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New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin is in India for a two-day visit (December 4 and 5). His meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi is expected to yield a series of substantive agreements across trade, defence and wider strategic cooperation, reinforcing a partnership that both capitals consider vital. Both sides are likely to focus on defence and military cooperation, and also on energy security.
Putin always goes abroad for any visit with his Aurus Senat armoured limousine and his highly customised presidential aircraft, the Ilyushin IL-96-300PU, which is popularly called the “Flying Kremlin.” In this article, we will take a look at the famous aircraft.
The aircraft that Putin uses has been specially modified from the Ilyushin IL-96-300. It entered service with the Russian flag carrier Aeroflot on December 29, 1992. It was designed by Ilyushin when the Soviet Union still existed, and Voronezh Aircraft Production Association manufactured it. The widebody airliner powered by four high-bypass Aviadvigatel PS-90 two-shaft turbofan engines first flew on September 28, 1988.
The IL-96-300PU is a descendant of the long-range IL-96-300. It was 55.35 metres in length with a wingspan of 60.12 metres, and powered by four Aviadvigatel PS-90A turbofan engines. It could fly approximately 11,000 kilometres non-stop. Today, the presidential variant is known as IL-96-300PU, where “PU” stands for Punkt Upravleniya, Russian for “command point” or “command post.”
During national emergencies, the IL-96-300PU can work as a complete mobile command centre with encrypted communication systems. It has secure satellite links and protected radio and data channels. The cockpit has six multifunction LCD displays, and the high-profile aircraft uses fly-by-wire controls for improved handling and safer flight operations. It has advanced defensive systems, infrared decoy launchers and anti-missile measures. It can even withstand EMP attacks, and the system ensures that Putin can issue military orders from the air. According to reports, the aircraft also has a nuclear command interface.
Ilyushin IL-96-300PU has a large conference room, President's private office and workspace, presidential suite, guest lounge, luxurious bathrooms with showers, kitchen and dining areas, medical, and gym space, among other amenities. The inside of the aircraft is decorated with a range of things, including gold-plated fittings, rich woodwork, tapestries, and artwork.
