Originally Posted by
ORAC
Only bomber tanking the old USSR did was the wingtip to wingtip on the Badger, IIRC the IL-86 is purely a tactical fighter-bomber tanker.
IL-86 is a civilian plane (for some 350 pax). Production stopped in 90's. Never saw, heard of, read about its tanker verison.
The main tanker is IL-78. In old days (until late 80's) there were quite some Myasischev 3M tankers (converted bombers).
As for "old blokes", their presence is easily explicable.
First, it's a sort of a resort trip. Thus, better give this bonus to elder guys, younger ones can wait :-)
Second, as there obviously are some socialising events with the locals during this mission, it's better to have experienced lads. They would not be confused to chat with local generals, can consume endless amount of hard drinks and not get drunk, can tell many stories, etc. :-)