Transport Aircraft
Antonov An-12
The Antonov An-12 is a four-turboprop military transport developed by the Antonov design bureau in the Soviet Union and in service since 1959. NATO called it Cub, and it served as the Soviet equivalent of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Ukraine|Antonov (Tashkent / Voronezh / Irkutsk)Overview
The An-12 was developed from the An-10 airliner and first flew on 16 December 1957. Production ran from 1957 to 1973 at Voronezh, Irkutsk, Tashkent and Kazan, with about 1,248 built, more than 830 of them for the Soviet military. Four Ivchenko AI-20K turboprops give a maximum speed of about 777 km/h and a ceiling near 10,200 m. The hold is 13.5 m long with a rear ramp, carrying up to 20 tonnes, 90 paratroopers or 60 stretchers, and military versions have a tail gunner.
Range is about 3,600 km with a 10-tonne load and up to 5,700 km on a ferry flight, though figures vary. The An-12 flew in Afghanistan, Angola and the Indo-Pakistani wars, and India retired its fleet in the 2000s. Russian service was succeeded by the Il-76, An-22 and An-124. A few military examples remain in Russia and Ukraine, and many freight carriers in Africa and Central Asia still fly it, with a poor safety record. The Chinese Shaanxi Y-8 and Y-9 continue production.
Key Specifications
Variants
The An-12B is the original military transport version.
The An-12BK is the standard improved production version.
The Y-8 is the Chinese licensed derivative built by Shaanxi from 1974.
Operators
RussiaUkraineFrequently Asked Questions
How many An-12 were built?
About 1,248 Antonov An-12 aircraft were built between 1957 and 1973, including more than 830 for the Soviet military. Chinese Y-8 and Y-9 copies add several hundred more.
How fast is the An-12?
The Antonov An-12 has a maximum speed of about 777 km/h and cruises at roughly 670 km/h. Its service ceiling is about 10,200 m, according to the figures listed here.
What is the range and payload of the An-12?
The Antonov An-12 carries up to 20 tonnes and has a range of about 3,600 km with a 10-tonne load. Its ferry range is about 5,700 km, and figures vary by source.
An-12 vs C-130: which is better?
The Antonov An-12 and Lockheed C-130 Hercules are the Soviet and American four-turboprop transports of the same era. The An-12 carries about 20 tonnes, and the C-130 has remained in production in upgraded forms.
Which countries still use the An-12?
A few military An-12s remain in Russia and Ukraine, and civilian freight carriers in Africa and Central Asia still fly the type. Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya and Algeria flew it historically, with minimal military use now.
Is the An-12 still in production?
The Antonov An-12 is no longer in production, as the line closed in 1973. China’s Shaanxi Y-8 and Y-9, which derive from the An-12 airframe, are still being built.