May 21 / Antonov An-26 first flight
First Flight 21 May 1969
Antonov An-26
The Antonov An-26 is a twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s by the Antonov Design Bureau. It was designed as a replacement for the ageing An-24 transport aircraft and was intended for use in both military and civilian roles. The An-26 has been widely used by air forces and airlines around the world for cargo transport, troop transport, medical evacuation, and other missions.
Development of the An-26 began in the early 1960s, with the first prototype making its maiden flight on May 21, 1969. The aircraft was based on the An-24 but featured a redesigned fuselage with a larger cargo hold and improved performance characteristics. It was also equipped with more powerful engines and a rear loading ramp for easy access to the cargo compartment.
The An-26 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in the early 1970s and quickly proved to be a reliable and versatile transport aircraft. It was used for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, cargo transport, paratroop drops, and medical evacuation. The aircraft’s rugged design and ability to operate from unprepared airstrips made it well-suited for military operations in remote and austere environments.
In addition to its military role, the An-26 was also used by civilian airlines for passenger and cargo transport. It was particularly popular in the Soviet Union and its satellite states, where it served as a workhorse for domestic and regional routes. The aircraft’s simple and robust design, coupled with its low operating costs, made it a popular choice for operators in developing countries.
Over the years, the An-26 has undergone several upgrades and variants, including the An-26B, An-26T, and An-26-100. These variants featured improved avionics, engines, and cargo handling systems, further enhancing the aircraft’s capabilities and performance.
The An-26 has served in numerous conflicts and humanitarian missions around the world, including in Afghanistan, Africa, and the Balkans. It has proven to be a reliable and versatile aircraft capable of operating in challenging conditions and fulfilling a wide range of mission requirements.
As of today, the An-26 remains in service with several air forces and civilian operators worldwide, a testament to its enduring popularity and utility as a medium-range transport aircraft. Despite its age, the An-26 continues to be an important asset for military and civilian operators, providing essential airlift capabilities in a variety of roles.
An-26 Facts
The Antonov An-26 is a twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s by the Antonov Design Bureau.
The An-26 is powered by two Ivchenko AI-24VT turboprop engines, each producing around 2,100 shaft horsepower, allowing the aircraft to achieve a maximum speed of approximately 440 km/h (273 mph).
The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of around 24,000 kilograms (53,000 pounds) and a payload capacity of up to 5,500 kilograms (12,000 pounds).
The An-26 has a range of approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) and a service ceiling of 7,500 meters (24,600 feet).
The aircraft features a rear loading ramp and cargo door, allowing for easy loading and unloading of troops, vehicles, and cargo.
The An-26 is capable of operating from unpaved and short airstrips, making it well-suited for operations in remote and austere environments.
The aircraft can accommodate up to 40 passengers or 24 stretchers for medical evacuation missions.
The An-26 has been used by air forces and civilian operators in over 40 countries around the world, serving in a variety of roles, including troop transport, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and humanitarian missions.
The aircraft has been involved in numerous conflicts and humanitarian missions, including in Afghanistan, Africa, and the Balkans, demonstrating its reliability and versatility in challenging environments.
Despite its age, the Antonov An-26 remains in service with several air forces and civilian operators worldwide, highlighting its enduring popularity and utility as a medium-range transport aircraft.
