Ilyushin Il-18

The Ilyushin Il-18 is a large turboprop airliner resembling the Lockheed Electra.

As one of the best known Russian aircraft, it is also one of the most popular and long lasting.

First developed as a piston engine powered aircraft, which was based on a Russian copy of the B-29, it later became one of the most prolific turboprop aircrafts in the world.

After the piston-powered version was canceled because the competing design used more common parts of the bomber version, it was resurrected in 1965 in its current form.

Seating 100 to 120 passengers, its operating economics are such that many are still in service in Cuba, Siberia and by some operators in the Middle East.

Military versions have also been developed, such as for ASW and ELINT.