Antonov An-12

The Antonov An‑12 is a Soviet‑designed four‑engine turboprop transport aircraft that first flew on 2 December 1957 and entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1959. Developed by the Antonov Design Bureau, it was conceived as a rugged counterpart to the American Lockheed C‑130 Hercules, capable of operating from unprepared fields, harsh climates and severe wartime conditions. The An‑12’s all‑metal high‑wing layout, retractable landing gear and twin‑tail configuration provide excellent stability, while its two Ivchenko AI‑20D turboprop engines each deliver roughly 4 000 shp, giving a maximum speed of 660 km/h and a range of 3 600 km with a payload of up to 20 t. Over 800 units were built in the USSR and later in the Ukrainian facilities, serving not only the Soviet military but also numerous civil operators, humanitarian missions and airborne firefighting units worldwide. Its versatility, durability and relatively simple maintenance have cemented the An‑12’s reputation as a workhorse of tactical airlift, influencing later Antonov designs such as the An‑26 and An‑32. The aircraft remains in limited service today, a testament to its lasting impact on both military and civil aviation logistics.

Antonov

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