![](https://www.airlinereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/fpz_20161102_5281.jpg)
Nose-to-nose with a Volga-Dnepr Il-76. The windows at the forward navigator’s station are a distinctive feature of the aircraft.
With Boeing in our backyard, unusual aircraft are not an uncommon sight at any of metro Seattle’s airports. Antonov An-124s are regular visitors, usually delivering engines to Boeing’s Everett factory. I was recently at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) when a rare bird was there to pick up some cargo.
![](https://www.airlinereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/fpz_20161102_5298-302.jpg)
A crane and flatbed trailer were used to load large crates of specialized welding equipment that was to be delivered to Australia
This particular Ilyushin-76-TD-90-VD is owned by Russia-based Volga-Dnepr Airlines, which operates five of these aircraft. Part of the Volga-Dnepr group, the parent company also owns Airbridge Cargo Airlines and Atran Airlines.
![While not quite as imposing in size as the An124, the Il76 is not a small aircraft.](https://www.airlinereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/fpz_20161102_5362.jpg)
While not quite as imposing in size as the Antonov 124, the Il-76 is not a small aircraft
The aircraft has a load capacity of 50 tons and a maximum take-off weight of 195 tons — for comparison, the U.S. Air Force’s C-17 has a load capacity of 85 tons.
![This diagram comparing the Il-76 to a variety of military and civilian cargo aircraft - Image: Volga-Dnepr](https://www.airlinereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Screen-Shot-2016-11-14-at-9.14.41-PM-754x557.png)
This diagram comparing the Il-76 to a variety of military and civilian cargo aircraft – Image: Volga-Dnepr
That unusual glazed nose contains the navigator’s station, which must provide a pretty incredible view while in flight. While classed as a civilian cargo jet, there are versions of the type in service with militaries around the world, including Russia, Ukraine, and India.
![There doesn't appear to be very much room left behind those clamshell doors.](https://www.airlinereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/fpz_20161102_5319.jpg)
There doesn’t appear to be very much room left behind those clamshell doors
![A gratuitous puddle-reflection photo.](https://www.airlinereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/fpz_20161102_5334.jpg)
Because it rains a lot in Seattle this time of the year, here’s a gratuitous puddle-reflection photo
Interesting airplane. Is the IL-76 freighter built for landing at difficult airstrips – e.g. Siberia or Antarctica?
It is. If you’re curious about the design, the wikipedia entry for the plane has all sort of fun information. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyushin_Il-76
When is it flying out? I might wanna go and watch it!
Sorry to say that it was here a couple weeks ago, and only stayed for about a day.