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| An-178 |
Militarymedia.net - The An-178 is a short-range tactical transport aircraft. It was developed by the Ukrainian Antonov design bureau. Its development began in 2004. It is based on the civilian An-158 regional jet aircraft. Several modifications were made to adapt this aircraft for military service. It has a wider fuselage and is equipped with a rear loading ramp. This aircraft is a proposed replacement for the aging An-12, An-26 and An-32 tactical aircraft which are mostly obsolete. Initially this aircraft was primarily intended for the Russian market. It is also planned that most of the An-178 aircraft will be assembled in Russia. However, since 2014, due to Russia's military involvement in Ukraine, all deliveries of military equipment, components and technical cooperation with Russia have been suspended. The An-178 made its first flight and was first revealed to the public in 2015. Azerbaijan ordered 10 of these tactical transport aircraft. It is planned that 3 aircraft will be delivered to the Ukrainian air force. In 2015 Saudi Arabia had announced that it would buy 30 of these Ukrainian military aircraft.
This new Ukrainian transport aircraft has a maximum payload capacity of 18,000 kg. In terms of payload capacity it is similar to the C-130 Hercules.
The An-178 has a pressurized cargo hold. In the transport role the troops can carry 90 passengers, or 70 paratroopers, or 68 stretchers with medics. Or it can carry three 4x4 light utility vehicles, such as the HMMWV, or two standard shipping containers.
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| An-178 |
These military transport aircraft are intended to operate over short distances. With a maximum payload of 18 t, it has a range of 1,000 km.
The An-178 is powered by two Ivchenko-Progress D436-148FM turbofan engines. This machine is manufactured in Ukraine.
Thus cargo planes need a 2,500 m long runway to take off. This aircraft can take off and land from ground airstrips.
