Il-80.

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Maxdome beyond Thunderdome!

Once again from the latest edition of the DEBKAfile newsletter:

"Moscow to deploy latest command plane for disasters, nuclear war"

1 December.

"Russia announced is to deploy the latest version of its giant command and control Ilyushin-80 aircraft designed for use during nuclear war or national disasters. The flying command center will be able to coordinate the worldwide operations of its ground, naval, air and missile forces, including nuclear weapons, as well as the country's satellites"

The Ilyushin Il-80 (NATO reporting name: Maxdome) is a Russian airborne command and control aircraft. It is a modified Ilyushin Il-86 airliner.

. . . .

"Heavily modified from the Ilyushin Il-86, the Il-80 . . . is meant to be used as an airborne command center for Russian officials, including the President, in the event of nuclear war."

. . . .

"As of 2011 three Il-80s remain in service. They are painted in the current livery of Aeroflot . . . The aircraft are rarely observed in operation, though at least one was seen at an air show."

This aircraft roughly the equivalent of the American E4-B. Military aviation that during a time of crisis or emergency can issue while aloft the "go commands" to nuclear equipped units.

THAT SUCH AN AIRCRAFT IS DEPLOYED CANNOT BE SEEN AS A GOOD SIGN!

coolbert.