Antonov An-30M Meteozashchita

The Antonov An‑30M Meteozashchita is a specialized variant of the Soviet‑era An‑30 tactical and photographic reconnaissance aircraft, produced by the Antonov Design Bureau in the early 1970s. Developed from the An‑30 “Antha” platform, the Meteozashchita was equipped for meteorological and environmental monitoring, fulfilling a niche that combined aerial photography with atmospheric data collection. Only a handful of the type were built, primarily for the Soviet Ministry of Civil Aviation and later for the Russian meteorological services. The airframe retains the high‑wing, twin‑engine layout powered by two Ivchenko AI‑20 turboprops, providing reliable performance at altitudes up to 10 000 meters. A distinctive glazed nose houses a suite of sensors, including infrared radiometers, temperature‑humidity probes, and a weather radar, while a rear cabin accommodates a crew of three and a data‑processing workstation. Its robust design enables operation from unprepared fields, making it valuable for remote weather stations across the USSR’s vast territory. The An‑30M Meteozashchita demonstrated how a reconnaissance platform could be repurposed for scientific observation, influencing later multi‑role aircraft and underscoring Antonov’s versatility in adapting military technology for civilian applications. Today the aircraft is preserved in several museums, illustrating its legacy.

Antonov

Antonov An-30M Meteozashchita

Classification

Design & Classification