Antonov An-72

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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,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> 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 developmentEdit

File:Russian Air Force Antonov An-72S Dvurekov-1.jpg
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 Template:Date2 and was likely developed as a response to the never-manufactured USAF Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) initiated ten years earlier.Template:Refn 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 Template:Date2, but production started in the late 1980s. The powerplant used is the Lotarev D-36 turbofan engine.Template:Refn The An-72 resembles the unsuccessful Boeing YC-14,Template:Refn a prototype design from the early 1970s (design submitted to the United States Air Force in February 1972,Template:Refn) 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 Template:Convert 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.Template:Refn

OperationEdit

The An-72 has STOL capabilities; its take-off roll is Template:Convert and its landing run is Template:Convert.Template:Refn 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.

VariantsEdit

  • An-71 "Madcap": Prototype AWACS aircraft developed from the An-72.
  • An-72 "Coaler-A": Preproduction aircraft. Two flying prototypes, one static test airframe and eight preproduction machines.
  • An-72A "Coaler-C": Initial production STOL transport with a longer fuselage and increased wingspan.
  • An-72AT – "Coaler-C": Freight version of the An-72A compatible with standard international shipping containers.
  • An-72S – "Coaler-C": Executive VIP 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-72P: Patrol aircraft. Armed with one Template:Convert GSh-23L cannon plus bombs and/or rockets.Template:Refn
  • An-72R (also known as An-72BR): Prototype electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft, with conformal antenna fairings running up each side of the fuselage.<ref name="AirVectors">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> Known as 'Aircraft 88' during development and erroneously known as An-88.

  • An-72-100: Demilitarized An-72.<ref name="AirVectors"/>
  • An-72-100D: Demilitarized An-72S.<ref name="AirVectors"/>
  • 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 gear.

OperatorsEdit

File:Russian Navy Antonov An-72 Dvurekov-1.jpg
A Russian Navy An-72 showing the front view that resembles 'Cheburashka'.
File:Kazakhstan Border Guards Antonov An-72-100 Batuzak-1.jpg
Kazakhstan Border Guard Antonov An-72-100

Civilian operatorsEdit

In August 2006, 51 An-72 and Antonov An-74 aircraft were in airline service. The major operators included Badr Airlines (three), and Shar Ink (eight). Motor Sich Airlines (one). Some 17 other airlines operated this aircraft.Template:Cn

Military operatorsEdit

As of December 2021, 45 aircraft were in military service:Template:Refn

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Former military operatorsEdit

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File:Antonov An-72 Cheburashka.jpg
The An-72 is said to resemble Cheburashka when viewed from the front.

Accidents and incidentsEdit

Template:As of, there had been 24 known accidents and incidents involving the An-72 or An-74; of these, seven were reported to involve fatalities:Template:Refn

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Specifications (An-72)Edit

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See alsoEdit

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ReferencesEdit

NotesEdit

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External linksEdit

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