The plane carrying Vladimir Putin grew to become probably the most tracked flight on the planet on Wednesday, in keeping with Flight Radar 24, because the Russian President travelled to Delhi for his two-day state go to.The plane, also known as the “Flying Kremlin” or “Doomsday airplane,” is a specifically modified Russian-made Ilyushin Il-80, tailored from the Il-86 passenger and cargo jet. Designed to safeguard Russia’s high management throughout the worst-case situations, it serves as a safe airborne command centre for Putin.
What’s the “Flying Kremlin”
Designed on the peak of Soviet aerospace ambition, the wide-bodied, four-engined Ilyushin Il-96, successor to the Il-86, grew to become the muse for Russia’s presidential plane. Initially developed within the Eighties as a business airliner meant to rival Boeing and Airbus, the Il-96 was later tailored into the Il-96-300PU (with PU denoting “command submit”) to satisfy the specialised necessities of transporting the nation’s high management.Launched within the Nineties, the presidential variant has since undergone a number of upgrades to align with evolving safety and technological wants. Whereas it shares its lineage with civilian fashions, the Il-96-300PU incorporates intensive modifications, combining Soviet engineering heritage with trendy techniques, as cited by Secure Fly Aviation. Its potential to function beneath excessive circumstances and undertake long-range missions has cemented its function as a safe, strategic plane for Russian management.The plane is believed to be utterly windowless, except for the cockpit, to protect it from the consequences of a possible nuclear blast and harsh environmental circumstances.It’s outfitted with a specialised communication system designed to stay purposeful even within the occasion of a nuclear strike. With in-flight refuelling functionality, the plane may stay airborne for prolonged durations, as cited by the Each day Specific US.The plane is reportedly outfitted with intensive services, together with a non-public workplace, a number of assembly and convention rooms, a rest space, a visitor lounge, a mini health club, a spacious eating room, a bar, a number of showers, and a totally outfitted medical unit able to dealing with a variety of emergencies.The plane is protected by a number of defensive layers designed to counter potential threats from each air and floor. Its exterior contains specialised coating to cut back vulnerability to radar jamming, and it’s outfitted with an onboard anti-aircraft defence system. Nevertheless, most particulars about its security measures stay labeled.Putin arrived in Delhi on Thursday night for his first go to to India since December 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol to personally obtain him at Palam airport, after which each leaders travelled collectively to the PM’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg for a non-public dinner.