Zybin Z-25

The Zybin Z‑25, developed by the Soviet‑era design bureau OKB, entered its first flight in June 1974 and quickly became a hallmark of Cold‑War jet transport innovation. Conceived to replace the aging An‑12 series, the Z‑25 combined a high‑wing, all‑metal monoplane configuration with turboprop powerplants derived from the Klimov TV7-117 engine, delivering a maximum cruise speed of 720 km/h and a range of 4,800 km with a 12‑ton payload. Its spacious, pressurised cargo hold featured a rear ramp and modular pallets, allowing rapid reconfiguration for troops, vehicles, or humanitarian aid. Advanced avionics, including a digital flight‑control system and terrain‑following radar, gave the aircraft superior low‑level performance and all‑weather capability, while its reinforced landing gear permitted operations from unpaved runways. Over 250 units were produced before the programme ended in 1991, serving the Soviet Air Force, Warsaw‑bloc allies, and later civilian operators in remote regions. The Z‑25’s blend of versatility, ruggedness, and relatively low operating cost set a new standard for tactical airlifters, influencing subsequent designs such as the Ilyushin Il‑76 and Western platforms like the C‑130J. Its legacy endures in modern transport doctrines worldwide.

OKB

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification