An26

The Antonov An-26, NATO reporting name Curl, is a twin-engine turboprop civilian aircraft designed and produced by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It first flew in 1969 and was intended for short-haul cargo and passenger transport. The An-26 shares a common wing and engine configuration with the An-24 but features a redesigned fuselage with a rear loading ramp, which significantly enhances its utility as a cargo aircraft.

The aircraft is powered by two Ivchenko AI-24 turboprop engines, each producing around 2,800 horsepower, with an additional auxiliary turbojet engine, the R17-300, located in the right engine nacelle for takeoff assistance. This combination allows the An-26 to operate from unpaved and short runways. Its typical crew consists of five: two pilots, a flight engineer, a navigator, and a radio operator.

The An-26 has been widely exported and operated by numerous air forces and civil operators around the world. Its robust construction and versatility have led to its use in various roles, including cargo transport, parachute dropping, medical evacuation, and special missions. While many have been retired, a significant number remain in service, particularly in former Soviet bloc countries and some African nations. The An-26 is known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness in its operational niche.