August 31 / Antonov An-2 first flight
First Flight 31 August 1947
Antonov An-2
The Antonov An-2, which is also known by its NATO reporting name of Colt, is a highly versatile and durable single-engine biplane utility and agricultural aircraft that was designed and manufactured by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. The production of this aircraft started in 1947, and it quickly became one of the most popular and mass-produced aircraft of its time.
The An-2 was designed to serve as a utility aircraft that could be used in a variety of applications, including forestry and agriculture. However, the aircraft's basic airframe proved to be highly adaptable, and as a result, numerous variants of the An-2 were developed over the years. These variants included hopper-equipped versions for crop-dusting, scientific versions for atmospheric sampling, water-bombers for fighting forest fires, flying ambulances, float-equipped seaplane versions, and lightly armed combat versions for dropping paratroops.
Despite being over 70 years old, the An-2 has remained in service with military and civilian operators around the world. This is primarily due to its high lifting power, durability, and ability to take off and land from poor runways. The aircraft was produced up to 2001, and even today, it continues to be used in a wide range of applications, including transportation, cargo delivery, and humanitarian aid missions.
The most common version of the An-2 is the An-2T, which is a 12-seater passenger aircraft. All versions of the An-2, except for the An-3 and the An-2-100, are powered by a 750 kW (1,010 hp) nine-cylinder Shvetsov ASh-62 radial engine. This engine was developed from the Wright R-1820 and is known for its reliability and efficiency. The An-2 typically consumes around 2.5 L/min (0.66 US gal/min; 0.55 imp gal/min) of fuel, making it an economical and cost-effective option for a wide range of applications.
The Antonov An-2 was a Soviet-designed biplane that was developed to replace the Polikarpov Po-2, which was widely used for agricultural and utility roles. The design requirements for the An-2 were established by the Soviet Ministry of Forestry in the 1940s.
Antonov designed the An-2 as a large, all-metal biplane with an enclosed cockpit and a cabin that could seat up to twelve passengers. The initial prototype, designated SKh-1, first flew on August 31, 1947, powered by a Shvetsov ASh-21 radial engine. The second prototype was fitted with a more powerful Shvetsov ASh-62 engine, which allowed the aircraft's payload to be significantly increased from 1,300 to 2,140 kg (2,870 to 4,720 lb). This version was ordered into production.
The An-2 was initially produced in Kiev, Ukrainian SSR, at State Factory 473. By 1960, up to 5,000 units had been produced there. Later Soviet production of the An-2, especially the An-2M model, occurred at State Factory 464 in Dolgoprudniy, Russian SFSR. After 1960, most An-2s were manufactured at Poland's WSK factory in Mielec. It is believed that over 13,000 aircraft were built in Poland before manufacturing activity ceased in 1991.
Limited production of the An-2 continued until 2001, using remaining stocks of components, spares, and maintenance coverage. For example, a small batch of four aircraft was produced for Vietnam. China also produced the An-2 under license, known as the Shijiazhuang Y-5.
The An-2 is a versatile aircraft that has been used for a variety of purposes, including light utility transport, parachute drops, agricultural work, and other tasks that require a large, slow biplane. Its slow flight and good short field performance make it ideal for short, unimproved fields. Some specialized variants have also been built for cold weather and other extreme environments.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the An-2 had the longest production run of any aircraft, lasting for 45 years. During this time, it challenged the record of the much lighter, late-1920s origin Polikarpov Po-2 biplane that it was designed to replace. However, the An-2's record was eventually surpassed by the four-turboprop Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport, which has been in production since 1954.
An-2 Facts
First Flight: The An-2 made its maiden flight on August 31, 1947. It was designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Soviet Union and has since become one of the most-produced biplanes in history.
Massive Production Numbers: Over 18,000 units of the An-2 were built, making it one of the most widely produced biplanes ever. Production continued until the 1990s, with various countries manufacturing their own versions.
Versatile Roles: The An-2 was designed primarily as a utility aircraft and has been adapted for numerous roles, including agricultural spraying, cargo transport, passenger transport, and even as a light military transport.
STOL Capabilities: The An-2 is known for its exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from very short and unpaved airstrips. This feature makes it particularly useful in remote and rural areas.
Large Cargo Capacity: Despite its relatively small size, the An-2 can carry a payload of up to 1,200 kg (approximately 2,645 lbs). This makes it quite capable for various transport and agricultural applications.
Simple Design: The An-2 features a rugged and straightforward design, which contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance. Its construction includes a wooden frame covered in fabric, which is relatively easy to repair.
Unique Engine: The An-2 is typically powered by the Shvetsov ASh-62, a 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine that produces around 1,000 horsepower. This engine design is notable for its reliability and performance in various conditions.
Cultural Significance: The An-2 has become a cultural icon in many countries, particularly in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. It is often celebrated in aviation events and has a dedicated following among aviation enthusiasts.
Aerial Firefighting: Some An-2 aircraft have been modified for aerial firefighting, equipped with tanks for dropping water or fire retardant on wildfires. Its STOL capabilities make it effective for operating in rugged terrain.
Legacy: The An-2 remains in use in various parts of the world, even decades after its initial introduction. Its adaptability and reliability ensure that it continues to serve in agricultural, transport, and utility roles in many countries.
