Antonov An-72
Encyclopedia
NATO reporting name
NATO reporting names are classified code names for military equipment of the Eastern Bloc...
'Coaler') is a transport aircraft
Cargo aircraft
A cargo aircraft is a fixed-wing aircraft designed or converted for the carriage of goods, rather than passengers. They are usually devoid of passenger amenities, and generally feature one or more large doors for the loading and unloading of cargo...
developed by Antonov
Antonov
Antonov, or Antonov Aeronautical Scientist/Technical Complex , formerly the Antonov Design Bureau, is a Ukrainian aircraft manufacturing and services company with particular expertise in the field of very large aircraft construction. Antonov ASTC is a state-owned commercial company...
in the former Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
. It was designed as a STOL
STOL
STOL is an acronym for short take-off and landing, a term used to describe aircraft with very short runway requirements.-Definitions:There is no one accepted definition of STOL and many different definitions have been used by different authorities and nations at various times and for a myriad of...
transport and intended as a replacement for the Antonov An-26
Antonov An-26
The Antonov An-26 is a twin-engined turboprop military transport aircraft, designed and produced in the USSR from 12 March 1968.-Development:...
, but variants have found success as commercial freighters.
The An-72 gets its nickname, Cheburashka
Cheburashka
Cheburashka , also known as Topple in earlier English translations, is a character in children's literature, from a 1966 story by the Russian writer Eduard Uspensky. In Estonian the character is called Potsataja...
, from the large engine intake ducts, which resemble the oversized ears of the popular Soviet animated creature with the same name
Cheburashka
Cheburashka , also known as Topple in earlier English translations, is a character in children's literature, from a 1966 story by the Russian writer Eduard Uspensky. In Estonian the character is called Potsataja...
.
Design and development
The An-72 first flew on 22 December 1977. 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 gearLanding Gear
Landing Gear is Devin the Dude's fifth studio album. It was released on October 7, 2008. It was his first studio album since signing with the label Razor & Tie. It features a high-profile guest appearance from Snoop Dogg. As of October 30, 2008, the album has sold 18,906 copies.-Track...
, 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.
An unusual design feature of the An-72 and An-74 is the use of the Coandă effect
Coanda effect
The Coandă effect is the tendency of a fluid jet to be attracted to a nearby surface. The principle was named after Romanian aerodynamics pioneer Henri Coandă, who was the first to recognize the practical application of the phenomenon in aircraft development....
to improve STOL
STOL
STOL is an acronym for short take-off and landing, a term used to describe aircraft with very short runway requirements.-Definitions:There is no one accepted definition of STOL and many different definitions have been used by different authorities and nations at various times and for a myriad of...
performance, utilizing engine exhaust gases blown over the wing's upper surface to boost lift. The first flight was made on August 31, 1977, but it was only in the 1980s that production started. The power plant used is the Lotarev D-36 turbofan
Turbofan
The turbofan is a type of airbreathing jet engine that is widely used for aircraft propulsion. A turbofan combines two types of engines, the turbo portion which is a conventional gas turbine engine, and the fan, a propeller-like ducted fan...
engine. The An-72 bears a resemblance to the Boeing YC-14
Boeing YC-14
The Boeing YC-14 was a twin-engine short take-off and landing tactical transport. It was Boeing's entrant into the United States Air Force's Advanced Medium STOL Transport competition, which aimed to replace the Lockheed C-130 Hercules as the USAF's standard STOL tactical transport...
, a prototype design from the early 1970s which had also used overwing engines and the Coandă effect.
The rear fuselage of the aircraft has a hinged loading ramp
Ramp
- Science and technology :* Inclined plane, a simple machine* Wheelchair ramp, an alternative to stairs* Ramp function, in mathematics the integral of the unit step function* Receptor activity-modifying protein , a class of protein...
with a rear fairing that slides backwards and up to clear the opening. Up to 7.5 tons can be airdropped whilst there are folding side seats for 52 passengers.
The price for a new built An-74 in 2006 is quoted as being $17–20 million.
Operational history
Three prototypes of the An-71 AEW aircraft were built and tested but were rejected in favour of the Yak-44. The An-71 had a rotodome supported on top of a swept forward fin and operators stations for six as well as mission electronics in the cargo hold. There are some reports that the aircraft was fitted with an RD-38A Lift-fan to improve the STOL performance, but this is unconfirmed by reliable sources.The An-72 has remarkable STOL capabilities. Like many other Soviet-built aircraft, this aircraft was designed to operate on rugged airfields, its powerful undercarriage
Undercarriage
The undercarriage or landing gear in aviation, is the structure that supports an aircraft on the ground and allows it to taxi, takeoff and land...
dealing well with sand
Sand
Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles.The composition of sand is highly variable, depending on the local rock sources and conditions, but the most common constituent of sand in inland continental settings and non-tropical coastal...
, grass
Grass
Grasses, or more technically graminoids, are monocotyledonous, usually herbaceous plants with narrow leaves growing from the base. They include the "true grasses", of the Poaceae family, as well as the sedges and the rushes . The true grasses include cereals, bamboo and the grasses of lawns ...
or other unpaved surfaces.
In January 1997 and 1998, the Paris-Dakar rally was assisted by two An-72 aircraft. In 1999, a total of four aircraft of this type joined the rally.
Variants
- An-72 'Coaler-A' – Pre production aircraft. Two flying prototypes, one static test airframe and eight pre-production machines.
- An-72A 'Coaler-C' – Initial production STOL transport with a longer fuselage and increased wing span.
- An-72AT – 'Coaler-C' – Freight version of the An-72A compatible with standard international shipping containers.
- An-72S – 'Coaler-C' – Executive VIPVIPVIP and V.I.P. is a three-letter acronym that may refer to:-In general:* Vacuum insulated panel* Values, Influence, and Peers, an anti-crime campaign in Ontario elementary schools* Variable Information Printing, a form of on-demand printing...
transport fitted with a galley in a front cabin, work and rest areas in a central cabin, and 24 armchairs in a rear cabin, can also be reconfigured for transporting freight or 38 passengers or as an air ambulance carrying eight stretchers.
- An-74 – Arctic/Antarctic support model with room for five crew, increased fuel capacity, larger radar in bulged nose radome, improved navigation equipment, better de-icing equipment, and can be fitted with wheel-skis landing gearLanding GearLanding Gear is Devin the Dude's fifth studio album. It was released on October 7, 2008. It was his first studio album since signing with the label Razor & Tie. It features a high-profile guest appearance from Snoop Dogg. As of October 30, 2008, the album has sold 18,906 copies.-Track...
.
- An-74A – Passenger or freighter model.
- An-74MP – Marine Patrol version. Can transport 44 soldiers, 22 para-troops, 16 stretchers with medical staff, or 10 tonnes of cargo.
- An-72P – Patrol aircraft. Armed with one 23 mm GSh-23L cannon plus bombs and/or rockets.
- An-74T – Freighter version equipped with an internal winch, roller equipment, and cargo mooring points, can also be fitted with static lines for paratroops or dropping air cargo.
- An-74T-100 – Variant of the An-74T fitted with a navigator station.
- An-74D
- An-74-100 - Variant of the An-74T fitted with a navigator station
- An-74-200 - Military transport based on the An-74T
- An-74TK – Convertible passenger/cargo model that can be equipped for up to 52 passengers, all cargo, or a mix of the two.
- An-74TK-100 – Variant of the An-74TK fitted with a navigator station.
- An-74TK-200 - Variant of the An-74TK configured for only two flight crew
- An-74TK-200C - Cargo variant of An-74TK-200
- An-74TK-300 – Upgraded model primarily for civil customers with more fuel efficient engines in a conventional underwing position, lacks the STOL capabilities of earlier models but is less expensive to operate.
- An-74T-200 – Military Transport aircraft
- An-74T-200A – Military Transport aircraft
- An-74TK-300 - An-74TK model primarily for civil customers with more fuel efficient engines on conventional underwing pylons that gives up the STOL capabilities of earlier models in favor of lower operating cost and higher speed, also incorporates improved avionics and passenger comfort features
- An-74TK-300D – An An-74 with engines fitted underneath the wings.
- An-74-400 – Proposed stretch model of the An-74TK-300 with a fuselage insert to extend length by 26 ft (8 m), also would be equipped with uprated engines.
Civil operators
In August 2006 a total of 51 Antonov An-72 and Antonov An-74 aircraft remain in airlineAirline
An airline provides air transport services for traveling passengers and freight. Airlines lease or own their aircraft with which to supply these services and may form partnerships or alliances with other airlines for mutual benefit...
service. Major operators include Badr Airlines
Badr Airlines
Badr Airlines is an airline based in Khartoum, Sudan. It operates cargo and passenger air services for humanitarian aid provided by UN MovCon, WFP, UNICEF, UNOPS, ESS, MSF, FAO and IRC, using aircraft and helicopters covering most areas of Sudan. BADR Airlines also is contracted by major Sudan Oil...
(3), Air Armenia
Air Armenia
Air Armenia cjsc is a cargo airline with its head office in Yerevan, Armenia. The airline was established in 2003 and started operations on 18 March 2003. It operates freight services to destinations in the CIS and Europe...
(3), Enimex
Enimex
Enimex is an airline based in Tallinn, Estonia. It operates cargo and passenger charter flights, and wet lease operations worldwide. Its main base is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport.-History:...
(5), Gazpromavia
Gazpromavia
Gazpromavia is an airline based in Moscow, Russia. It operates passenger and cargo charters, mainly in support of the oil and gas industry. It also operates regular domestic flights from Moscow and international charter passenger and cargo services.-History:The airline was established in March...
(12), and Shar Ink (8). Some 17 other airlines operate smaller numbers of the type.
- Air ArmeniaAir ArmeniaAir Armenia cjsc is a cargo airline with its head office in Yerevan, Armenia. The airline was established in 2003 and started operations on 18 March 2003. It operates freight services to destinations in the CIS and Europe...
- EnimexEnimexEnimex is an airline based in Tallinn, Estonia. It operates cargo and passenger charter flights, and wet lease operations worldwide. Its main base is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport.-History:...
- RAF-AviaRAF-AviaRAF-Avia is an airline based in Riga, Latvia. It operates cargo services for TNT, DHL and others, as well as transport for the military and the United Nations and passenger charters. Its main base is Riga International Airport .-History:...
- DartaAero Charter DARTAAero Jets DARTA is an air taxi company based in France. Having been founded in 1971 nowadays it functions as a group of the following companies: DartaTransports Aériens, AeroJets Darta, Escadrille Mercure and AA Aviation.- Fleet :...
- Air One
- GazpromaviaGazpromaviaGazpromavia is an airline based in Moscow, Russia. It operates passenger and cargo charters, mainly in support of the oil and gas industry. It also operates regular domestic flights from Moscow and international charter passenger and cargo services.-History:The airline was established in March...
- Yamal AirlinesYamal AirlinesYamal Airlines is an airline based in Salekhard, Russia. It operates regional passenger services and was established in 1997.-Destinations:As of May 2010 Yamal Airlines operates flights to the following: Armenia...
- AeroflotAeroflotOJSC AeroflotRussian Airlines , commonly known as Aeroflot , is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Russian Federation, based on passengers carried per year...
- Badr AirlinesBadr AirlinesBadr Airlines is an airline based in Khartoum, Sudan. It operates cargo and passenger air services for humanitarian aid provided by UN MovCon, WFP, UNICEF, UNOPS, ESS, MSF, FAO and IRC, using aircraft and helicopters covering most areas of Sudan. BADR Airlines also is contracted by major Sudan Oil...
- Motor Sich Airlines
- Antonov AirlinesAntonov AirlinesAntonov Airlines is a Ukrainian cargo airline. It operates international charter services in the world oversized cargo market. Its main base is Gostomel Airport near Kiev...
Military Operators
- National Air Force of Angola
- Egyptian Air ForceEgyptian Air ForceThe Egyptian Air Force, or EAF , is the aviation branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces. The EAF is headed by an Air Marshal . Currently, the commander of the Egyptian Air Force is Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez Mohamed...
– 9 (An-74T-200A) (4 more on order)
- Georgian Air ForceGeorgian Air ForceThe Georgian Air Force is the air arm of the Georgian Armed Forces. Currently, it has 2,971 military and civilian personnel, fixed wing aircraft , helicopters of different types and air defense missiles of the "surface-to-air" class. The Air Force was founded in 1991 in the wake of the break-up...
- Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps – 4 (An-74TK-200) 7 (An-74T-200)
- Libyan Air ForceLibyan Air ForceThe Libyan Air Force is the branch of the Libyan Armed Forces responsible for aerial warfare. In 2010, before the 2011 Libyan civil war, the Libyan Air Force personnel strength was estimated at 18,000, with an inventory of 374 combat capable aircraft operating from 13 military airbases in...
- Moldovan Air Force – 2
- Peruvian Air ForcePeruvian Air ForceThe Peruvian Air Force is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with defending the nation and its interests through the use of air power...
– 2 (operated until late 1990s and sold to civilian market)
- Russian Air ForceRussian Air ForceThe Russian Air Force is the air force of Russian Military. It is currently under the command of Colonel General Aleksandr Zelin. The Russian Navy has its own air arm, the Russian Naval Aviation, which is the former Soviet Aviatsiya Voyenno Morskogo Flota , or AV-MF).The Air Force was formed from...
- Ukrainian Air ForceUkrainian Air ForceThe Ukrainian Air Force is a part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian Air Force Command and headquarters are located in the city of Vinnytsia....
– 26
Notable accidents and incidents
- On 22 December 1997, ER-ACF, an Antonov An-72 disappeared on a cargo flight from Port Bouet AirportPort Bouet AirportPort Bouet Airport , also known as Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, is located 16 kilometres southeast of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.The airport was one of many hubs for multi-national airline Air Afrique.- Airlines and destinations:...
, Côte d'IvoireCôte d'IvoireThe Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
to Rundu AirportRundu AirportRundu Airport is an airport serving Rundu, the capital of the Kavango Region in Namibia. The airport is about southwest of the center of Rundu.- Facilities :...
, NamibiaNamibiaNamibia, officially the Republic of Namibia , is a country in southern Africa whose western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. It gained independence from South Africa on 21 March...
. The aircraft and five crew members disappeared without trace over the South Atlantic. The cause of the accident remains undetermined.
- On 27 November 2006, an IRGC Antonov An-74 crashed on take-off from Mehrabad International AirportMehrabad International AirportMehrabad International Airport is an airport that serves Tehran, Iran. It was the primary airport of Tehran in both international and domestic passenger traffic but has been replaced by Imam Khomeini International Airport in most of its international flights...
, killing 37 of 38 people on board. Only one passenger survived the crash.
Specifications (An-74)
See also
External links
- An-74TK-200 Technical characteristics
- An-72/An-74 Family ( Data for An-72A & List of all known An-72/An-74 Family variants )
- An-74 Pictures
- An-74TK-200 modification at KSAMC site
- An-74TK-300 modification at KSAMC site
- AN-74TK modification at Antonov's site
- AN-74T modification at Antonov's site
- http://www.ctrl-c.liu.se/misc/RAM/an-71.html
- An-71 Article, Images
- Specs at globalsecurity.org