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Ilyushin Il-62

Narrow-body jet airliner · Early Jet (1946–1969)

Ilyushin Il-62 — Narrow-body jet airliner
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The Ilyushin Il-62 (NATO reporting name Classic) was a Soviet four-engine long-distance jet airliner — the principal Soviet international long-distance aircraft of the 1970s and 1980s. Sergey Ilyushin's design bureau developed the Il-62 in 1960-1962 as a Soviet equivalent of the British Vickers VC10; the prototype first flew on 3 January 1963. About 292 Il-62s were built between 1966 and 1995 at Kazan Aircraft Production Association. Aeroflot operated the Il-62 1967-2009; the type continues in limited Russian VIP transport service and North Korean Air Koryo commercial service through 2026.

The Il-62 used four Kuznetsov NK-8-4 turbofan engines (23,000 lbf each, later Soloviev D-30KU at 25,000 lbf in the Il-62M variant) mounted in two pairs on rear-fuselage pylons (similar to the Vickers VC10). Maximum speed 850 km/h, range 10,000 km, service ceiling 12,000 m. Capacity: 174-198 passengers depending on configuration. The aircraft was specifically designed to provide Aeroflot with credible intercontinental airliner role matching Western alternatives like the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8.

Il-62 service was concentrated on Aeroflot main-line international long-distance routes — Moscow-Havana, Moscow-Tokyo, Moscow-New York (limited service), Moscow-Cairo, Moscow-Conakry, and many other international routes. The aircraft was the Soviet flagship airliner from 1967 until replacement by the Ilyushin Il-86 + Tupolev Tu-154 in the 1980s. The 1972 Aeroflot Flight 217 crash (174 dead, ground impact during instrument approach to Moscow) was the type's worst single accident. Russian government continues to operate ~8 Il-62 / Il-62M airframes for VIP transport through 2026. About 30 Il-62 airframes remain in active commercial service worldwide.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Ilyushin Il-62 Classic was the Soviet Union's main long-distance jet airliner. The Il-62 first flew on January 3, 1963. About 292 Il-62s were built between 1966 and 1995. Aeroflot used Il-62s for international routes from 1967 to 2009.

The Il-62 is 174 feet long with a 144-foot wingspan, longer than a Boeing 737. Four turbofan engines hang in pairs at the rear of the body, not under the wings. Top speed is 528 mph, faster than most race cars. The plane carries 174 to 198 passengers.

The Il-62 looks like the British Vickers VC10, with 4 engines on the back of the body. This design keeps engine noise away from passengers but makes maintenance harder. The Il-62 was the Soviet equivalent of the VC10.

Aeroflot flew Il-62s between Moscow and far-away cities like New York, Tokyo, Havana, and Buenos Aires. The Il-62 was Aeroflot's flagship for decades. Russian government VIPs and North Korean Air Koryo still fly Il-62s today. The newer Il-96 replaced the Il-62 in main-line service.

Fun Facts

  • The Il-62 Classic was the Soviet Union's main long-distance jet airliner.
  • About 292 Il-62s were built between 1966 and 1995.
  • The Il-62 is 174 feet long, longer than a Boeing 737.
  • Top speed is 528 mph, faster than most race cars.
  • The four engines hang in pairs at the rear of the body.
  • The Il-62 was the Soviet equivalent of the British Vickers VC10.
  • The Il-62 carried 174 to 198 passengers.

Kids’ Questions

Why engines on the back?

Putting engines on the rear of the body has two advantages: less engine noise in the cabin, and a clean wing for better aerodynamics. The trade-off is that maintenance is harder (mechanics climb high ladders). The British Vickers VC10, French Caravelle, and American Boeing 717 all use this idea. Most modern airliners have under-wing engines for easier maintenance.

Where did it fly?

Aeroflot used Il-62s for the Soviet Union's longest international routes: Moscow to New York, Tokyo, Havana, Singapore, Beijing, and even Buenos Aires. The Il-62 had the range for these long flights. Soviet leaders also flew on special Il-62 versions. The Il-62 was the Soviet face of international aviation for decades.

Are any still flying?

Yes. The Russian government still flies Il-62s as VIP transports for officials. North Korean Air Koryo still uses Il-62s for commercial flights to Beijing, Moscow, and Vladivostok. A few cargo Il-62s also fly in 2026. Most have been replaced by the newer Il-96 or Western aircraft like the Boeing 777.

Variants

Il-62 (basic)
Original production with NK-8-4 engines. About 90 built 1966-1972.
Il-62M (improved)
Re-engined with Soloviev D-30KU + improved range. About 192 built 1973-1995. Most-numerous variant.
Il-62MK (high-density)
High-density 198-passenger variant. About 10 built.

Notable Operators

Aeroflot (1967-2009)
Lead operator. ~150 Il-62s in Aeroflot service. Retired from main-line service around 2009.
Russian Aerospace Forces / Russian VIP
About 8 Il-62 / Il-62M airframes in continuing service for Russian VIP transport through 2026.
Air Koryo (North Korea)
About 5 Il-62M airframes in active commercial service. Pyongyang international routes.
Cubana, LOT, Interflug, Tarom, others
Soviet-aligned export operators. Most retired by 2000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Il-62 a VC10 copy?

No — but the similarity is striking. Both are four-engine rear-engine long-distance jet airliners with T-tail layout. The Il-62 (1963 first flight) was developed in parallel with the British Vickers VC10 (1962 first flight). Soviet aviation officials studied the VC10 design + flight performance reports, and the Il-62 incorporates similar design choices. But the Il-62 was independently engineered — Tupolev did not have access to VC10 production drawings. Both aircraft were designed for the same intercontinental airliner requirement set in the early 1960s and arrived at similar configurations independently.

Did Aeroflot fly Il-62s to New York?

Yes — but irregularly. Aeroflot operated Il-62 service to New York JFK during certain periods of Soviet-American relations: 1968-1970 (then suspended after the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia), 1977-1982, and 1986-1991. Service was always limited (typically 2 round-trips per week) and politically sensitive. The Moscow-New York route used the polar / Iceland routing.

How many Il-62s were built?

About 292 airframes between 1966 and 1995 at Kazan Aircraft Production Association. Production split: ~90 Il-62 (NK-8 engines) + ~192 Il-62M (D-30KU engines) + ~10 Il-62MK (high-density). The 30-year production run reflects continuing Russian government interest in maintaining the type for VIP transport.

Is the Il-62 still flying?

Yes — limited. About 30 Il-62 airframes remain in active service worldwide in 2026. The Russian state operates ~8 Il-62 / Il-62M for VIP transport. Air Koryo operates ~5 on Pyongyang international routes. A handful of cargo / charter operators retain Il-62s in former-Soviet states. Most original Aeroflot fleet was retired by 2010.

Sources

See Also