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Transport aircraft by Antonov From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Antonov An-72 (NATO reporting name: Coaler) is a Soviet transport aircraft, developed by Antonov. It was designed as a STOL transport and intended as a replacement for the Antonov An-26,[3] but variants have found success as commercial freighters.
| An-72 | |
|---|---|
| A Russian Air Force An-72 on short final in to Chkalovsky Airport | |
| General information | |
| Type | Transport aircraft |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Antonov |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Russian Aerospace Forces |
| Number built | 195 (An-72 & An-74)[1] |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1977–present |
| First flight | 31 August 1977[2] |
| Variants | Antonov An-74 |
| Developed into | Antonov An-71 |
The An-72 and the related An-74 get their nickname, Cheburashka, from the large engine intake ducts, which resemble the oversized ears of the popular Soviet animated character of the same name.
The An-72 first flew on 31 August 1977 and was likely developed as a response to the never-manufactured USAF Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) initiated ten years earlier.[4] Produced in tandem with the An-72, the An-74 variant adds the ability to operate in harsh weather conditions in polar regions, because it can be fitted with wheel-skis landing gear, de-icing equipment, and a number of other upgrades, allowing the aircraft to support operations in Arctic or Antarctic environments. Other An-72 versions include the An-72S VIP transport and An-72P maritime patrol aircraft.
Its first flight was made on 31 August 1977, but production started in the late 1980s. The powerplant used is the Lotarev D-36 turbofan engine.[5] The An-72 resembles the unsuccessful Boeing YC-14,[6] a prototype design from the early 1970s (design submitted to the United States Air Force in February 1972,[7]) which had also used overwing engines and the Coandă effect.
The rear fuselage of the aircraft has a hinged loading ramp with a rear fairing that slides backwards and up to clear the opening. Up to 7.5 tonnes (7.4 long tons; 8.3 short tons) can be airdropped while it has folding side seats for 52 passengers.
In 2018, six An-72 aircraft were reported to be upgraded for the Russian Aerospace Forces and Navy to carry more fuel and payload for Arctic operations.[8]
The An-72 has STOL capabilities; its take-off roll is 620 m (2,000 ft) and its landing run is 420 m (1,400 ft).[9] This aircraft was designed to be used on unprepared surfaces; its robust undercarriage and high-flotation tyres allow operations on sand, grass, or other unpaved surfaces.
In August 2006, in total, 51 An-72 and Antonov An-74 aircraft were in airline service. The major operators included Badr Airlines (three), and Shar Ink (eight). Some 17 other airlines operated this aircraft.[citation needed] Current civil operators:
As of December 2021, 45 aircraft are in military service:[12]
Armenia
Equatorial Guinea
Georgia
Libya
Moldova
Peru
Soviet Union
As of May 2022[update], there have been 24 known accidents and incidents involving the An-72 or An-74; of these, the following involved fatalities:[14]
Data from The Osprey Encyclopædia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995[26]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
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