Ilyushin Il-28

Ilyushin Il-28
Country	Soviet Union
Role	Medium bomber
First flight	8 July 1948
Built	6635

The Ilyushin Il-28 (Russian: Илью́шин Ил-28; NATO reporting name: Beagle) is a jet bomber of the immediate postwar period that was originally manufactured for the Soviet Air Forces. It was the Soviet Union’s first such aircraft to enter large-scale production. It was also licence-built in China as the Harbin H-5. Total production in the USSR was 6,316 aircraft, and over 319 H-5s were built. Only 187 examples of the HJ-5 training variant were manufactured. In the 1990s hundreds remained in service with various air forces over 50 years after the Il-28 first appeared. The only H-5s in service currently are approximately 80 aircraft which operate with the Korean People’s Air Force. The Il-28 has the USAF/DoD reporting name “Type 27” and NATO reporting name “Beagle”, while the Il-28U trainer variant has the USAF/DoD reporting name “Type 30” and NATO reporting name Mascot.

Source: Ilyushin Il-28 on Wikipedia

Iliushin Il-28 Walk Around
Photographer	Janusz Swiatlon
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	26

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General Characteristics and Role

The Ilyushin Il-28 (NATO reporting name: Beagle) was the first mass-produced Soviet jet bomber, serving as a critical aircraft for the Soviet Air Force and many Warsaw Pact and allied nations throughout the Cold War. Designed immediately after World War II, it was a robust, simple, and high-performance aircraft for its era, known for its conventional and highly effective layout. It pioneered the use of jet power in tactical bombing, reconnaissance, and training roles for the Soviet bloc. It saw extensive operational use globally, most notably during the Cuban Missile Crisis and various conflicts in the Middle East and Asia.

Property	Typical Value (Il-28 Standard Bomber)
Role	Tactical Bomber / Light Bomber
National Origin	Soviet Union (USSR)
Manufacturer	Ilyushin Design Bureau
First Flight	8 July 1948
Crew	3 (Pilot, Navigator/Bombardier, Gunner/Radio Operator)
Length	17.65 m (57 ft 11 in)
Wingspan	21.45 m (70 ft 4 in)
Height	6.70 m (22 ft 0 in)
Maximum Takeoff Weight	Approx. 21,200 kg (46,740 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engines: Two Klimov VK-1 (Soviet copy of the Rolls-Royce Nene) centrifugal flow turbojet engines.
Thrust (Each): 26.5 kN (5,955 lbf).
Maximum Speed: 900 km/h (560 mph; 490 knots) at 4,500 m (14,800 ft).
Cruise Speed: 700 km/h (435 mph; 380 knots).
Ferry Range: 2,180 km (1,350 mi).
Service Ceiling: 12,500 m (41,000 ft).
Landing Gear: Tricycle configuration; unique feature of the main gear retracting into the engine nacelles.

Armament and Variants

Internal Armament:
- Forward: 2 x 23 mm Nudelman-Rikhter NR-23 cannon (located under the nose, 100 rounds/gun).
- Rear: 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons (in a tail turret, usually electrically powered and remotely aimed by the gunner).
Bomb Load: Carried internally in a central bomb bay.
- Normal Load: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb).
- Maximum Load: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) (e.g., twelve 100 kg bombs).
- Special Munitions: Capable of carrying a tactical nuclear bomb in some variants.
Major Variants:
- Il-28U: Unarmed trainer variant (NATO: Mascot).
- Il-28R: Reconnaissance variant with additional fuel, cameras, and a modified nose.
- Il-28T: Torpedo bomber variant (naval).
Chinese Production: License-built in China as the Harbin H-5, which remained in service for decades longer than the original Soviet model.