An-32
An-32 of AirMark
Role Military transport aircraft
National origin Soviet Union/Ukraine
Manufacturer Aviant
Design group Antonov
First flight 9 July 1976[1]
Status Operational
Primary users Indian Air Force
National Air Force of Angola
Sri Lanka Air Force
Ukrainian Air Force
Bangladesh Air Force
Produced 1982–present
Number built 373[2]
Developed from Antonov An-26
Developed into Antonov/Taqnia An-132

The Antonov An-32 (NATO reporting name: Cline) is a turboprop twin-engined military transport aircraft. Its first flight was in July 1976 and displayed at the 1977 Paris Air Show. It is oriented towards flying in adverse weather conditions, and entered production starting in the 1980 and concluding in 2012 but remains in limited use into the 21st century. It is a development of the An-24 and the An-26 is related.

Design and development

The An-32 is essentially a re-engined An-26. It is designed to withstand adverse weather conditions better than the standard An-26. Announced at the May 1977 Paris Air Show, the An-32 is distinguished from its predecessor by engines raised 1.5 m above the wing in order to avoid foreign object damage on rough, unprepared air strips.

The type features high-lift wings with automatic leading-edge slats, large triple-slotted trailing edge flaps and an enlarged tailplane and a very large increase in power, giving improved take-off performance and service ceiling. The high placement of the engine nacelles above the wing allowed for larger diameter propellers, which are driven by 5,100 hp rated Ivchenko AI-20 turboprop engines, providing almost twice the power of the An-26's AI-24 powerplants.[3][4]

Production from the Government Aircraft Factory in Kyiv, has included 123 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, which ordered the aircraft under strong foreign relations between then USSR leader Leonid Brezhnev and then India leader Indira Gandhi.[3][4]

The majority of production has been for the Russian and Ukrainian Air Forces, with around 40 per year being built during the late 1980s to early 1990s.[3] The estimated price for a modernised An-32 version is 15 million US dollars.[4]

The last An-32 was produced in 2012.[5]

Production data

Production[2]
Total1976198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996200520072008201020112012
37311529312654284811494710485214135

Operational history

The An-32 has outstanding takeoff characteristics in hot and high conditions, up to 55 °C (131 °F; 328 K) and 4,500 m (14,800 ft) elevation, and is suitable for use as a medium tactical military transport roles as well as commercial roles. Operating as a cargo transport over the short and medium range air routes, the An-32 is suitable for air-dropping cargo, passenger carrying, medevac, firefighting, skydiving or paratrooping roles.

The An-32 entered service in the 1980s and served with the air forces of Ukraine, Russia, Bangladesh Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Mexican Air Force and the Sudanese Air Force.[5]

Variants

A State Emergency Service of Ukraine An-32 firefighting aircraft dumps water on a forest fire.
  • An-32 : Twin-engined transport aircraft
  • An-32A : The first civil variant, the majority of the 36 aircraft built were delivered to various government factory enterprises, for use in transporting assemblies between plants.
  • An-32B : Improved version
  • An-32B-100 : Modernised version of the An-32B. Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) increased to 28.5 tons, payload increased to 7.5 tons.[6]
  • An-32B-110 : New avionics allowing aircraft to be operated by two crew members. Metric (Russian) avionics variant.[7]
  • An-32B-120 : Imperial (non-Russian) avionics variant of An-32B-110.[7]
  • An-32B-300 : Version fitted with Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboprop engines, providing 4,600 hp each.[8]
  • An-32LL (Letayushchaya Laboratoriya flying laboratory): The An-32 first prototype was equipped with a large SV-36P eight-bladed propeller and D-236 engine on the port side for testing, in place of the standard engine and propeller. The increased noise produced by the experimental installation (115-120 dB) outweighed the modest gains in performance.[9]
  • An-32MP : Marine Patrol version.[10]
  • An-32P Firekiller : Aerial firefighting version. Special category type certificate granted on 10 March 1995. A total of eight tons of liquid can be discharged from the two external tanks simultaneously or one after the other. Drops are conducted at 40–50 m above ground level and 240 to 260 km/h. Can be used as a cargo aircraft when not fighting fires.[10]
  • An-32V-200 : A tactical transport/cargo aircraft outgrowth from the An-32B-100, with more modern avionics allowing two crew operation. Intended for export; despite reasonable interest few have been sold.
  • An-32 RE : Modernised version of the An-32B. MTOW increased to 28.5 tons, payload increased to 7.5 tons.[6] New avionics.

Operators

Bangladesh Air Force Antonov An-32 landing
Antonov An-32B of the Indian Air Force at Leh Airbase.
Sri Lanka Air Force Antonov An-32B.
Sun Air Charter An-32 at Lokichogio Airport.
Antonov An-32B of the Croatian Air Force.
Mexican Navy Antonov An-32B taking off at Kyiv International Airport.

Military operators

Besides aircraft in service in the Ukrainian and Russian Air Forces, more than 240 An-32 aircraft are being operated in various countries around the world.

 Angola

 Bangladesh

  • Bangladesh Air Force: Three aircraft received and currently in service with the 3 Squadron 'Unicorns'.[12] Two An-32B & one An-32C.[13] Overhauled and upgraded with life extension by SE PLANT 410 CA of Ukraine.[14]

 Colombia

 Republic of the Congo

 Ethiopia

 India

  • Indian Air Force: Bought 125 aircraft, 105 are still in service. Entire fleet is undergoing modernization; 35 upgraded An-32s have been delivered by Ukrspetsexport.[18] The upgrades include modern avionics equipment, new oxygen systems and improved crew seats. The remaining aircraft are being upgraded in India. The Indian Air Force plans to replace the An-32s with the Airbus C295Ws.[19]

 Iraq

 Mexico

 Peru

 Sri Lanka

 Sudan

Former military operators

An Antonov An-32 of the Afghan Air Force

 Afghanistan

 Armenia

 Croatia

  • Croatian Air Force: Operated two An-32B's.[15] Modernized in 2004 and subsequently retired and put up for sale in 2014 after being declared redundant.

 Ivory Coast

 Equatorial Guinea

 Jordan

 Libya

 Rwanda

 Tanzania

Civil operators

In July 2016, a total of 25 Antonov An-32 aircraft remained in airline service. The largest operator was Aero Transporte S.A (ATSA) of Peru with four aircraft. Some 16 other airlines operated smaller numbers of the type.[28][29]

Accidents and incidents

Specifications (An-32)

Orthographic projection of the Antonov An-32.
Orthographic projection of the Antonov An-32.

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89[44]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 4
  • Capacity: 42 paratroopers/50 passengers/24 Casualties on stretcher with three medical personnel / 6,700 kg (14,771 lb) max payload
  • Length: 23.78 m (78 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 29.2 m (95 ft 10 in)
  • Height: 8.75 m (28 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 75 m2 (810 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 16,800 kg (37,038 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 27,000 kg (59,525 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × ZMKB Progress AI-20DM turboprop engines, 3,812 kW (5,112 hp) each
  • Propellers: 4-bladed constant speed propellers

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 530 km/h (330 mph, 290 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 470 km/h (290 mph, 250 kn)
  • Range: 2,500 km (1,600 mi, 1,300 nmi) with 3,700 kg (8,160 lb) payload, no reserves
  • Service ceiling: 9,500 m (31,200 ft)

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ↑ Karnozov, Vovick. "Renewed AN-32 in Flight Tests." AeroWorldNet, 16 October 2000. Archived May 21, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  2. 1 2 "реестр самолётов типа Антонов Ан-32". russianplanes.net. Archived from the original on 2015-09-10.
  3. 1 2 3 Allport, Dave (April 1996). "Military Transport Aircraft Directory (Part 2)". Air International. Vol. 50, no. 4. p. 239.
  4. 1 2 3 Antonov An-32. "Ан нет, Ан есть. Украина «нашла» потерянные индийские Ан-32." 20 April 2015.
  5. 1 2 Wong, Daniel (2022-07-12). "Built For Adverse Weather: The Story Of The Antonov An-32". Simple Flying. Retrieved 2023-10-29.
  6. 1 2 "An-32."Archived September 6, 2005, at the Wayback Machine Antonov.com. Retrieved: 12 November 2011.
  7. 1 2 "Kyiv Aviation Plant: 'Aviant' Аn-32B–110/120." Archived 2008-08-08 at the Wayback Machine aviant.ua. Retrieved: 12 November 2011.
  8. ↑ "Kyiv Aviation Plant: 'Aviant' – An-32B-300." Archived 2009-02-20 at the Wayback Machine aviant.ua. Retrieved: 12 November 2011.
  9. ↑ "AKL-201603 AviaKollektsia 3 2016: Antonov An-32 Cline Twin-Engined Turboprop Military Transport Aircraft". modelgrad.com. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  10. 1 2 "An-32P."Archived April 30, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Antonov.com. Retrieved: 12 November 2011.
  11. ↑ Hoyle Flight International 8–14 December 2015, p. 32.
  12. ↑ "Flying high in Bangladesh". Air International. Archived from the original on 2021-10-04.
  13. ↑ Hoyle Flight International 11–17 December 2012, p. 46.
  14. ↑ "SE PLANT 410 CA HANDS OVER THIRD OVERHAULED AND UPGRADED AN-32 AIRCRAFT OF BANGLADESH AIR FORCE". PLANT 410 CA. Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  15. 1 2 Hoyle Flight International 11–17 December 2012, p. 49.
  16. ↑ "World Air Forces 2022". Flightglobal. 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  17. ↑ "World Air Forces 2021". FlightGlobal. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2021.
  18. ↑ "IAF awaits 'safe' return of last batch of AN-32 fleet". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  19. ↑ "IAF plans to stop flying AN-32 over mountains and seas after Arunachal crash". theprint.in. 15 June 2019.
  20. ↑ Delalande 2016, p. 30
  21. 1 2 Hoyle Flight International 11–17 December 2012, p. 55.
  22. 1 2 3 Hoyle Flight International 11–17 December 2012, p. 57.
  23. 1 2 Hoyle Flight International 11–17 December 2012, p. 60.
  24. ↑ "Aerospace Source Book 2007," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 15 January 2007.
  25. ↑ Jane's Sentinel Security Assessment, 2001
  26. ↑ Hoyle Flight International 11–17 December 2012, p. 50.
  27. ↑ "Accident of an Antonov 32 operated by Equatorial Guinea National Guard - Annobón, Equatorial Guinea". 1001crash.com.
  28. ↑ Thisdell and Farfard Flight International 9–15 August 2016, pp. 28–29.
  29. ↑ "Antonov An-32 Light Multipurpose Transport Aircraft". www.airforce-technology.com.
  30. ↑ "ASN Aircraft accident: Antonov 32 K2729 Jamnagar, India." Aviation Safety Network, 2004. Retrieved: 27 June 2011.
  31. ↑ "ASN Aircraft accident: Antonov 32 K2705 Ponmudi, India." Aviation Safety Network, Retrieved: 23 July 2016.
  32. ↑ "ASN Aircraft accident: Antonov 32B." Aviation Safety Network, 2004. Retrieved: 27 June 2011.
  33. ↑ Glave, Fernando Braschi. "Photo of Antonov 32 OB-1389." Aviation Safety Network, 2004. Retrieved: 17 November 2012.
  34. ↑ "ASN Aircraft accident Antonov 32B 9Q-CAC Kongolo Airport (KOO)". aviation-safety.net. 26 August 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  35. ↑ "IAF plane crash over Arunachal Pradesh." telegraphindia.com. Retrieved: 29 June 2011.
  36. ↑ "India inks AN-32 upgrade deal with Ukraine." Times of India. Retrieved: 29 June 2011.
  37. ↑ "ASN Aircraft accident Antonov 32B SCM-864 Hokandara". aviation-safety.net. 12 December 2014.
  38. ↑ "Plane crash in Athurugiriya". Daily Mirror. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
  39. ↑ "Fears Grow As Indian Air Force AN-32 Remains Untraceable". NDTV.com.
  40. ↑ "Wreckage of IAF's AN-32 aircraft traced seven-and-a-half years after it went missing". The Times of India. 2024-01-12. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  41. ↑ "BREAKING Two Antonov aircraft have collided on the ground at Khartoum Airport, Sudan". Airlive Contributors. Retrieved 2018-10-03.
  42. ↑ "All 13 bodies, black box of AN-32 aircraft retrieved - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2019-06-16.
  43. ↑ "Missing An-32 Jet Found in Arunachal Pradesh, 13 personnel of IAF feared killed". India Today. Retrieved 2019-06-11.
  44. ↑ Taylor 1988, pp. 222–225.

Bibliography

  • Delalande, Arnaud (2016). Iraqi Air Power Reborn, The Iraqi air arms since 2004. Houston: Harpia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9854554-7-7.
  • Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". Flight International, Vol. 182 No. 5370. 11–17 December 2012. pp. 40–64. ISSN 0015-3710.
  • Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". Flight International, Vol. 184 No. 5419. 10–16 December 2013. pp. 24–51. ISSN 0015-3710.
  • Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". Flight International, Vol. 188 No. 5517. 8–14 December 2015. pp. 26–53. ISSN 0015-3710.
  • Taylor, John, W.R. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89. London: Jane's Information Group, 1988. ISBN 0-7106-0867-5.
  • Thisdell, Dan and Fafard, Antoine. "World Airliner Census". Flight International, Volume 190, No. 5550, 9–15 August 2016. pp. 20–43. ISSN 0015-3710
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