The Ilyushin Il-62 played an important role in passenger aircraft development in the Soviet Union, facilitating the expansion of the Aeroflot route network in the 1960s and 1970s. Alexander Mladenov and Krassimir Grozev examine the advancement and service of the first mass-produced Soviet long-range passenger jet.
CLASSIC JETLINERS SPECIAL
A Russian Air Force Il-62M TM-3SUR departing Chkalovsky Air Base.
AirTeamImages.com/ Alexander Mishin
In the 1950s the Soviet monopolist airline Aerofiot saw a significant expansion in its operations, serving routes in the country spanning nine time zones. The sustainment of the growth required bigger and longer-flying turboprop and jetpowered airliners to enlarge its domestic and international route network.
