10 years ago they were looking into forest fire service and that did not pay out for whatever reasons. At that time, the obvious use would be as a refueling platform since it is already a refueler. However, the only thing they could come up with to use these aircraft was putting out fires.
Every year that passes makes it less likely that either application will be realized. There is a Sweet Spot in the 2nd hand/surplus market where aircraft can be purchased. My guess the IL-78 was really sweet 10 years ago. And yet, nobody could figure out how to make money with them.
I hope I am dead wrong.
One other comment, I think the reference to the fuel check valve pressure being much higher implied that it is difficult to fuel the IL-78 itself, sitting on the tarmac since a much higher amount of fuel pressure is required to open the check valves. Of course, I am wildly speculating at this point - I don't really know and there was no elaboration on this topic.
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