Ilyushin Il-28 “Beagle” · Soviet Light Jet Bomber
Aerodynamic Reports · Engineering Bulletins · Declassified Intelligence Files
✈️ Historical & Technical Overview
The Ilyushin Il-28 “Beagle” was the Soviet Union’s first operational jet bomber, entering service in 1950 and remaining a cornerstone of Warsaw Pact air power through the 1960s. Designed by Sergei Ilyushin’s bureau, the aircraft combined proven structural engineering with early jet-age aerodynamics influenced by German wartime research — and was powered by a Soviet adaptation of the British Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet.
Airframe & Aerodynamics
The Il-28 features straight, unswept high-aspect wings with a custom aerofoil developed under the Soviet Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI). The airframe is built in five detachable sub-sections — nose, centre fuselage, rear tail, and two outer wing panels — a modular design that simplified field maintenance and forward deployment. Maximum structural speed is 850 km/h IAS, with an official Mach limit of 0.82 M; exceeding this triggers strong buffet and aerodynamic asymmetry due to shockwave formation. Load factors are rated from −4G to +8G.
Propulsion — Klimov VK-1
Two Klimov VK-1 centrifugal-flow turbojets, each delivering 26.5 kN (5,952 lbf) of dry static thrust at 12,000 RPM. The VK-1 features a single-stage centrifugal compressor linked to 8 interconnected combustion chambers, with spark plugs placed exclusively in chambers 3 and 8. Exhaust gas temperatures range from 500°C to 700°C under normal operations. Specific fuel consumption: 1.07 kg/kgf·h. Field inspection interval: every 60 hours; overhaul life: 150–300 hours.
Handling & Stability
Early flight tests conducted by test pilot Vladimir Kokkinaki confirmed the Il-28 as stable and highly agile for a bomber of its class. Controls are conventional push-rod mechanical, without hydraulic boost — giving the pilot direct, heavy aerodynamic feedback at high speeds. Flight logs note a slight roll tendency at high Mach numbers requiring proactive trimming. Landing gear is pneumatically actuated and must not be extended above 400 km/h.
Performance Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 902 km/h at 4,500 m |
| Cruising Speed | 876 km/h at optimum altitude |
| Service Ceiling | 12,300 m |
| Maximum Range | 2,400 km at 10,000 m |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 21,200 kg |
| Standard Payload | Up to 3,000 kg internal bombs |
Engineering Systems
Fire suppression relies on an automated carbon dioxide loop running through the engine nacelles, supported by an inert gas tank-pressurisation system. The VK-1 engines can be started via onboard battery or external ground power unit.
📂 Collection Manifest — 10 Documents
🇷🇺 Russian-Language Originals (5 documents)
R-01 — Инструкция по Техническому Обслуживанию Спецоборудования Самолёта Ил-28
Instruction Manual for the Technical Maintenance of Special Equipment of the Il-28 Aircraft
Part I — Электрооборудование (Electrical Equipment)
Военное Издательство Военного Министерства Союза ССР · Москва, 1951
Ref: Пр. № 0410 · 23.11.55 · Экз. № 1614
R-02 — Наглядное Пособие к Инструкции Лётчику по Эксплуатации и Пилотированию Самолётов Ил-28 и Ил-28У
Visual Aid to the Pilot’s Manual for the Operation and Piloting of Aircraft Il-28 and Il-28U
Военное Издательство Министерства Обороны СССР · Москва, 1972
R-03 — Самолёт Ил-28 — Техническое Описание
Aircraft Il-28 — Technical Description
Часть Первая — Основные Технические Данные Самолёта · Издание Второе
Государственное Издательство Оборонной Промышленности · Москва, 1953
R-04 — Самолёт Ил-28Р (Разведчик) — Техническое Описание
Aircraft Il-28R (Reconnaissance Variant) — Technical Description
Государственное Издательство Оборонной Промышленности · Москва, 1952
Экз. № 122 · Declassification stamp present
R-05 — Альбом Основных Видов Схем и Чертежей — Самолёт Ил-28
Album of Principal Views, Diagrams and Drawings — Aircraft Il-28
Sections: Конструкция · Силовая Установка · Наземное Оборудование · Экз. № 293
🇺🇸 CIA FOIA Declassified Documents (5 documents)
C-01 — Album of Electrical Circuit Diagrams of the Aeroplane Il-28
Czech/Soviet origin · Originally CONFIDENTIAL
FOIA Ref: CIA-RDP80T00246A059200270001-5 · Released: 2011/03/01
Prague, 1958 · Sanitized copy · 50X1-HUM exemption applied
C-02 — CIA Information Report: Technical Manuals for the IL-28 Aircraft and the AI-14R Aircraft Engine
Central Intelligence Agency · Originally SECRET
FOIA Ref: CIA-RDP81-01043R004100240005-1 · Released: 2014/03/13
Dated: 29 January 1960 · Covers: Samolet IL-28 s 2 VK-1 (Moscow, 1953, 194 pp.) and Aviatsionnyy Dvigatel AI-14R (Moscow, 1956, 95 pp.)
C-03 — IL-28 Aircraft Radio Equipment — Volume V, Part 1: Description and Instruction for Use
Originally SECRET · NO FOREIGN DISSEM
FOIA Ref: CIA-RDP78-03066R000300080001-9 · Released: 2012/04/18
50X1-HUM exemption · “R” routing stamp present
C-04 — IL-28 Aircraft — List of Parts, Book II-2: Undercarriage
Originally SECRET · NO FOREIGN DISSEM
FOIA Ref: CIA-RDP80T00246A070100070001-5 · Released: 2013/10/25
⚠️ Cover heavily degraded — partial legibility only
C-05 — CIA Information Report: Technical Details Observed on the IL-28
Central Intelligence Agency · Originally SECRET/CONTROL · U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
FOIA Ref: CIA-RDP80-00810A001100640004-5 · Released: 2009/12/09
Country: East Germany · Dated: 7 May 1953 · 5 pages
Content: Refuelling procedures (ZIS 151 chassis) · Undercarriage jacking system with technical diagram
⚠️ Marked: “This is UNEVALUATED Information” — source appraisal tentative · 25-Year Re-Review stamp
📝 A Note on Document Quality
The CIA FOIA documents in this collection were digitised from physical intelligence files held in the National Archives. Scan quality varies — some covers show significant degradation, ink bleed, and partial legibility, particularly C-04. This is the nature of the primary source material, not a production error. Online Aviation Library is committed to sourcing the highest-quality scans available and will update this collection as improved digitisations become accessible through the FOIA repository. All purchasers will receive improved versions automatically at no additional cost.
🔒 Disclaimer & Export Notice
All documents in this collection are sourced exclusively from publicly available archives, including the CIA Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Electronic Reading Room and official Soviet-era publications now in the public domain. No classified, restricted, or export-controlled material is included. This collection is sold for historical research, educational, and reference purposes only.
Certain technical data contained in these documents may be subject to export control regulations under applicable national laws (including but not limited to EAR, ITAR, and EU Dual-Use Regulation). It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to verify compliance with all applicable export control laws in their jurisdiction prior to purchase and use.
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