Il-96 operational life extended

In August Russia’s Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) has completed residual strength tests on the Ilyushin Il-96 long-range aircraft at the request of the developer. The tests were performed on the Il-96-300 modification to simulate the more exacting operational requirements for the Il-96-400T freighter version. According to TsAGI, the first phase of the tests involved critical damage to the primary wing structures, after which the wing was subjected to maximum loads. In the second phase, the outer skin of the pressure fuselage would be cut longitudinally between three adjacent ribs, and the middle rib was similarly cut. The fuselage would then be overpressurized to 0.72 atm, or 15% above the operational value. The damaged skin withstood all the loads applied. 

Prof Konstantin Shcherban, deputy head of the TsAGI division responsible for operational life proof testing, says the entire series of endurance tests on the Il-96 has been successfully completed, permitting operation of the type beyond its design operational life. At present, 16 Il-96 aircraft of various modifications are operated in Russia. The presidential aviation unit operates seven Il-96-300s, Aeroflot has six such aircraft. Polet Airlines has three Il-96-400T freighters.