Ilyushin Il-18 Coot

The Ilyushin Il-18 "Coot" was the primary turboprop airliner and cargo aircraft in the Soviet Union for roughly 20 years, beginning in 1957. It could hold 110 passengers and 29,762lbs. of cargo.

The Il-18 first flew in July of 1957, and was planned to join the fleet of Aeroflot Antonov An-10s that served both as domestic and international airliners. The first few production models could hold 84 passengers, but beginning with the 21st aircraft and the introduction of a more powerful engine, the seating capacity was increased to 110. The Il-18 served mostly as a civil airliner, with few aircraft being used strictly for military use. Those that were operated only in the military sense were used to transport VIPs and senior staffs. On occasion, Aeroflot aircraft were "borrowed" to move troops and equipment. In the mid 1960's, the Il-18's engines were again upgraded and the seating capacity was again increased, this time to 122.

By the mid 1970's, almost all Il-18s had been removed from regular civil and military use and were converted into Il-38 May patrol aircraft and Il-20 Coot-A electronic intelligence aircraft. Only a small fleet of original Il-18s still fly today in their original roles.

NOTE: These specifications are taken from The Encyclopedia of Modern Warplanes.
In the interest of being correct, they have been Cross-referenced with Jane's All The World's Aircraft.

Power Plant: four 3169-eKW Ivchyenko turboprops
Maximum Speed: 419 mph
Service Ceiling: 32,810 feet
Range: 2,299 miles
Maximum Payload: 29,762lbs.