An-12B

The Antonov An‑12B is a four‑engine turboprop transport aircraft developed in the Soviet Union during the late 1950s. Derived from the earlier An‑12 series, the B variant entered production in 1963 and was built until 1976, with a total of 326 units delivered to both military and civilian operators. Powered by four Ivchenko AI‑20M turboprop engines delivering 4,000 hp each, the An‑12B can cruise at 660 km/h and carry up to 20 000 kg of cargo across a range of 3 000 km. Its high‑wing layout, reinforced cargo floor, and built‑in rear loading ramp enable rapid loading of oversized loads, vehicles, and parachute airdrops. The aircraft’s robust landing gear tolerates operations from unpaved runways, making it a workhorse in remote and austere environments. Throughout the Cold War the An‑12B served the Soviet Air Force, Eastern‑bloc allies, and numerous civilian airlines, proving reliable in both tactical transport and humanitarian missions. Its versatility influenced later designs such as the An‑26 and the modern An‑148, and it remains in limited service today, symbolising the durability and adaptability of Soviet‑era aerospace engineering. Modern operators have upgraded the avionics with GPS navigation and digital flight displays, extending its service life well into the 21st century.

Antonov

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