German Antonov An-2
The Antonov An-2, affectionately known as the “Cock,” was a remarkable Soviet aircraft that played a pivotal role in the history of aviation. Designed by the legendary designer Sergei Antonov in the 1940s, the An-2 became an icon of both military and civilian aviation, serving in various roles for over five decades.
The An-2 was a fixed-wing, single-engine biplane designed for versatility and ease of maintenance. Its robust construction and straightforward design allowed for operations in challenging conditions, including rough terrain and limited infrastructure. The aircraft featured a powerful engine, enclosed cockpit, and a large cargo hold.
The An-2’s exceptional performance and versatility made it invaluable to developing nations. Its ability to operate in remote areas and carry vital supplies revolutionized transportation and agriculture. The aircraft’s legacy lives on in the numerous derivative models and its influence on subsequent aircraft design.
The An-2 is recognized as the most extensive single-engine biplane ever manufactured, produced in various countries including the former Soviet Union, Ukraine, Poland, and China. Powered by a robust 1,000-horsepower 9-cylinder Shvetsov ASH-62 radial engine, this remarkable biplane stands out for lacking a defined stall speed in its manual. Some pilots have successfully maneuvered the plane while flying at a mere 30 mph, showcasing its exceptional control capabilities.
Key features of Antonov An-2
What truly sets the Antonov An-2 apart from other aircraft is its unique characteristic of having no recorded stall speed in its operating handbook. This means that pilots have the incredible ability to maintain control of the biplane even at extremely low speeds, such as a mere 30 mph.
This remarkable feature highlights the exceptional maneuverability and stability of the Antonov An-2, making it a favorite among aviators worldwide.Overall, the Antonov An-2 is a testament to aviation innovation and engineering excellence. Its combination of size, power, and control features makes it a standout aircraft in the history of aviation, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and amaze aviation enthusiasts around the globe.
The An-2 aircraft showcased remarkable characteristics that contributed to its long service life. Its sturdy construction, impressive lifting capacity, and ability to operate from challenging runways were notable features. Production of the An-2 continued until 2001, and today, it remains in service with both military and civilian operators globally.
The most common variant is the An-2T, a 12-seat passenger aircraft. Across all versions (excluding the An-3 and An-2-100), power comes from a 750 kW (1,010 hp) nine-cylinder Shvetsov ASh-62 radial engine, derived from the Wright R-1820 engine. The An-2 typically consumes 2.5 L/min (0.66 US gal/min; 0.55 imp gal/min).
General ccharacteristics
Crew: 1–2
Capacity : 12 passengers / 2,140 kg (4,718 lb)
Length : 12.4 m (40 ft 8 in)
Upper wingspan :18.2 m (59 ft 9 in)
Lower wingspan : 14.2 m (46 ft 7 in)
Height : 4.1 m (13 ft 5 in)
Wing area: 71.52 m2 (769.8 sq ft)
Airfoil : TsAGI R-11 (14%)
Empty weight : 3,300 kg (7,275 lb)
Gross weight : 5,440 kg (11,993 lb)
Fuel capacity : 1,200 L (320 US gal; 260 imp gal)
Engine: 1 × Shvetsov ASh-62IR 9-cylinder air-cooled supercharged radial piston engine, 750 kW (1,010 hp)
Propollers: 4-bladed constant-speed propeller
PerformanceMaximum speed: 258 km/h (160 mph, 139 kn)
Cruise speed: 190 km/h (120 mph, 100 kn)
Stall speed: 50 km/h (31 mph, 27 kn)
circaRange: 845 km (525 mi, 456 nmi)
Service ceiling: 4,500 m (14,800 ft)
Rate of climb: 3.5 m/s (690 ft/min)
Power/mass: 0.136 kW/kg (0.083 hp/lb)
Fuel consumption: 185–200 L/h (49–53 gal/h; 41–44 imp gal/h)
