In 1948, the Ilyushin Design Bureau developed the twin-engine jet bomber Il-28. The prototype was powered by Rolls-Royce Nene engines purchased from Great Britain, later replaced by RD-45 engines, which were copies of the Nene. This initial design did not meet the requirements.
As a result of further design improvements, the definitive version of the bomber was developed, with performance exceeding expectations. This was achieved thanks to the VK-1 engines with greater thrust and engine nacelles designed according to the area rule. The Il-28 entered production in 1949, and the first units reached combat units in 1950.
It was equipped with a copy of the American Norden bombsight. In 1950, the reconnaissance version Il-28R made its maiden flight, with the bomb bay adapted to carry various types of cameras, illumination bombs and fuel tanks.
In later years, the Il-28R aircraft were adapted for electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare by installing specialised equipment. A bomber version designed to carry nuclear weapons and a torpedo version for naval aviation were also developed. In NATO code, the Il-28 was designated Beagle.
Poland purchased 80 combat Il-28s in bomber and reconnaissance versions. Several of them were adapted for electronic warfare. They were in service from 1952 to 1977.
| Wingspan | 22.65 m |
| Length | 17.65 m |
| Wing area | 60.8 m2 |
| Empty weight | 12 890 kg |
| Takeoff weight | 21 200 kg |
| Maximum speed | 876 km/h |
| Ceiling | 12 300 m |
| Range | 3150 km |
| Armament | 4 NR-23 cannons, 23 mm calibre |
| Engine | two VK-1 engines, thrust 2700 kg each |
