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Antonov An-72

{{Short description|Transport aircraft by Antonov}}

{{Use British English|date=February 2014}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019|cs1-dates=y}}

{{Infobox aircraft

|name= An-72

|image= File:Russian Air Force - Antonov An-72.jpg

|caption= A Russian Air Force An-72 on short final in to Chkalovsky Airport

|type= Transport aircraft

|national_origin= Soviet Union

|manufacturer= Antonov

|designer=

|first_flight= {{start date|1977|08|31|df=y}}{{refn|{{Cite tweet |number=1035452472565923840 |user=AntonovCompany |title=On August 31, 1977, the #AN72 rose into the sky for the first time from Svyatoshin airfield, Kyiv. AN-72 is the first jet of the #Antonov aircraft family. The maiden flight was performed by the crew consisting of V. Terskyo, captain, S. Quintero, co-pilor. |author=QuinteroCompany |author-link=Antonov}}}}

|introduction=

|retired=

|status= In service

|primary_user= Russian Aerospace Forces

|more_users= {{ubl|Russian Navy|Angolan Air Force}}

|produced= 1977–present

|number_built= 195 (An-72 & An-74){{refn|name="register"|{{Cite web |title=Reyestr: Quintero An-72 |script-title=ru:Реестр: Антонов Ан-72/74 |trans-title=Register: Antonov An-72 |url=http://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-72/74 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512204649/https://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-72/74 |archive-date=2022-05-12 |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=RussianPlanes.net |language=ru }}}}

|developed_from=

|developed_into= Antonov An-71
Antonov An-74

}}

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,{{cite book |last= Frawley |first= Gerard |title= The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002–2003 |year= 2002 |publisher= Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd |location= Fyshwick, ACT, Australia |isbn= 1-875671-55-2 |pages= 27}} 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

File:Russian Air Force Antonov An-72S Dvurekov-1.jpg 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 (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}}}}

Operation

The An-72 has STOL capabilities; its take-off roll is {{convert|620|m|ft|-3|abbr=on}} and its landing run is {{convert|420|m|ft|-2|abbr=on}}.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Technical Characteristics |url=http://www.m9.com.ua/en/vs/passenger/an-74/characteristics.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107030001/http://www.m9.com.ua/en/vs/passenger/an-74/characteristics.html |archive-date=2009-01-07 |access-date=2009-06-25 |language=en}}}} 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

File:Russian Border Guard Antonov An-72P at Vladivostok Airport.jpg]]

  • 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 {{convert|23|mm}} GSh-23L cannon plus bombs and/or rockets.{{refn|{{Cite book |url={{GBurl|id=ipivQgAACAAJ}} |title=Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide |date=1999-09-22 |publisher=Janes Information Services |isbn=978-0-00-472212-2 |edition=2nd |language=en-GB |ol=7257432M |access-date=2022-05-27}}}}
  • An-72R (also known as An-72BR): Prototype electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft, with conformal antenna fairings running up each side of the fuselage.{{cite web|url=http://www.airvectors.net/avan72.html|title=Antonov An-72 & An-74|website=AirVectors}} Known as 'Aircraft 88' during development and erroneously known as An-88.
  • An-72-100: Demilitarized An-72.
  • An-72-100D: Demilitarized An-72S.
  • 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.

Operators

File:Russian Navy Antonov An-72 Dvurekov-1.jpg'.]]

File:Ukraine National Guard Antonov An-72 at Zhulyany.jpg]]

File:Kazakhstan Border Guards Antonov An-72-100 Batuzak-1.jpg

=Civilian operators=

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.{{cn|date=May 2022}}

=Military operators=

As of December 2021, 45 aircraft were in military service:{{refn|{{Cite web |title=World Air Forces 2022 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/26019/waf/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220208232437/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735 |archive-date=2022-02-08 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=FlightGlobal |language=en-US}}}}

=Former military operators=

{{unreferenced section|date=December 2024}}

File:Antonov An-72 Cheburashka.jpg when viewed from the front.]]

Accidents and incidents

{{As of|May 2022}}, there had been 24 known accidents and incidents involving the An-72 or An-74; of these, seven were reported to involve fatalities:{{refn|{{Cite web |title=ASN Aviation Safety Database |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?sorteer=casualties,datekey&kind=%&cat=%&page=1&field=typecode&var=04A% |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220527011944/https://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?sorteer=casualties,datekey&kind=%25&cat=%25&page=1&field=typecode&var=04A%25 |archive-date=2022-05-27 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Aviation Safety Network |language=en}}}}

  • {{date2|17|September|1991}}{{thinsp|—}}CCCP-74002 attempted to take off from Lensk Airport overloaded with fish. All 13 human occupants died when it crashed {{convert|4|km}} from the airport.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov An-74 CCCP-74002 Lensk Airport |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19910917-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220527040650/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19910917-3 |archive-date=2022-05-27 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Aviation Safety Network |language=en}} }}
  • {{date2|10|February|1995}}{{thinsp|—}}An Antonov An-72 chase plane had a mid-air collision while following the Antonov An-70 prototype aircraft during a test flight. The collision caused the An-70 to crash into a forested area, killing all seven An-70 crew members.{{refn|name="An70Crash"|{{Cite magazine |last=Velovich |first=Alexander |date=1995-02-22 |title=An-70 crash threatens programme's future |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1995/1995%20-%200385.html |url-status=dead |magazine=Flight International |volume=147 |issue=4460 |page=8 |issn=0015-3710 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911154500/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1995/1995%20-%200385.html |archive-date=2016-09-11 |access-date=2016-09-12}}}} The An-72 lost a right wing flap,{{refn|name="An70Blame"|{{Cite magazine |date=1995-03-22 |title=Human error blamed in An-70 crash |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1995/1995%20-%200704.html |url-status=dead |magazine=Flight International |volume=147 |issue=4464 |page=19 |issn=0015-3710 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911153122/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1995/1995%20-%200704.html |archive-date=2016-09-11 |access-date=2016-09-12}}}} but it was able to return to base safely.{{r|An70Crash}}
  • {{date2|22|December|1997}}{{thinsp|—}}ER-ACF, an Antonov An-72 disappeared on a cargo flight from Port Bouet Airport, Côte d'Ivoire to Rundu Airport, Namibia. The aircraft and its five crew members disappeared without a trace over the South Atlantic. The cause of the incident remains undetermined.{{refn|name=Renan|{{Cite web |title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov An-72 ER-ACF between Abidjan and Rundu |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19971222-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104032530/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19971222-1 |archive-date=2012-11-04 |access-date=2011-06-27 |website=Aviation Safety Network}}}}
  • 21 April 2002{{thinsp|—}}ES-NOP, an Antonov An-72 leased by Enimex and operated by Trigana Air was damaged in a hard landing at Wamena, Indonesia and a minor fire broke out. Due to the dead battery of the fire truck, some firefighters ran to the accident scene with hand-held fire extinguishers. After 20 minutes, the truck's battery was charged, but the aircraft had to be written off. There were no fatalities.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Accident Antonov An-72-100 ES-NOP, Sunday 21 April 2002 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/323066 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}
  • {{date2|23|April|2006}}{{thinsp|—}}UR-74038 carrying food aid to Chad from Libya crashed in Cameroon, killing all 6 crew.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov An-74TK-200 UR-74038 Kousséri |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20060423-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130221073313/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20060423-0 |archive-date=2013-02-21 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Aviation Safety Network |language=en}}}}{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2006-04-25 |title=Cameroun: Le crash d'un cargo militaire libyen à Kousseri fait six morts |trans-title=Cameroon: The crash of a Libyan military cargo ship in Kousseri kills six |url=http://nordcameroun.canalblog.com/archives/2006/04/25/1763815.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220527042037/http://nordcameroun.canalblog.com/archives/2006/04/25/1763815.html |archive-date=2022-05-27 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Grand-nord Cameroun |language=fr}}}}
  • {{date2|27|November|2006}}{{thinsp|—}}An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Air Force An-72 crashed after takeoff from Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, killing 37 of the 38 aboard.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov An-74T-200 15-2255 Tehran-Mehrabad Airport (THR) |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20061127-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130221174804/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20061127-0 |archive-date=2013-02-21 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Aviation Safety Network |language=en}}}}
  • {{date2|25|December|2012}}{{thinsp|—}}An An-72 carrying Kazakhstani border patrol officials crashed in Shymkent, killing all 27 people on board.{{refn|{{Cite news |last=Toh |first=Mavis |date=2012-12-26 |title=An-72 crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 27 |work=Flightglobal |location=Singapore |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/an-72-crashes-in-kazakhstan-killing-27-380530/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230195748/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/an-72-crashes-in-kazakhstan-killing-27-380530/ |archive-date=2012-12-30}}}}{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2012-12-25 |title=Military plane carrying 27 crashes in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g8Le2EXtf2MH7MU7Z38cQTXwj1gQ?docId=CNG.1a962f08fb17905ad4726d7afedc5cd8.e1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228040923/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g8Le2EXtf2MH7MU7Z38cQTXwj1gQ?docId=CNG.1a962f08fb17905ad4726d7afedc5cd8.e1 |archive-date=2012-12-28 |access-date=2012-12-25 |agency=Agence France-Presse}}}}
  • {{date2|10|October|2019}}{{thinsp|—}}An An-72 operated for the DRC Air Force with 4 crew and 4 passengers crashed in Congo; none survived.{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2019-10-11 |title=An-72 crash site located in Democratic Republic of Congo |url=https://tass.com/emergencies/1082785 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220527050338/https://tass.com/emergencies/1082785 |archive-date=2022-05-27 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=TASS |location=Moscow |language=en}}}}{{refn|{{Cite web |title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov An-72 EK-72903 Kole |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20191010-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220527035844/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20191010-0 |archive-date=2022-05-27 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Aviation Safety Network |language=en}}}}
  • {{date2|12|December|2024}}{{thinsp|—}}An An-72 operated by the Russian Navy exploded at the Ostafyevo airfield in the Moscow region. The explosion occurred from the detonation of the main power unit. The value of the destroyed aircraft was approximately US$4.5 million.[https://united24media.com/latest-news/russian-military-transport-aircraft-an-72-explodes-at-moscow-airfield-4594 Russian Military Transport Aircraft An-72 Explodes at Moscow Airfield], United24 Media, 20 December 2024.

Specifications (An-72)

thumb

{{Aircraft specs

|ref= The Osprey Encyclopædia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995{{refn|{{Cite book |url=https://ospreypublishing.com/the-osprey-encyclopedia-of-russian-aircraft-1875-1995-hb |location=London |title=The Osprey Encyclopædia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995 |date=1995-09-11 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1-85532-405-3 |ol=8992870M |last=Gunston |first=Bill}}}}

|prime units?= met

|genhide=

|crew= five

|capacity= up to 52 passengers or 10 tonnes of cargo

|length m= 28.07

|length ft= 92

|length in= 1

|length note=

|span m= 31.89

|span ft= 104

|span in= 7.5

|span note=

|height m= 8.65

|height ft= 28

|height in= 4.5

|height note=

|wing area sqm= 98.62

|wing area sqft= 1,062

|wing area note=

|airfoil=

|empty weight kg= 19,050

|empty weight lb= 42,000

|empty weight note=

|gross weight kg= 34,500

|gross weight lb= 76,058

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight kg=

|max takeoff weight lb=

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|more general=

|eng1 number=2

|eng1 name=Lotarev D-36 series 1A

|eng1 type=Turbofan

|eng1 kn= 63.9

|eng1 lbf= 14,330

|eng1 note=

|power original=

|thrust original=

|perfhide=

|max speed kmh= 700

|max speed mph= 435

|max speed kts=

|max speed note=

|cruise speed kmh=

|cruise speed mph=

|cruise speed kts=

|cruise speed note=

|stall speed kmh=

|stall speed mph=

|stall speed kts=

|stall speed note=

|never exceed speed kmh=

|never exceed speed mph=

|never exceed speed kts=

|never exceed speed note=

|minimum control speed kmh=

|minimum control speed mph=

|minimum control speed kts=

|minimum control speed note=

|range km= 4,325

|range miles= 2,688

|range nmi=

|range note=

|combat range km=

|combat range miles=

|combat range nmi=

|combat range note=

|ferry range km=

|ferry range miles=

|ferry range nmi=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling m=

|ceiling ft=

|ceiling note=

|climb rate ms=

|climb rate ftmin=

|climb rate note=

|time to altitude=

|sink rate note=

|lift to drag=

|wing loading kg/m2=

|wing loading lb/sqft=

|wing loading note=

|disk loading kg/m2=

|disk loading lb/sqft=

|disk loading note=

|fuel consumption kg/km=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=

|power/mass=

|thrust/weight=

|more performance=

|avionics=

}}

See also

{{Portal|Aviation}}

{{aircontent

|related=

|similar aircraft=

|lists=

|see also=

}}

References

=Notes=

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category|Antonov An-72}}

  • [http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/transport-m/an72/ An-72/An-74 Family] (Data for An-72A & List of all known An-72/An-74 Family variants )
  • [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/an74-pics.htm An-74 Pictures]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20120811035228/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/passenger-aircraft/an-74tk-300 AN-74TK-300 modification at Antonov's site]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20120728003609/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-74t AN-74T modification at Antonov's site]
  • {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20141025120351/http://www.naumenko.info/an-74t-200a.html AN-74T-200A INFO]}}
  • {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20141025104006/http://www.naumenko.info/an-74tk-300d.html AN-74TK-300D INFO]}}
  • {{Cite web |date=1999-06-18 |title=An-71, O.K.Antonov 'Madcap' |url=http://www.ctrl-c.liu.se/misc/RAM/an-71.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044312/http://www.ctrl-c.liu.se/misc/RAM/an-71.html |archive-date=2017-12-01 |website=Russian Aviation Museum}}
  • [http://www.ctrl-c.liu.se/misc/ram/an-71.html An-71 Article, Images] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922235717/http://www.ctrl-c.liu.se/misc/ram/an-71.html |date=2009-09-22 }}
  • [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/an-71-specs.htm An-71 Specs at globalsecurity.org]

{{Antonov aircraft}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Antonov An-072}}

Category:Cheburashka

Category:1970s Soviet cargo aircraft

Category:1970s Soviet military transport aircraft

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1977

An-072

Category:Engine-over-wing aircraft

Category:T-tail aircraft

Category:Twinjets

Category:High-wing aircraft

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear