Antonov
Antonov An-140
The Antonov An‑140 is a twin‑engine turboprop transport aircraft developed in the late 1980s by the Ukrainian design bureau Antonov. Conceived as a modern replacement for the aging An‑24 series, the An‑140 made its first flight on 21 December 1995 and entered series production in 1997. The aircraft features a low‑wing configuration, a pressurised cabin capable of carrying up to 52 passengers or 7 000 kg of cargo, and is powered by two Ivchenko‑Progress AI‑JET engines delivering 2 610 shp each. Advanced avionics, including a glass cockpit and automated flight‑control systems, give it superior handling in adverse weather and on short, unpaved runways—a key advantage for regional operators in remote areas. Over 160 units were built for airlines, military and governmental users across Eastern Europe, the former Soviet republics, and several African nations. Its versatility, low operating costs, and ability to operate from austere airfields have made the An‑140 an important bridge between older Soviet transports and newer Western designs, demonstrating Antonov’s continued expertise in rugged, cost‑effective aircraft for challenging environments. A maritime‑patrol variant, equipped with surface‑search radar and acoustic detectors, demonstrated the airframe’s adaptability to surveillance and coastal‑security missions.
Classification
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 7200 metre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 36
- First Flight
- 1997
- Service Entry
- 1999