The Antonov An-22 'Antei' is a strategic military transport aircraft developed and produced by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Today, it is still in service with the Russian Air Force, operating efficiently as it carries troops and military equipment. With an 88-ton payload, it was designed to move heavy cargo around the vast expanse of the former USSR. When it was introduced into service, it was the largest transport plane of its day.
The prototype of the Antonov An-22 performed its maiden flight on February 27, 1965. The period of flight tests lasted more than two years as the Soviet engineers tried to find the right engines for this heavy-duty aircraft. Finally, it was accepted into service with the Soviet Air Force on May 25, 1967. In 1966, the prototype had broken twelve world load and height records. Production was halted in 1974, with an estimated total of 67 An-22 aircraft being built until then. Long-range capability, ruggedness, and reliability are the main advantages this Soviet heavy lifter of the Cold War still has today.
Technical Characteristics
The Antonov An-22 Antei is a large, four-engine monoplane, with a fuselage of all-metal construction. It has cantilever shoulder wing. Although the wing is straight, its outer panel has a perceivable droop. The tail plane is also straight. It is mounted on top of rear end of fuselage and it has two large fins (vertical stabilizers). Cargo is loaded and unloaded through a rear gate. The floor of the main cargo hold is made of titanium and it is fitted with two travelling cranes and two winches to assist with loading and unloading. The landing gear tire pressure can be altered in flight to suit runway conditions. Its Kuznetsov NK-12MA turboprop engines drive 6.20-m diameter, contra-rotating propellers.
Specifications
Type: strategic military transport
Length: 57.9 m (190 feet)
Wing Span: 64.4 m (211 feet, 3 inches)
Wing Area: 345 m2 (3,714 square feet)
Height: 12.53 m (41 feet, 1 inch)
Power Plant: four Kuznetsov NK-12MA turboprop engines, each delivering 15,000 HP.
Capacity: 88-ton load (88,000 kg).
Range: 5,000 km (3,100 miles) with full load; 10,950 km (6,800 miles) carrying 45 tons.
Service Ceiling: 7,500 m (24,600 feet)
Crew: 6
Below, the Antonov An-22 in 1968 on a Soviet airbase.
The Antei can also carry main battle tanks and missile systems, which are parts of the standard military load for this Soviet transport aircraft.
