December 21, 1988 the plane took off for the first flight AN-225 Mriya, the flying giant, one of the largest aircraft in the world. Twenty-five years have passed since then, and this time the Antonov design bureau has created more than one new aircraft. This review is about the glorious future of the legendary airline, as well as the present and the past. We present you with a dozen the best planes under the AN brand: from oldest to newest.
AN-2. Legendary "Corn"
The first aircraft produced by the design bureau of Oleg Antonov under the AN's own brand was the AN-2, which received the name "Corn" from the people. In the Soviet Union, Annushka (another informal name AN-2) was produced until 1971, in Poland - until 2002, and in China it is still being stamped. That's what a good design means!
AN-10. Ukraine
The AN-10 is the first AN-branded aircraft designed for passenger transportation. The medium-haul airliner, designed for flights from 500 to 2000 kilometers, was produced from 1957 to 1960, and was finally decommissioned in 1972.
AN-22. Antaeus
The first "big" aircraft from the Antonov Design Bureau. Designed for freight transport up to 8500 kilometers. Antey was also used for military purposes (it accommodates almost three hundred soldiers). The AN-22 was produced from 1966 to 1976, but some of its copies are still in operation today.
AN-24
The workhorse of civil aviation in more than a dozen countries around the world. This is probably the most popular passenger aircraft under the AN brand. A total of 1367 units of this aircraft were produced, and the design bureau subsequently modified this aircraft into newer versions: AN-26, AN-30, AN-32 and AN-34.
AN-72. Cheburashka
The AN-72 military transport aircraft received the affectionate name "Cheburashka" for the characteristic appearance of the engines that stand out against the background of the wings. In November 1983, Cheburashka broke the world record for maximum flight altitude, rising to 13,410 meters.
AN-124. Ruslan
A heavy long-range transport aircraft that was produced for twenty years - from 1984 to 2004. Ruslan was created, first of all, for the transportation of military equipment, including ballistic missiles. But now it is used for much more peaceful purposes, providing air transportation of oversized cargo. It is quite possible that AN-124 production will be restored in the near future.
AN-140
An airplane without a personal name, a modest hard worker, designed to transport passengers and goods over a distance of 3,700 kilometers. Produced in Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan and Iran.
AN-148
One of the most popular passenger aircraft developed by the Antonov design bureau. Its serial production began only in the mid-2000s, but already now it has won worldwide recognition. In total, more than 500 copies of this aircraft are expected to be produced.
AN-158
The newest brainchild of the Ukrainian design bureau, its pride and hope for the future. Launched into the skies in 2010, the AN-158 passenger aircraft is one of the most economical and reliable aircraft in its class worldwide. At the moment, only 4 such aircraft have been manufactured, but this is just the beginning.
AN-225. Mriya
Goliath among the planes. it largest existing aircraft in the world … The wingspan is 88.4 meters, which is close to the minimum length of a football field. And this giant is designed to transport not only bulky cargo, but also other aircraft, including the space shuttle Buran. Unfortunately, only one copy of the AN-225 was produced, the second has been unfinished for more than a decade on the territory of the Kiev Aviant plant.