The Ilyushin Il-26 was a late 1940s project for a strategic heavy bomber by the Ilyushin Design Bureau.^[1][2] There were a variety of alternative engines proposed for the Il-26, including the 3,400 kW (4,500 hp) Shvetsov ASh-2TK piston engine and 4,500 kW (6,000 hp) Yakovlev M-501 diesel engine. The specifications varied according to the number and type of engines proposed.

Clandestine use in the Soviet Afghan war

During the Soviet–Afghan War, Soviet & Afghan warplanes would occasionally cross into Pakistani territory while pursuing Afghan Mujahideen forces. Though in early March 1980, PAF Shenyang F-6s of the No. 15 Squadron on Air Defence Alert reported to have intercepted an Il-26 bomber that had intruded into Pakistani airspace however they weren't given clearance to shoot it down and instead escorted it across the Durand Line back into Afghanistan.^[3]

Specifications (Il-26 estimated)

Data from ^[1] Unflown wings : Soviet and Russian unrealized aircraft projects 1925-2010.^[4]

General characteristics

• Crew: 12
• Length: 39 m (127 ft 11 in)
• Wingspan: 61 m (200 ft 2 in)
• Height: 13.7 m (44 ft 11 in)
• Wing area: 475 m² (5,110 sq ft)
• Max takeoff weight: 190,000 kg (418,878 lb)
• Powerplant: 6 × Klimov VK-2 turboprop engines, 3,700 kW (5,000 shp) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 545 km/h (339 mph, 294 kn) at sea level
  

560 km/h (350 mph) at 9,300 m (30,500 ft)

• Range: 11,560 km (7,180 mi, 6,240 nmi) with 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) load
• Service ceiling: 10,000 m (33,000 ft)

Armament

• Guns: 5 x paired 23 mm (0.906 in) cannon in twodorsal, 2 ventral and one tail remote controlled turrets
• Bombs: 12,000 kg (26,000 lb) of bombs (maximum)