Antonov An-71
Antonov · Soviet Union · first flew 1985 · transport aircraft
The Antonov An-71 was a Soviet airborne early warning aircraft developed in the 1980s, based on the An-74 transport airframe and fitted with a large dorsal rotodome for radar surveillance. It represented the Soviet Union's effort to field a smaller tactical AEW platform.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Large saucer-shaped radar dome mounted above rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet AEW aircraft based on An-74 with dorsal rotodome
- Three turbofan engines — two under wing and one at tail base
- Large saucer-shaped radar dome mounted above rear fuselage
Unmistakable due to the large circular rotodome above the rear fuselage, high-wing layout, T-tail, and triple-engine arrangement with engines in distinctive positions.
Specifications
- The Antonov An-71 has a length of 23.5 m (77 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 31.89 m (105 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 650 km/h (404 mph).
- Typical crew: 5-6.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1985, the An-71 was developed to provide AEW coverage to Soviet ground and naval forces without requiring the large Il-76 platform of the A-50. Only a small number of prototypes were built before the programme ended with the Soviet collapse.
Variants
Three prototype aircraft were constructed; no production series followed.
Where you'll see it
Operated only by Soviet evaluation units; the type never entered squadron service.
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