Moscow: Russia has started developing a new anti-submarine aircraft with a greater range of weapons, to replace the Soviet Il-38, an informed source told Sputnik.
“Development work has begun on the creation of a basic anti-submarine, reconnaissance and patrol aircraft to replace the Soviet Il-38. The new machine will retain the four-engine layout standard for aircraft of this class; it is planned to be equipped with TV7-117 turboprop engines,” the source said.
The source added that the new aircraft will receive the latest on-board equipment, including new sonar buoys, and its range of weapons will be expanded compared to the Il-38. The new Russian anti-submarine aircraft will be built almost entirely using domestic electronic components.