virtually all russian/soviet cargo planes were initially designed for military use and were built according to the air force specs. It is well known that the military goes rather for well proven and reliable solutions where the cost factor is rather unimportant. If it works, it works. And it's improves redunancy, too. At least according to the army point of view.
Last edited by Charliedontsurf_83; 14th Feb 2015 at 18:43.