OKB
I-212
The I‑212, developed by the Soviet design bureau OKB in the early 1960s, was a pioneering twin‑engine jet transport that marked a transition between conventional prop‑driven airliners and modern jetliners. Work began in 1961 under the direction of chief engineer Nikolai Petrov, aiming to create a high‑speed, short‑haul aircraft capable of operating from austere regional airports. The prototype first flew on 12 July 1964 and entered limited service with Aeroflot’s regional fleet in 1967, where it proved especially useful on routes across the Siberian expanse.
Key features included a pressurised fuselage of 28 m length, a low‑wing configuration, and two Kuznetsov NK‑6 turbo‑jets mounted on the rear fuselage. The aircraft could accommodate up to 80 passengers, offered a maximum cruising speed of 820 km/h, and possessed a range of 2 300 km, allowing nonstop flights between most secondary cities. Its robust landing gear and high‑lift devices enabled operation from grass or gravel strips, a capability rarely seen in jet transports of the era.
The I‑212’s significance lies in its demonstration that jet propulsion could be reliably applied to short‑range, low‑infrastructure routes. It paved the way for later regional jets such as the Yak‑40 and set a design precedent for rugged, versatile airliners in harsh environments.
Key features included a pressurised fuselage of 28 m length, a low‑wing configuration, and two Kuznetsov NK‑6 turbo‑jets mounted on the rear fuselage. The aircraft could accommodate up to 80 passengers, offered a maximum cruising speed of 820 km/h, and possessed a range of 2 300 km, allowing nonstop flights between most secondary cities. Its robust landing gear and high‑lift devices enabled operation from grass or gravel strips, a capability rarely seen in jet transports of the era.
The I‑212’s significance lies in its demonstration that jet propulsion could be reliably applied to short‑range, low‑infrastructure routes. It paved the way for later regional jets such as the Yak‑40 and set a design precedent for rugged, versatile airliners in harsh environments.