01421 SOVIET ANTONOV AN-74 (POLAR VERSION)

The Antonov An-74 is a modern, twin-engine transport aircraft of Soviet (Russian) production. The drive is provided by two motors Lotariev D-36 or Progress D-436. The prototype flight took place in 1985. A year later, serial production started and continues. At present, the plane is manufactured at the Kharkiv Aviation Works. Antonov An-74 was created as a result of the modernization of the An-72 aircraft. The main changes consisted in adapting the new machine to flying in all weather conditions and in extreme temperatures, with particular emphasis on operation in arctic conditions. An-74 is also a shortened take-off and landing machine (STOL), with very unusual mounted engines using the so-called Coanda effect. Several development versions were created in the course of serial production, including: An-74 (first production series), An-74A (passenger version) or An-74MP (naval patrol version). The main users of An-74 are Russia and Ukraine. Small amounts were exported to Egypt, Laos and Iran.