Climb Chart

Descent Chart

The An-72 was designed as a replacement for the An-26 tactical transport for the Soviet air force, but variants are in use as commercial freighters. The first of five flying An-72 prototypes flew for the first time on August 31 1977, although it was not until much later in December 1985 that the first of eight extensively revised preproduction An-72s flew. Versions of the An-7274 family (NATO codename `Coaler) include the An-72 base model with extended wings and fuselage compared to the prototypes, the An-72S VIP transport and An-72P maritime patrol aircraft.

The most significant design feature of the An-72 is the use of the Coanda effect to improve STOL performance, which utilises engine exhaust gases blown over the wings upper surface to boost lift. Other features include multi slotted flaps, rear loading ramp and multi unit landing gear capable of operations from unprepared strips.

EuroCargo used the Antonov 72 as a Class 4 freighter. The detailed Gmax model, which includes a VC, was made by Dimitry Samborski.