Antonov AN-2

The An-2 aircraft was developed at Oleg Antonov’s design bureau (OKB) at the Novosibirsk plant. The first prototype took flight in Novosibirsk on August 31, 1947, under the designation SChA-1, powered by a 600 kW, seven-cylinder ASh-21 engine. During the testing phase—which concluded in July 1948—the aircraft was fitted with an ASh-61IR powerplant, producing 734 kW.

From the beginning, it was developed as a highly versatile economic aircraft for use primarily in forestry and agriculture. Thanks to its capabilities, it was used in many different fields of activity, from transporting people and cargo to military use (as transport and airborne). Its advantages include a short take-off and the possibility of operation from unpaved surfaces and in conditions with minimal technical equipment, with a relatively high transport capacity.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Specifications

Crew: 2
Capacity: 12 passengers
Wingspan: 18.18 m
Length: 12.74 m
Height: 4.00 m
Wing area: 71.6 m²
Empty weight: 3,450 kg
Max. takeoff weight: 5,500 kg
Powerplant: 1× Shvetsov ASh-62IR air-cooled nine-cylinder radial engine, with an output of 746 kW

Performance

Cruising speed: 185 km/h
Maximum speed: 310 km/h
Rate of climb: 3.5 m/s (at ground level)
Service ceiling: 4,000 m
Range: 900 km

More information

The aircraft were mass-produced in Kyiv from 1948 to 1960; at PZL Mielec in Poland from 1959 to 1991 (with a limited resumption of production in 2001); in the Moscow region of Russia starting in 1965; and in Harbin, China, from 1968.

They were also imported into Czechoslovakia, where they served in both the civil and military sectors.

Locally, they are known by the nickname "Andula," and they can still be seen flying at flying clubs today.

Although it has been predicted several times that production of the An-2 would end for good, news has always emerged regarding new production runs or fresh orders with future delivery dates.

Consequently, with certain modifications and occasional interruptions, the production of this aircraft type has continued for more than 75 years.