AN-2 Specifications & test flight article

Antonov An-2/3/4/6

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"General purpose utility biplane

Powerplant: An-2P - One 745kW (1 000hp) PZL Kalisz ASz-61 lR nine cylinder radial piston engine driving an AW-2 four blade variable pitch propeller.
Performance: An-2P - Max speed 258km/h (139kt) at 5740ft, economical cruising speed 185km/h (100kt). Max initial rate of climb 690fUmin. Range at 3280ft with a 500kg (1100lb) cargo 900km (485nm).

Weights: An-2P - Empty 3450kg (7605lb), MTOW 5500kg (12,125lb).

Dimensions: Upper wing span 18.18m (59ft 8in), lower 14.24m (46ft 9in), length (tail down) 12.40m (40ft 8in). Upper wing area 43.5m^2 (468.7sq ft), lower 28.0m^2 (301.2 sq ft).

Accommodation: Flightcrew of one or two pilots. Passenger accommodation for 12 at three abreast.

Armament: None, although some aircraft have been modified to carry a small bomb load.

Operators: An-2 - Operators include Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, Byelorussia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Georgia, Laos, Latvia, Mali, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam. Y-5 Albania, China, North Korea.

History: The An-2 was originally designed to a USSR M;Inistry of Agriculture and Forestry requirement, and as well as large scale civil use was adopted in significant numbers by air arms of numerous Soviet aligned countries for a multitude of utility roles.

First flown on August 31 1947, the An-2 entered production and service the following year. The unusual biplane configuration was chosen for its good takeoff performance, docile low speed handling and excellent climb rates, and the wings were fifted with leading edge slats and double slotted flaps, further improving performance, while power was supplied by a 745kW (1000hp) ASh-62 radial. Soviet production continued through until 1960, by which time a number of variants had been developed, including the base model An-2P, An-2S and -2M crop sprayers, An-2VA water bomber, An-2M floatplane and the An-2ZA high altitude meteorological research aircraft.

Production responsibility was transferred to Poland's PZL Mielec in 1960, with the first Polish An-2 flying on October 23 1960. Aside from the An-2P, Polish versions include the An-2PK VlP transport, An-2PR for TV relay work, An-2S ambulance, An-2TD paratroop transport, An-2P cargo/passenger version, An-2 Geofiz geophysical survey version, An2T utility and An-2TP passenger aircraft.

Chinese production as the Y-5 commenced with Nanchang in 1957, before being transferred to Shijiazhuang Aircraft. The main Chinese version is the standard Y-5N, while the latest development is the Y-5C paratroop carrier for the PLA-AF with distinctive wingtip vanes.

An Antonov turboprop powered version, the An-3, was developed in the late 1980s, but did not enter production.

ln military service the An-2 is used in a wide variety of missions including paratroop transport, special forces insertion, navigation trainer and general utility work.

Photo: A Croatian An-2. (MAP)"

(source: IDMA, 1998-1999, photos from a variety of online sources)

Antonov An-3/4

"Antonov An-4 is the design bureau designation for the An-227, a variant of the An-2 intended specifically for the role of high-altitude meterological research with a glazed position immediately in front of the tail fin for an observer. The ZA suffix stands for Zondirovanie Atmosfery, translatable as 'air sampling'.

The ASh-621R engine has a TK super-charger mounted on the starboard side of the cowling. This arrangement enables the An-4 to maintain power up to an altitude of 1000 rn (32,810 ft). The spinner of the An-2 standard model is deleted to aid engine cooling, and the original ailerons have been replaced by an unslotted variety.

The Antonov design office proposed a turboprop version of the An-2 as a new standard agricultural aeroplane for use mainly in the USSR and the countries of Eastern Europe. This model was the Soviet design bureau's response to the development in Poland of the WSK-PZL Mielec M-15 Belphegor agricultural aeroplane with a turloofan engine. The first plans for this turboprop-powered variant of the An-2 appeared in 1972, but the design became concrete only in 1979, when there appeared illustrations clearly revealing the existence of new An-3 prototypes. The only difference from the An-2 was the powerplant of one 701-kW (940-shp) Glushenkov TVD-10B turboprop."

(source: The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, p. 53)

An-2TP: a passenger / freight model based on the An-2TD. Photo by Paul Nann

An-2F: an experimental artillery-oservation model of 1948, with glazed fuselage mid-section, dorsal machine-gun position and twin vertical tail surfaces

An-2M: an advanced agricultural modification with air-conditioned cockpit, more efficient spray system, greater chemicals capacity (1960 liters), slightly lengthened fuselage and re-positioned landing gear.

An-2SKh: an agricultural version of An-2P (passazhiskij), with spray equipment and long-stroke main landing gear legs

An-2V: a twin-float model with shorter propeller blades. Photo by Valentin Grebnev

An-3:

Variants of An-2

An-2F

experimental artillery-oservation model of 1948, with glazed fuselage mid-section, dorsal machine-gun position and twin vertical tail surfaces.

An-2L

fire-fighting model equipped for the carriage of chemicals in glass containers under the wings and fuselage.

An-2P

basic passenger model ("P" stands for passazhirskij) for up to 12 passengers or 1240kg of freight.

An-2P

fire-fighting model of the An-2V (in this case "P" stands for protivopozharnij) developed in 1964 and able to carry 1240 liters of water in its floats.

An-2S

an agricultural version of An-2P (passazhiskij), with spray equipment and long-stroke main landing gear legs

An-2V

twin-float model with shorter propeller blades, "L" stands for Vodnij (Waterborne or Hydroplane)

An-2LV

a fire-fighting model with modified floats with hatch-type valves allowing rapid intake of 630 liters of water into each float. Entered service in 1969. "LV" stands for Lesnoj Vodnij (Forest Hydroplane).

An-2ZA

high-altitude metereological research model, with an extra cockpit forward of the fin for an observer to watch ice growth

Polish-built An-2 models

An-2 Geofiz

geophysical survey model

An-2M

twin-float version of the An-2T, similar to the An-2V

An-2P

yet another passenger variation with better soundproofing and improved propeller

An-2PK

five-seat executive model

An-2P-Photo

special model equipped for photogrammetric operations

An-2PR

television relay model

An-2R

specialized agricultural model introduced in 1964, with hermetic sealing of the cockpit, revised tail surfaces of greater area, a more advanced propeller, and a fiberglass container fo 1960 liters of chemicals or 1350 kg of fertiliser dust

An-2S

ambulance model, with fittings for six litters and medical attendants

An-2T

basic general-purpose model

An-2TD

paratroop model with tip-up seats for 12

An-2TP

passenger/freight model based on the An-2TD

Lala-1

experimental model of 1972, with rear fuselage/empennage replaced by twin booms and revised tail, allowing installation of a turbofan in the stump fuselage as development for the M-15 Belphegor agricultural aircraft

If you would like to see more photos on An-2, nothing can be easier. Just go to Alta Vista and type something like: "An-2 photos" and you will get hundreds of galleries with thousands of great photos of this remarkable aircraft. There is also a great number of web sites with detailed technical characteristics of An-2/3/4/6 and history of development.

"General purpose utility biplane
Powerplant: An-2P - One 745kW (1 000hp) PZL Kalisz ASz-61 lR nine cylinder radial piston engine driving an AW-2 four blade variable pitch propeller. Performance: An-2P - Max speed 258km/h (139kt) at 5740ft, economical cruising speed 185km/h (100kt). Max initial rate of climb 690fUmin. Range at 3280ft with a 500kg (1100lb) cargo 900km (485nm). Weights: An-2P - Empty 3450kg (7605lb), MTOW 5500kg (12,125lb). Dimensions: Upper wing span 18.18m (59ft 8in), lower 14.24m (46ft 9in), length (tail down) 12.40m (40ft 8in). Upper wing area 43.5m^2 (468.7sq ft), lower 28.0m^2 (301.2 sq ft). Accommodation: Flightcrew of one or two pilots. Passenger accommodation for 12 at three abreast. Armament: None, although some aircraft have been modified to carry a small bomb load. Operators: An-2 - Operators include Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, Byelorussia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Georgia, Laos, Latvia, Mali, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam. Y-5 Albania, China, North Korea. History: The An-2 was originally designed to a USSR M;Inistry of Agriculture and Forestry requirement, and as well as large scale civil use was adopted in significant numbers by air arms of numerous Soviet aligned countries for a multitude of utility roles. First flown on August 31 1947, the An-2 entered production and service the following year. The unusual biplane configuration was chosen for its good takeoff performance, docile low speed handling and excellent climb rates, and the wings were fifted with leading edge slats and double slotted flaps, further improving performance, while power was supplied by a 745kW (1000hp) ASh-62 radial. Soviet production continued through until 1960, by which time a number of variants had been developed, including the base model An-2P, An-2S and -2M crop sprayers, An-2VA water bomber, An-2M floatplane and the An-2ZA high altitude meteorological research aircraft. Production responsibility was transferred to Poland's PZL Mielec in 1960, with the first Polish An-2 flying on October 23 1960. Aside from the An-2P, Polish versions include the An-2PK VlP transport, An-2PR for TV relay work, An-2S ambulance, An-2TD paratroop transport, An-2P cargo/passenger version, An-2 Geofiz geophysical survey version, An2T utility and An-2TP passenger aircraft. Chinese production as the Y-5 commenced with Nanchang in 1957, before being transferred to Shijiazhuang Aircraft. The main Chinese version is the standard Y-5N, while the latest development is the Y-5C paratroop carrier for the PLA-AF with distinctive wingtip vanes. An Antonov turboprop powered version, the An-3, was developed in the late 1980s, but did not enter production. ln military service the An-2 is used in a wide variety of missions including paratroop transport, special forces insertion, navigation trainer and general utility work. Photo: A Croatian An-2. (MAP)" (source: IDMA, 1998-1999, photos from a variety of online sources) Antonov An-3/4 "Antonov An-4 is the design bureau designation for the An-227, a variant of the An-2 intended specifically for the role of high-altitude meterological research with a glazed position immediately in front of the tail fin for an observer. The ZA suffix stands for Zondirovanie Atmosfery, translatable as 'air sampling'. The ASh-621R engine has a TK super-charger mounted on the starboard side of the cowling. This arrangement enables the An-4 to maintain power up to an altitude of 1000 rn (32,810 ft). The spinner of the An-2 standard model is deleted to aid engine cooling, and the original ailerons have been replaced by an unslotted variety. The Antonov design office proposed a turboprop version of the An-2 as a new standard agricultural aeroplane for use mainly in the USSR and the countries of Eastern Europe. This model was the Soviet design bureau's response to the development in Poland of the WSK-PZL Mielec M-15 Belphegor agricultural aeroplane with a turloofan engine. The first plans for this turboprop-powered variant of the An-2 appeared in 1972, but the design became concrete only in 1979, when there appeared illustrations clearly revealing the existence of new An-3 prototypes. The only difference from the An-2 was the powerplant of one 701-kW (940-shp) Glushenkov TVD-10B turboprop." (source: The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, p. 53)	An-2TP: a passenger / freight model based on the An-2TD. Photo by Paul Nann An-2F: an experimental artillery-oservation model of 1948, with glazed fuselage mid-section, dorsal machine-gun position and twin vertical tail surfaces An-2M: an advanced agricultural modification with air-conditioned cockpit, more efficient spray system, greater chemicals capacity (1960 liters), slightly lengthened fuselage and re-positioned landing gear. An-2SKh: an agricultural version of An-2P (passazhiskij), with spray equipment and long-stroke main landing gear legs An-2V: a twin-float model with shorter propeller blades. Photo by Valentin Grebnev An-3:
Variants of An-2
An-2F
experimental artillery-oservation model of 1948, with glazed fuselage mid-section, dorsal machine-gun position and twin vertical tail surfaces.
An-2L
fire-fighting model equipped for the carriage of chemicals in glass containers under the wings and fuselage.
An-2P
basic passenger model ("P" stands for passazhirskij) for up to 12 passengers or 1240kg of freight.
An-2P
fire-fighting model of the An-2V (in this case "P" stands for protivopozharnij) developed in 1964 and able to carry 1240 liters of water in its floats.
An-2S
an agricultural version of An-2P (passazhiskij), with spray equipment and long-stroke main landing gear legs
An-2V
twin-float model with shorter propeller blades, "L" stands for Vodnij (Waterborne or Hydroplane)
An-2LV
a fire-fighting model with modified floats with hatch-type valves allowing rapid intake of 630 liters of water into each float. Entered service in 1969. "LV" stands for Lesnoj Vodnij (Forest Hydroplane).
An-2ZA
high-altitude metereological research model, with an extra cockpit forward of the fin for an observer to watch ice growth
Polish-built An-2 models
An-2 Geofiz
geophysical survey model
An-2M
twin-float version of the An-2T, similar to the An-2V
An-2P
yet another passenger variation with better soundproofing and improved propeller
An-2PK
five-seat executive model
An-2P-Photo
special model equipped for photogrammetric operations
An-2PR
television relay model
An-2R
specialized agricultural model introduced in 1964, with hermetic sealing of the cockpit, revised tail surfaces of greater area, a more advanced propeller, and a fiberglass container fo 1960 liters of chemicals or 1350 kg of fertiliser dust
An-2S
ambulance model, with fittings for six litters and medical attendants
An-2T
basic general-purpose model
An-2TD
paratroop model with tip-up seats for 12
An-2TP
passenger/freight model based on the An-2TD
Lala-1
experimental model of 1972, with rear fuselage/empennage replaced by twin booms and revised tail, allowing installation of a turbofan in the stump fuselage as development for the M-15 Belphegor agricultural aircraft
If you would like to see more photos on An-2, nothing can be easier. Just go to Alta Vista and type something like: "An-2 photos" and you will get hundreds of galleries with thousands of great photos of this remarkable aircraft. There is also a great number of web sites with detailed technical characteristics of An-2/3/4/6 and history of development.