Ilyushin Il-28R (NH-4)

The Il-28R is a reconnaissance variant of the Soviet three-seat light Il-28 bomber. The most obvious difference between the two versions is the wing tip fuel tanks of the reconnaissance aircraft. The crew consisted of a pilot, an observer and a rear gunner.

The Finnish Air Force bought two Il-28s from the Soviet Union in 1959. The first aircraft, a bomber variant, arrived in January 1960 flown by a Russian crew that remained in Finland for six months to train Finnish airmen on the type. The next aircraft, an Il-28R, arrived on 24th June 1961. The Il-28 was well suited for Air Force purposes, and two more reconnaissance versions were acquired in 1965. All four Finnish aircraft were of 1955-vintage and they had been refurbished in the Soviet Union before delivery.

The Il-28 was affectionately known as “Nikita” in Finnish service. The type was operated in aerial photography, maritime surveillance and radioactive sampling roles.

The Il-28 was reliable and it had good flight characteristics, although the unboosted controls were heavy. The last flight of the type took place in June 1981.