IL-38 Dolphin – PDF

The Ilyushin Il-38 “Dolphin” was developed during the 1960s in response to the growing importance of Western nuclear-powered and ballistic-missile submarines. Designed by the Ilyushin bureau and derived from the successful Il-18 turboprop airliner, the Il-38 was extensively modified for long-range maritime patrol. Its mission systems, internal weapons bays, radar, and sonobuoys allowed Soviet crews to search large areas of ocean and detect and track submarines far from Soviet shores.

Entering Soviet Naval Aviation service in 1967, the Il-38 became an important component of the Soviet Union’s anti-submarine warfare network. Dolphins operated alongside ships, submarines, helicopters, and other maritime patrol aircraft to monitor NATO naval activity and protect Soviet naval bases and submarine operating areas. In addition to anti-submarine warfare, the aircraft performed maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, and patrol missions throughout the Cold War.

The Il-38’s long range allowed it to operate well beyond Soviet coastal waters, with deployments extending into the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and other strategically important regions. The type was also exported to India, where it entered service with the Indian Navy in 1977 and provided long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine capabilities for decades. Indian aircraft were later extensively modernized as the Il-38SD before the type was retired from Indian service in 2023.

Unlike many Soviet aircraft introduced during the 1960s, the Il-38 survived the end of the Cold War and continued serving with Russian Naval Aviation. Modernized Il-38N aircraft received improved sensors and mission systems, extending the usefulness of the basic design well into the 21st century. Its longevity makes the NATO-designated “Dolphin” an important link between Cold War Soviet anti-submarine operations and modern Russian maritime patrol aviation.

Service Branch: Soviet Naval Aviation / Russian Naval Aviation; Indian Navy
Soviet/Russian Service: 1967–Present
Indian Service: 1977–2023
Number Built: 65

What’s Included:

• 12 1.5” square counter images
• 24 1” square counter images
• 35 .75” square counter images
• 40 .625” square counter images
• Numbered Images to assist with game organization and tracking
• Printable PDF format for personal gaming use

Each image size is contained on a ½ sheet.

• Enables users to save paper and print 2 types of aircraft on the same page.
• Print one set of aircraft images then reverse the page in the printer and print a second type of your choice on the same page.