An-12P

The Antonov An‑12P is a Soviet‑era, four‑engine turboprop transport aircraft derived from the military An‑12 cargo plane and introduced in the early 1960s as a dedicated passenger version. Its first flight occurred on 24 December 1957, and the P (for “Passazhirsky”) variant entered service with Aeroflot and other Eastern Bloc airlines in 1963. Featuring a high‑mounted, all‑metal wing, a spacious 29‑meter fuselage, and rear‑ward loading doors, the An‑12P was equipped with four Ivchenko AI‑20D turboprop engines delivering 4,000 hp each, granting a cruising speed of 670 km/h and a range of roughly 3,600 km with a typical 80‑passenger load.

Key design strengths include robust landing gear suitable for unpaved runways, a pressurised cabin with climate control, and a simple, rugged airframe that tolerates harsh environments. The aircraft’s versatility made it a workhorse for both civilian routes across the Soviet Union’s vast territories and for humanitarian missions in remote regions.

Its significance lies in pioneering long‑range, high‑capacity turboprop transport in the Cold War era, influencing later designs such as the An‑124 and cementing Antonov’s reputation for reliable, field‑ready airliners that continue to serve limited cargo and passenger roles in several countries today.

Antonov

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Design & Classification