Development of a reactive aircraft engine of the Academy of Sciences was 72was initiated in an initiative manner in 1972 in the design bureau O.K. Antonova. Leading designer of the development was Ya.G. Orlov. In 1976, the USSR Government Decree No. 558-186 on the production of the AH 72 of the military transport type was approved. The new aircraft had to provide a short takeoff and landing. For this purpose, the wing was equipped with advanced mechanization.
To ensure ground stability, the aircraftequipped with powerful keel. The rudder is made in the original two-hinged design, which increases the efficiency of the rudder at high speeds. The very design of the rudder was divided in height into two sections. Control of the lower part of the rudder was carried out directly by the pilot's pedals, the rest by the boosters of the control system. In order to reduce the effort in the control system of a wide range of flight regimes and centering, weight and aerodynamic balancing was provided in the rudders. In the second link of the rudder, a trimmer is placed, and in the elevator there are trim tabs and servo compensators. This design solution allowed the pilots to eliminate violations in the balancing of the aircraft during the operation of the mechanization of the wing. Due to the high location of the engines, a protective function is provided against the penetration of foreign objects in them, which is especially important for basing on unpaved airfields.
Designers OKB OK.Antonov created an airplane that combines high enough quality of flight and a small landing speed. An 72 is distinguished by the simplicity of piloting and ease of control. This aircraft is the first and only domestic military-technical cooperation, the crew of which does not provide a navigator.
Aircraft An 72, photo of which allows you to seeergonomics of the cabin, it is equipped with modern equipment and has a low level of noise during the flight. The main distinguishing features were that, having a normal take-off weight and a load of up to 3,500 kg, the separation of equipment from the ground occurred at a speed level of 185 km / h with a take-off of only 420-450 m. For demonstration flights, the aircraft was landed on a platform of soil not more than 1000 m, the mileage at the same time was not more than 350 m.
Antonov An 72 aircraft were used since 1987 in theAir Defense, Air Force, Aviation of the Navy, MFD, Strategic Missile Forces and Border Troops. With their help the transportation of self-propelled machinery and cargo was carried out. The aircraft can carry up to 57 paratroopers or 68 soldiers with full equipment. The airplane sanitary version allows carrying 24 wounded on stretchers and 12 sitting. Manufacture of aircraft AN 72 was carried out until 2002.
