An-30R

The Antonov An‑30R is a specialized photographic and survey version of the An‑30 “Cossack” air‑reconnaissance aircraft, developed by the Ukrainian‑Soviet design bureau Antonov in the early 1970s. Built on the airframe of the An‑26 transport, the An‑30R first flew in 1971 and entered service with the Soviet Air Force and civilian agencies for aerial cartography, geological mapping, and environmental monitoring. A distinctive glazed nose cabin provides an unobstructed forward view for a crew of two photographers and a navigator, while a retract‑able, glass‑enclosed pod underneath the fuselage houses a suite of high‑resolution cameras, infrared scanners and later, digital sensors. Powered by two Ivchenko AI‑24 turboprop engines delivering 2,400 hp each, the aircraft can cruise at 450 km/h and operate at altitudes up to 8 000 m, granting ample coverage of large terrain blocks with precise geometric control. The An‑30R’s ability to conduct precise, repeatable aerial surveys contributed significantly to Soviet civil‑mapping programs, oil‑field exploration, and disaster‑assessment missions. Its robust design and versatile sensor packages set a benchmark for dedicated aerial‑survey platforms, influencing later purpose‑built reconnaissance aircraft and underscoring Antonov’s legacy in integrating transport reliability with specialized mission equipment.

Antonov

Classification

Design & Classification