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T he first long-range jet transport in Soviet inventory and the first Soviet commercial aircraft to feature
rear-mounted engines. The engine position allowed an aerodynamically clean wing, reduced noise in cabins and less chances of debris ingestion
(compared with podded engines). Fire protection was easily provided by titanium bulkheads and walls, as well as fluid extinguishers.
The first two prototypes were fitted with Luylka 7500kg AL-7 turbojets, because scheduled
NK-8 were not ready. At one time Mikulin 8700kg
AM-3M also reported to be fitted.
Service aircraft were powered by NK-8 variants, with Soloviev
D-30 on late production Il-62M-200aircraft.
Pressurized semi-monocoque fuselage was assembled from pre-fabricated components and sealed by special rivets and a coat of sealant.
Sea level pressure is maintained up to 7,000m and pressure equivalent of 2,100m at 13,000m.
Foam and fiberglass sound absorbing panels are used. Il-62 fuselage 'belly' (specially the supplementary fuel tanks) in case of a wheels-up
landing is protected by a beam (or keel). Three-spar wings contain main fuel tanks and have extensive mechanization: half-span 3-section
ailerons, slotted flaps, spoilers. Interestingly, the Il-62 has manually operated controls. It believed to be the largest aircraft without
power-operated controls. Wings, tail and engines intakes are equipped with thermal de-icers, while windscreen has electric de-icer.
An unusual feature of the Il-62 is a large, retractable tail wheel that remains extended when the aircraft is being loaded. This prevents the
aircraft from tipping on its tail if the center of gravity shifts towards the rear.
Crew is comprised of two pilots, navigator, radio operator and engineer. 48m3 baggage holds may be loaded in just 10 to 15
minutes using pre-packed containers. Full navigational and radio equipment includes Doppler nose radar, two-channel autopilot, navigational
computer,
two systems of closer navigation and ILS-VOR. Automatic flight system 'Poliot' was optional. Basic and reserve VHF short-wave radio aerials are
mostly
suppressed (including the distinctive starboard 'backbone' on the upper fuselage).
First flight took place in January 1963 (test-pilot V.K.Kokkinaki). Pilot-in-charge for
trials program
was P.V.Kazakov. Il-62 underwent low-speed trials in May 1963, revealing stall problems. Small
fences
were introduced on the upper wing surfaces in 1964, and wing airfoil was revised. At the end of
1965 wingtip fairings appeared, housing tank drainage and fuel jettison outlets.
Soviet leader N.S.Khruschiov inspected the aircraft on 24 September, 1962 prior to the
first flight.
Photoreportage of this event was released into media. First prototype (SSSR-06156) was seen at Vnukovo Airport on 4 June
1963. During introductory flights on Aeroflot routes
in 1966, the Il-62 flew from Moscow to Khabarovsk, covering 6,150km in 8hours.
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