How The Ilyushin Il-18 Became The Best Soviet Airliner Ever Built!
A contemporary of airliners like the Bristol Britannia, Douglas DC-6 and Vickers Viscount, the Ilyushin Il-18 was one of the Eastern Bloc's most popular airliners, remaining in service throughout the 1960's, 1970's, 1980's and well into the 21st century!
Given the reporting name of "Coot" by NATO, at least 678 Il-18s were built between 1957 and 1985, many of which remain in service today, primarily in military service, but also in airline service too (though in a vastly reduced capacity).
During its heyday, many on both sides of the Iron Curtain hailed it as the best Soviet airliner of the time...
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Pre-Ilyushin Il-18
Development
Operational History
Airline
Air Koryo
Cargo
Military
Museum
As...