flight display stand, and one tree of clear parts.

Safety Information:
Warning. Not suitable for Children under 3 years.