Editing Antonov An-72 (section)

==Design and development==
[[File:Russian Air Force Antonov An-72S Dvurekov-1.jpg|thumb|An unusual design feature of the An-72 is the use of the [[Coandă effect]] to improve [[STOL]] performance, using engine exhaust gases blown over the wing's upper surface to boost lift.]]

The An-72 first flew on {{date2|31|August|1977}} and was likely developed as a response to the never-manufactured USAF Advanced Medium STOL Transport [[Advanced_Medium_STOL_Transport|(AMST)]] initiated ten years earlier.{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2011-07-09 |title=An-72 Coaler (Antonov) |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/an-72.htm |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220527002141/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/an-72.htm |archive-date=2022-05-27 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=[[GlobalSecurity.org]] |language=en-US}}}} 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 {{date2|31|August|1977}}, but production started in the late 1980s. The powerplant used is the [[Lotarev D-36]] [[turbofan]] engine.{{refn|{{Cite news |last=Penney |first=Stewart |date=1999-08-04 |title=Military Aircraft Directory Part 1 |language=en-GB |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]] |location=[[London]] |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/military-aircraft-directory-part-1/27923.article |url-status=live |access-date=2022-05-27 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220527000157/https://www.flightglobal.com/military-aircraft-directory-part-1/27923.article |archive-date=2022-05-27}}}} The An-72 resembles the unsuccessful [[Boeing YC-14]],{{refn|{{Cite magazine |last=Sweetman |first=Bill |date=1978-01-21 |title=New Stol freighter unveiled |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1978/1978%20-%200107.html |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Flight International]] |language=en-GB |page=163 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201220106/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1978/1978%20-%200107.html |archive-date=2014-02-01 |access-date=2022-05-27}}}} a prototype design from the early 1970s (design submitted to the [[United States Air Force]] in February 1972,{{refn|{{Cite web |title=1975 - 0194 - Flight Archive |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%200194.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127040456/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%200194.html |archive-date=2015-11-27 |access-date=2015-11-26}}}}) 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 {{convert|7.5|t}} 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.{{refn|{{Cite magazine |date=2018-06-08 |title=Russia upgrading An-72 airlifters for Artic operations |url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2018/june/4326-russia-upgrading-an-72-airlifters-for-artic-operations.html |url-status=live |magazine=Air Recognition |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140800/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2018/june/4326-russia-upgrading-an-72-airlifters-for-artic-operations.html |archive-date=2018-06-12 |access-date=2018-06-10}}}}