Antonov
An-132
The Antonov An‑132 is a modernized, twin‑engine transport aircraft derived from the Soviet‑era An‑26 series. Development began in 2015 when Antonov, in partnership with Turkish aerospace firm Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), decided to replace the aging An‑26 fleet with a more efficient, Western‑powered version. The first prototype rolled out in 2020 and completed its maiden flight in May 2021, marking the first fully Turkish‑engineered An‑132 flight. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 turboprop engines, the aircraft delivers higher thrust, better fuel consumption and improved reliability compared with the original Ivchenko AI‑24 engines. The airframe retains the rugged high‑wing design, rear cargo door and short‑takeoff‑and‑landing capabilities that made the An‑26 popular in remote and austere environments, while the modern avionics suite, glass cockpit and enhanced payload handling system raise its operational versatility. With a maximum payload of 5,000 kg and a range of roughly 2,500 km, the An‑132 serves both military and civilian roles, including troop transport, medical evacuation and parachute deployment. Its introduction demonstrates Antonov’s strategy of blending proven airframe heritage with contemporary technology, reinforcing the aircraft’s relevance in regional airlift and supporting the renewal of Eastern‑European logistical fleets.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
- First Flight
- 2017