The Antonov An-28 (Cash) is a twin-engine turboprop light transport aircraft designed for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, capable of carrying 19 passengers or 4,960 pounds (2,250 kg) of cargo.
In brief
The Antonov An-28, NATO reporting name “Cash,” is a light, twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed for short-haul routes and STOL operations. It features high wings, twin vertical stabilizers, and robust landing gear suitable for unprepared airfields. Powered by two PZL-10S engines, each producing 960 horsepower, it can achieve a maximum speed of 223 mph (360 km/h) and has a range of 808 miles (1,300 km). The An-28 can carry up to 19 passengers or a maximum cargo load of 4,960 pounds (2,250 kg). Known for its versatility and reliability, it is used in both civilian and military roles.
History of the Development of the Antonov An-28 (Cash)
The Antonov An-28’s development began in the late 1960s, a period marked by rapid advancements in aviation technology and increasing demand for regional transport aircraft. The Soviet Union, aiming to enhance its domestic and regional air transport capabilities, identified the need for a new aircraft that could operate from short and unprepared airstrips, especially in remote areas.
The Antonov Design Bureau, renowned for its expertise in creating robust transport aircraft, was tasked with developing this new aircraft. The objective was to create a light transport aircraft capable of short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, with the ability to carry passengers and cargo to remote and underserved regions. The development program, initiated in 1969, aimed to replace the aging fleet of Antonov An-2 biplanes and provide a more modern and efficient solution.
The An-28 was designed as a twin-engine turboprop aircraft, featuring high wings and a rugged construction to ensure durability and reliability in harsh operating conditions. The design included several innovative features, such as twin vertical stabilizers and a spacious cargo/passenger cabin, to enhance its versatility.
The first prototype of the An-28 took to the skies on September 29, 1972. The initial flights demonstrated the aircraft’s STOL capabilities and overall performance, leading to further refinements and testing. The An-28’s design was finalized after extensive testing, and it was approved for production in the late 1970s.
Production of the An-28 began in Poland under a licensing agreement with PZL-Mielec, a Polish aircraft manufacturer. The collaboration aimed to meet both Soviet and international demand for the aircraft. The Polish-built versions, known as the PZL M28 Skytruck and Bryza, featured Western avionics and engines, enhancing their appeal to international customers.
The NATO reporting name “Cash” was assigned to the An-28, reflecting its role as a light transport aircraft with versatile capabilities. The aircraft quickly gained popularity for its reliability, ruggedness, and ability to operate from short and unpaved runways.
The An-28 found its niche in various roles, including passenger and cargo transport, aerial survey, and medical evacuation. Its ability to operate in remote and challenging environments made it particularly valuable in regions with limited aviation infrastructure, such as Siberia, Africa, and South America.
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to significant changes in the aviation industry, but the An-28 continued to be produced and operated by various entities. The aircraft’s versatility and reliability ensured its continued use in both military and civilian roles. Over the years, several variants of the An-28 were developed, incorporating improvements in avionics, engines, and cabin configurations to meet the evolving needs of operators.
Design of the Antonov An-28 (Cash)
The design of the Antonov An-28 is characterized by its robust construction, versatility, and ability to perform short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations. These features make it suitable for use in remote and challenging environments.
The An-28 is a high-wing, twin-engine turboprop aircraft. The high-wing configuration provides several advantages, including improved visibility for pilots, better ground clearance, and enhanced stability during flight. The wingspan of the An-28 is 72 feet 2 inches (22 meters), and the aircraft has an overall length of 43 feet 8 inches (13.3 meters). The high wings also facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo and passengers, as they allow for a spacious cabin with fewer obstructions.
One of the most distinctive features of the An-28 is its twin vertical stabilizers. This design provides enhanced directional stability and control, particularly during crosswind operations and low-speed flight. The twin tail also contributes to the aircraft’s STOL capabilities, as it allows for better handling during takeoff and landing on short and unpaved runways.
The fuselage of the An-28 is designed to accommodate up to 19 passengers or a maximum cargo load of 4,960 pounds (2,250 kilograms). The cabin is spacious and can be configured for various roles, including passenger transport, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and aerial survey. The cabin dimensions allow for the installation of stretchers, medical equipment, and other specialized gear, making the An-28 a versatile platform for different missions.
The An-28’s landing gear is designed to handle operations from unpaved and rough airstrips. The aircraft is equipped with fixed tricycle landing gear, featuring large, low-pressure tires that provide good shock absorption and stability during takeoff and landing on uneven surfaces. The rugged landing gear design enhances the aircraft’s ability to operate in remote areas with limited infrastructure.
Powering the An-28 are two PZL-10S turboprop engines, each producing 960 horsepower. These engines are derived from the Garrett TPE331 and are manufactured under license by PZL-Mielec. The engines provide the necessary power for the An-28’s STOL performance, allowing the aircraft to take off and land on runways as short as 1,640 feet (500 meters). The engines are equipped with reversible-pitch propellers, which aid in reducing landing distances and improve overall handling during ground operations.
The An-28’s avionics suite includes modern navigation and communication systems, enhancing its operational capabilities and safety. The cockpit is equipped with traditional analog instruments, but some variants feature updated avionics with digital displays and enhanced situational awareness tools. The avionics systems support operations in various weather conditions, including instrument flight rules (IFR) and night operations.
The aircraft’s construction features a combination of aluminum alloys and composite materials, providing a balance between strength and weight. The use of durable materials ensures the An-28’s longevity and reliability, even in harsh operating environments. The aircraft’s maintenance requirements are relatively low, making it a cost-effective option for operators in remote regions.
Despite its many advantages, the An-28 has some drawbacks. The aircraft’s fixed landing gear, while rugged and reliable, contributes to increased drag and reduced aerodynamic efficiency compared to retractable landing gear systems. This results in slightly lower cruising speeds and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the cabin’s noise levels can be higher than those of more modern aircraft, due to the proximity of the engines and the fixed landing gear.
Performance of the Antonov An-28 (Cash)
The performance of the Antonov An-28 (Cash) is a key aspect of its versatility and utility in various roles. The aircraft’s engines, speed, range, and operational capabilities make it suitable for short-haul routes and operations in challenging environments.
The An-28 is powered by two PZL-10S turboprop engines, each producing 960 horsepower. These engines are license-built versions of the Garrett TPE331, known for their reliability and efficiency. The engines provide the necessary power for the An-28’s short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from runways as short as 1,640 feet (500 meters). The reversible-pitch propellers further enhance the aircraft’s STOL performance by aiding in rapid deceleration and reducing landing distances.
The An-28 has a maximum speed of 223 mph (360 km/h) and a cruising speed of approximately 190 mph (305 km/h). While not the fastest aircraft in its class, the An-28’s speed is adequate for its intended short-haul routes and regional transport missions. The aircraft’s relatively low speed contributes to its excellent handling and stability, particularly during takeoff and landing on unprepared airstrips.
The An-28’s range is one of its notable performance characteristics. With a maximum fuel capacity of 1,189 liters (314 gallons), the aircraft can achieve a range of 808 miles (1,300 kilometers) when carrying a full load of passengers or cargo. This range allows the An-28 to serve remote and underserved regions, providing vital transport links in areas with limited aviation infrastructure. For longer missions, the aircraft can be equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks, extending its range and endurance.
The An-28’s service ceiling is 24,600 feet (7,500 meters), allowing it to operate above most weather disturbances and providing a smooth flight experience for passengers. The aircraft’s rate of climb is approximately 1,180 feet per minute (6 meters per second), which is sufficient for rapid ascent to cruising altitude, even when operating from short runways.
In terms of payload capacity, the An-28 can carry up to 19 passengers or a maximum cargo load of 4,960 pounds (2,250 kilograms). The spacious cabin can be configured for various roles, including passenger transport, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and aerial survey. The aircraft’s cargo hold dimensions and weight capacity make it suitable for transporting bulky and oversized items, further enhancing its versatility.
When compared to other aircraft in its class, the An-28’s performance is competitive. For example, the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, a similar STOL aircraft, has a maximum speed of 183 mph (295 km/h) and a range of 775 miles (1,248 kilometers). While the Twin Otter has a slightly lower speed and range, it is renowned for its ruggedness and ability to operate in extreme conditions. The An-28 offers comparable performance with a larger cabin and higher payload capacity, making it a viable alternative for operators seeking a versatile regional transport aircraft.
The An-28’s performance has been demonstrated in various real-world scenarios. The aircraft has been used extensively in remote regions of Russia, Africa, and South America, where its STOL capabilities and rugged design are invaluable. For instance, the An-28 has been employed in Siberia to transport supplies and personnel to remote mining and oil exploration sites. Its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways makes it an ideal choice for such missions.
The An-28’s performance is also highlighted in its use for humanitarian missions. The aircraft has been deployed to deliver aid and relief supplies to disaster-stricken areas, where its range and cargo capacity allow it to transport significant amounts of goods. The An-28’s ability to operate in challenging environments ensures that aid reaches remote and inaccessible regions.
Despite its impressive performance, the An-28 has some limitations. The aircraft’s fixed landing gear, while rugged and reliable, increases drag and reduces fuel efficiency compared to retractable landing gear systems. Additionally, the noise levels in the cabin can be higher than those of more modern aircraft, which may affect passenger comfort on longer flights.
Variants of the Antonov An-28 (Cash)
The Antonov An-28 has several variants, each designed to meet specific operational requirements and enhance the aircraft’s versatility. These variants include modifications and upgrades that cater to different roles and missions.
- An-28: The original production version of the aircraft, developed by the Antonov Design Bureau. This variant features the standard configuration and capabilities, including the PZL-10S engines and a spacious cabin for up to 19 passengers or 4,960 pounds (2,250 kilograms) of cargo.
- PZL M28 Skytruck: A Polish-built version of the An-28, produced by PZL-Mielec under a licensing agreement. The Skytruck features Western avionics and systems, enhancing its appeal to international customers. This variant is used for both civilian and military applications, including passenger transport, cargo transport, and aerial survey.
- PZL M28B Bryza: A military variant of the Skytruck, developed for the Polish Air Force and other military operators. The Bryza includes modifications for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and transport missions. It is equipped with specialized sensors and equipment for its military roles.
- An-28PT: A variant designed for improved performance and capabilities. The An-28PT features upgraded engines and avionics, as well as enhancements to the aircraft’s STOL performance. This variant is aimed at operators requiring higher performance for challenging environments.
Military Use and Combat of the Antonov An-28 (Cash)
The Antonov An-28 (Cash) has seen extensive use in military operations, primarily as a transport and utility aircraft. Its versatility, ruggedness, and STOL capabilities make it suitable for various military roles, including troop transport, cargo delivery, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance missions. While the An-28 is not typically armed, its design allows it to support a wide range of military activities.
Armament
The An-28 is not designed as a combat aircraft and therefore does not carry armament in the traditional sense. However, its ability to transport troops, equipment, and supplies makes it an essential support asset in military operations. The aircraft’s cargo hold can be configured to carry up to 19 fully equipped soldiers or a combination of personnel and cargo. In medical evacuation roles, the cabin can be equipped with stretchers and medical equipment to transport injured personnel.
Military Use
The An-28 has been used by various air forces and military organizations worldwide. Its primary roles in military operations include:
- Troop Transport: The An-28 is capable of transporting troops to remote and austere locations. Its STOL capabilities allow it to operate from short and unprepared runways, making it ideal for rapid deployment and insertion missions. The aircraft’s spacious cabin and robust landing gear enable it to carry troops and their equipment to areas that are otherwise inaccessible by larger transport aircraft.
- Cargo Delivery: The An-28’s ability to carry up to 4,960 pounds (2,250 kilograms) of cargo makes it a valuable asset for logistical support. The aircraft is used to transport supplies, ammunition, and other essential equipment to forward operating bases and remote outposts. Its versatility in cargo configurations allows it to carry a wide range of items, from palletized goods to large, bulky equipment.
- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC): The An-28 can be configured for medical evacuation missions, providing critical transport for injured personnel. The cabin can accommodate stretchers and medical equipment, allowing the aircraft to serve as an airborne ambulance. Its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways ensures that medical support can reach remote and challenging locations.
- Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Some variants of the An-28, such as the PZL M28B Bryza, are equipped with specialized sensors and equipment for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. These aircraft are used for maritime patrol, border surveillance, and other reconnaissance tasks. The An-28’s high-wing design and large windows provide excellent visibility for observation and monitoring.
Examples of Military Use
The An-28 has been used in various military operations and conflicts, demonstrating its versatility and reliability. Notable examples include:
- Polish Air Force: The Polish Air Force operates the PZL M28B Bryza variant, which is used for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and transport missions. The Bryza is equipped with radar, cameras, and other sensors for surveillance tasks, as well as the capability to transport troops and cargo.
- Peruvian Air Force: The Peruvian Air Force has used the An-28 for transport missions in the challenging terrain of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The aircraft’s STOL capabilities and rugged design make it suitable for operations in remote and difficult-to-reach areas.
- Vietnam People’s Air Force: The An-28 has been used by the Vietnamese Air Force for transport and utility roles. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short and unpaved runways makes it valuable for operations in the mountainous and jungle regions of Vietnam.
- Russian Air Force: The Russian Air Force has employed the An-28 for various transport and support roles. The aircraft has been used to transport troops and supplies to remote regions, as well as for medical evacuation missions.
Competing Aircraft
The An-28 faces competition from other light transport and utility aircraft, such as the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter and the CASA C-212 Aviocar. Each of these aircraft has its own unique features and capabilities, but the An-28’s combination of STOL performance, payload capacity, and versatility makes it a preferred choice for many operators.
- De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter: The Twin Otter is renowned for its ruggedness and STOL capabilities. It has a maximum payload of 4,000 pounds (1,810 kilograms) and can operate from very short and rough airstrips. While the Twin Otter is slightly smaller and less powerful than the An-28, it is highly regarded for its reliability and ability to operate in extreme conditions.
- CASA C-212 Aviocar: The C-212 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed for short-haul and STOL operations. It has a maximum payload of 5,952 pounds (2,700 kilograms) and is used for transport, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions. The C-212 offers similar performance to the An-28 but with different design features and capabilities.
International Use and Sales
The An-28 has been sold to various countries and used by both military and civilian operators worldwide. Some of the notable operators include:
- Poland: The Polish Air Force operates the PZL M28B Bryza for maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions.
- Vietnam: The Vietnamese Air Force uses the An-28 for transport and utility roles in challenging terrain.
- Russia: The Russian Air Force employs the An-28 for various transport and support missions.
Current Status
The An-28 remains in service with several air forces and civilian operators worldwide. While production has slowed, the existing fleet continues to be used for a wide range of missions. The aircraft’s unique capabilities and versatility ensure its continued relevance in modern military and civilian operations.
The Antonov An-28 (Cash) has proven itself as a capable and versatile aircraft for military use. Its STOL capabilities, rugged design, and adaptability make it an invaluable asset for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies to remote and challenging locations. While it faces competition from other light transport aircraft, the An-28’s performance and versatility ensure its continued utility for military operators around the world.
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The Antonov An-28 (Cash) is a versatile and reliable light transport aircraft designed for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations. Powered by two PZL-10S turboprop engines, the An-28 can carry up to 19 passengers or 4,960 pounds (2,250 kilograms) of cargo. Its high-wing configuration, twin vertical stabilizers, and rugged landing gear make it suitable for operations in remote and challenging environments. Despite some limitations, such as increased drag from fixed landing gear, the An-28 remains a valuable asset for both military and civilian operators. Its adaptability and performance ensure its continued relevance in regional aviation.
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