Antonov An-30R "Clank"

Antonov · Soviet Union · first flew 1974 · transport aircraft

The An-30R is a specialised radiation-sampling variant of the Antonov An-30 survey aircraft, equipped to collect atmospheric samples in the aftermath of nuclear events.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, straight
E — Engines2 × turboprop, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage24.26 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Shares the An-30 family's distinctive high-wing layout, twin turboprops, and glazed observation nose; the An-30R is distinguished by sampling pods and filters mounted on the fuselage and wings.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed during the Cold War to assess nuclear fallout and atmospheric contamination, the An-30R was equipped with air sampling pods and filters to collect radioactive particulates. The type was used by Soviet and later Russian forces in radiation monitoring missions.

Variants

The An-30 family includes the baseline survey aircraft, the An-30D extended-range version, the An-30M Meteozashchita weather modification variant, and the An-30R radiation sampler.

Where you'll see it

Operated by Soviet and Russian military aviation for nuclear fallout assessment and environmental monitoring, the type saw use in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.

Related aircraft

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