The Antonov An-74 is a military transport aircraft that was developed by the Antonov Design Bureau in cooperation with six other countries. It is a variant of the An-72, and it has the nickname Cheburashka because of its large engine intake ducts that resemble the ears of a popular Soviet cartoon character.
The An-74 was designed to fly over long distances and to take off and land on short runways. It can operate in all weather conditions and can support scientific research operations in the Arctic and Antarctic regions2. It has a payload of 10,000 kg and can carry up to 52 passengers or various types of cargo. It has a maximum speed of 760 km/h and a range of 4,000 km with maximum fuel.
The An-74 made its first flight in 1979 and entered service in 1985. There are currently only four of these planes left in the world, and they are operated by the Ukrainian Air Force, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, and a private company called Shar Ink.
The An-74 is one of the most versatile and reliable aircraft in its class, and it has proven its capabilities in many challenging missions around the world.
General characteristics
- Crew: five (captain, first officer, navigator, flight engineer, loadmaster)
- Capacity: up to 52 passengers
- Length: 28.07 m (92 ft 1 in)
- Wingspan: 31.89 m (104 ft 7.5 in)
- Height: 8.65 m (28 ft 4.5 in)
- Wing area: 98.62 m2 (1,062 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 19,050 kg (42,000 lb)
- Gross weight: 34,500 kg (76,058 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Lotarev D-36 series 1A , 63.9 kN (14,330 lbf) thrust each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 700 km/h (435 mph, 378 kn)
- Cruise speed: 550 or 600 km/h (342 or 373 mph, 297 or 324 kn)
- Range: 4,325 km (2,688 mi, 2,336 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 10,100 m (33,136 ft)