Antonov An-72 Explained

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,[1] but variants have found success as commercial freighters.

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.

Design and development

The An-72 first flew on and was likely developed as a response to the never-manufactured USAF Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) initiated ten years earlier. 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, but production started in the late 1980s. The powerplant used is the Lotarev D-36 turbofan engine. The An-72 resembles the unsuccessful Boeing YC-14, a prototype design from the early 1970s (design submitted to the United States Air Force in February 1972,) 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 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.

Operation

The An-72 has STOL capabilities; its take-off roll is 620-3NaN-3 and its landing run is 420-2NaN-2. 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.

Variants

Operators

Civilian operators

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.Current civil operators:

Military operators

As of December 2021, 45 aircraft are in military service:

Former military operators

Accidents and incidents

, there have been 24 known accidents and incidents involving the An-72 or An-74; of these, the following involved fatalities:

References

Notes

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Frawley, Gerard . The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002–2003 . 2002 . Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd . Fyshwick, ACT, Australia . 1-875671-55-2 . 27.
  2. Web site: Antonov An-72 & An-74. AirVectors.
  3. Web site: Парад на честь 30-ї річниці незалежності України. Авіаційна частина параду - Авіамузей. aviamuseum.com.ua. 15 April 2023.