AN-26 CURL (VERSIONS RT, RR, Z)

The Antonov An-26 (NATO code: Curl) was a Soviet, high-wing, twin-engine transport aircraft from the Cold War period. The drive was provided by two turboprop engines Ivchenko AI-24T with 2,820 HP each and an auxiliary jet engine RU-19-A. The flight of the prototype took place in 1969, and serial production continued in 1969-1986. In total, around 1,400 aircraft of this type of all versions were built. The Antonov An-26 was developed as a de facto development version of the An-24T machine. Compared to its predecessor, the new plane received, above all, a rear ramp that fantastically accelerates unloading and loading. The machine also received an auxiliary jet engine, which greatly facilitates take-off from airports located high above sea level and in hot and tropical climates. In the course of production, many development versions of the aircraft were created, including: An-26 (basic version), An-26B (civilian transport version) or An-26D (version with extended flight range). Many machines of this type are still in service.