Antonov An-2
Antonov · Soviet Union · first flew 1947 · transport aircraft
The Antonov An-2 is the indestructible Soviet utility biplane, slow and immensely capable from rough strips and built in greater numbers and over a longer span than almost any aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large single-bay biplane layout, rare among modern aircraft
- Big nose-mounted radial and a tall rounded fin
- Fixed tailwheel gear and full-span slats for very slow flight
Unmistakable as a huge single-engine biplane in an age of monoplanes, the An-2 pairs a stout radial nose with broad strutted wings and a tall tail. Its boxy fuselage, fixed taildragger gear and ability to almost hover into wind set it apart instantly.
Specifications
- The Antonov An-2 has a length of 12.4 m (41 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.2 m (60 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 258 km/h (160 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Oleg Antonov as a rugged agricultural and utility biplane, the An-2 (NATO name 'Colt') first flew in 1947 and became one of the most-produced aircraft in history, with over 18,000 built. Production ran for decades, largely in Poland by PZL and in China as the Y-5, setting a record for one of the longest production runs of any aircraft.
Variants
Numerous versions exist, including the An-2T cargo, An-2P passenger, An-2SKh agricultural sprayer and An-2V floatplane. The turboprop An-3 re-engined the design, while the Chinese-built Y-5 continued the line in large numbers.
Where you'll see it
This was overwhelmingly a Soviet-bloc and Chinese type, and many Western countries restricted commercial An-2 use over certification; honestly, it has no significant UK military history. A handful of privately owned examples appear on the UK civil register and at airshows, but it is not a notable British museum staple.
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- Antonov A-7
- Antonov An-8
- An-12 (Cub)
- Antonov An-10 Ukraina
- Beriev Be-8
- Convair XC-99
- Dassault MD 315 Flamant
- Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar
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