August 21 / Antonov An-30 first flight
First Flight 21 August 1967
Antonov An-30 Clank
The Antonov An-30 is a specialized aircraft designed specifically for aerial cartography. It is based on the An-24 and features a new and extensively glazed fuselage nose that contains the navigator and a range of precise navigational equipment, including an optical sight for ensuring the accuracy of aerial photography. This allows the aircraft to capture high-quality images from above, making it an ideal platform for aerial surveying and mapping.
The An-24FK was the first version of the Antonov An-24 designed for aerial surveying. It was developed by the Beriev OKB and designated An-24FK, where FK stands for "fotokartograficheskiy," meaning photo mapping. The prototype was converted from a production An-24A at Beriev's No. 49 construction shop during 1966. The An-24FK made its first flight on August 21, 1967, with state acceptance trials completed in 1970 and civil certification completed in 1974.
The An-30 is equipped with advanced computer flight path control technology, which replaces the radar on the An-24. This technology enables accurate and repeatable survey flights, making it easier for the crew to capture high-quality images. The positioning of the new navigational equipment required the flight deck to be raised by 41 cm in comparison to the An-24, which gave the aircraft its unique and recognizable hump containing the cockpit.
In the first cabin aft of and below the flight deck, the radio operator and flight engineer were seated. The mission equipment was located further aft in a cabin featuring five camera windows in the floor. Each camera window could be closed with covers to protect the glass panels, which were located in special fairings protruding from the fuselage underside. This ensured that the cameras were protected from damage during flight.
During normal aerial photography, the An-30 carried four or five cameras. Three cameras were mounted vertically, which were intended for mapping purposes. The remaining two cameras were pointed at an angle of 28° on each side of the aircraft for oblique photography. The same fuselage compartment contained workstations for two camera operators and a crew rest area. The aircraft's cameras could be used between 2,000 and 7,000 m (6,500 and 23,000 ft), and the scale of the resultant photographs was between 1:200,000 and 1:15,000,000. This allowed for extremely detailed and accurate maps to be created.
The An-30 is powered by two Ivchenko AI-24VT turboprops with a takeoff rating of 2,820 ehp. Production of the An-30 began in 1971 at the Antonov factory. There were two main versions of the aircraft manufactured between 1971 and 1980 in Kiev, with a total of 123 production An-30s being manufactured. The An-30 is known for its reliable performance and exceptional capability in aerial cartography. Its advanced technology and precise navigational equipment make it an essential tool for mapping and surveying.
An-30 Facts
Specialized Role: The An-30 is a specialized aerial cartography aircraft, designed primarily for aerial surveying and mapping. It is based on the Antonov An-24 airframe but modified for its unique role.
Unique Nose Design: The An-30 features a distinctive glazed nose, which houses the navigator’s station and provides excellent visibility for aerial surveying tasks. This design sets it apart from other aircraft in the Antonov family.
First Flight: The An-30 made its first flight on August 21, 1967. It was developed during the Soviet era and has since been used extensively for various aerial surveying missions.
Camera Equipment: The aircraft is equipped with high-resolution aerial cameras and other specialized equipment for photogrammetry and topographic mapping. This allows it to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface.
Open Skies Treaty: The An-30 has been used by several countries, including Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria, for observation flights under the Open Skies Treaty. This treaty allows signatory countries to conduct unarmed observation flights over each other’s territories to promote transparency and mutual understanding.
Extended Range: The An-30 has a longer range compared to the An-24, thanks to additional fuel tanks installed in the wings. This allows it to cover larger areas during surveying missions.
Pressurized Cabin: Unlike many other aircraft designed for low-altitude operations, the An-30 features a pressurized cabin. This allows it to operate comfortably at higher altitudes when necessary.
Crew Composition: The typical crew for an An-30 includes a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, and several camera operators or survey specialists, depending on the mission requirements.
Versatile Use: In addition to aerial surveying, the An-30 has been used for a variety of other roles, including environmental monitoring, disaster assessment, and geological exploration.
Limited Production: Despite its specialized capabilities, the An-30 was produced in relatively limited numbers. Only about 120 units were built, making it a rare aircraft compared to other models in the Antonov lineup.
