IL-18 to Samjiyon
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On May 12, 2012 we flew on a chartered Air Koryo Ilyushin IL-18D from Pyongyang to Samjiyon.
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P-835 at a gloomy, damp Pyongyang, North-Korea.
By some the greatest Soviet airliner ever build. It was rugged, reliable and easy to maintain.
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Boarding the last passenger IL-18 in the world.
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IL-18D is the long range variant of the IL-18.
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The well maintained cabin of Air Koryo's Il-18.
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Inflight North-Korea.
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The good looking IL-18 flightdeck.
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Mind the pin on the captain's uniform!
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Man-made beauty!
Prestine Air Koryo IL-18 P-835 caught on camera at Samjiyon Airbase on May 18, 2012.
Amazing photo oppertunities on the ramp of Samjiyon Airbase just after our arrival.
Even in 2012 the number of active IL-18's were rapidly dwindling.
Superb classic IL-18 of Air Koryo. It was a great experience to fly on this aircraft.
P-835 is an impressive IL-18!
IL-18 P-835 sitting pretty at Samjiyon Airbase, North-Korea.
In its heyday the IL-18 was a peerless performer.
P-835 overnighting at Samjiyon.
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The IL-18 miniscule passenger doors appeared to have been designed for a submarine rather than for an aircraft.
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Powerful Ivchenko engines and Stoopino AV-68DM propellers.
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Main-gears chocked, P-835 takes a break between operations.
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Samjiyon control tower.
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The small Samjiyon terminal.
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Samjiyŏn is a city in Ryanggang Province, North Korea. It takes its name from three lakes in the city, which are collectively known as the Samjiyŏn. Samjiyŏn is situated near Mount Paektu, and tour groups fly to the city's airport to see the mountain, which holds significance in North Korean mythology.
Many houses and buildings in Samjiyŏn have been upgraded in recent decades, and many new buildings, including a recreational centre for youths, were finished in 2005. Popular activities in Samjiyŏn are skiing and various activities for schoolchildren, who use the surrounding area of Mt. Paektu for various scouting-like operations in conjunction with school-led vacations or outings.
In December 2019, Kim Jong-un opened a completed expansion of the existing township, described by state media as a "modern" city with residences and industrial parks.[2] The city was known as a county until the decision of an upgraded its status in December 2019. The modernization of Samjiyon City is to also help boost tourism to North Korea (DPRK).
Samjiyŏn is served by the Korean People's Air Force along with the national flag carrier Air Koryo which operates scheduled flights and charter services between Samjiyŏn and P'yŏngyang, Wŏnsan and Ch'ŏngjin. In 2005, the airport was closed due to major renovations, which were partially underwritten by the Hyundai corporation.
Many houses and buildings in Samjiyŏn have been upgraded in recent decades, and many new buildings, including a recreational centre for youths, were finished in 2005. Popular activities in Samjiyŏn are skiing and various activities for schoolchildren, who use the surrounding area of Mt. Paektu for various scouting-like operations in conjunction with school-led vacations or outings.
In December 2019, Kim Jong-un opened a completed expansion of the existing township, described by state media as a "modern" city with residences and industrial parks.[2] The city was known as a county until the decision of an upgraded its status in December 2019. The modernization of Samjiyon City is to also help boost tourism to North Korea (DPRK).
Samjiyŏn is served by the Korean People's Air Force along with the national flag carrier Air Koryo which operates scheduled flights and charter services between Samjiyŏn and P'yŏngyang, Wŏnsan and Ch'ŏngjin. In 2005, the airport was closed due to major renovations, which were partially underwritten by the Hyundai corporation.
P-835 at a sunny Samjiyon AFB.
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P-835 was built in March 1969 as an IL-18D.
Equipped with more powerful Ivchenko AI-20M turboprop engines. Seating increased to 122 passengers in an enlarged cabin gained by moving the aft pressure bulkhead rearwards by 1.64 m (5 ft) and equipped with an extra center section fuel tank for increased range.
The Il-18D is fitted with four 3,169 kW (4,250 shp) Ivchenko AI-20M turboprop engines.
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Air Koryo IL-18 P-835 waits for passengers at Samjiyon Airbase, May 2012.
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Back at Pyongyang.
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