Antonov An-2: a russian workhorse

(Photo: Wikipedia.)

The Antonov An-2 is an airplane that has been around for many decades. It is the world largest biplane (that means that it has to pairs of wings, one on top of the other), and is capable of really slow flying. This means low landing speed, and combined with other rugged features, this makes the An-2 an airplane that can be utilised on short runways, on grass or gravel strips. Until recently it held the record for longest production run (45 years), but was exceeded by the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.




The An-2 is mainly used as a parachute drop aircraft, for light utility transport, agricultural work and other tasks well suited for this large biplane. Its designer Antonov, constructed it as a all metal, large single bay biplane. As a passenger airplane it can transport twelve passengers. The payload is 2,870 lb, and it is powered by a Shvetsov ASh-62 engine. 

Its slow flying capabilities is such, that the pilot's handbook reads: "If the engine quits in instrument conditions or at night, the pilot should pull the control column full aft (it won't stall) and keep the wings level. When the airplane slows to a forward speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph), the airplane will sink at about a parachute descent rate until the aircraft hits the ground."

^{Source: Wikipdia}