AN-32 Aircraft

About the AN-32 Aircraft:

• The AN-32 (Antonov AN-32) is a Soviet-origin military transport aircraft.
• It is designed and manufactured by the Antonov Design Bureau of Ukraine for the Indian Air Force (IAF). 
• It was purchased by India from the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1984. The IAF has a fleet of around 100 AN-32 planes.
• Its NATO reporting name is Cline.
• Features:
  • The aircraft is designed to manoeuvre day and night in tropical and mountainous regions, even in hot climatic conditions (up to 55°C).
  • It is powered by two single-shaft turboprop engines.
  • An-32 can fly at a maximum speed of 530 km/h, and its cruise speed is 470 km/h. 
  • The range and service ceiling of the aircraft are 2,500km and 9,500m, respectively.
  • The aircraft weighs around 16,800 kg, and its maximum take-off weight is 27,000 kg.
  • It can take off and land on rough airfields and dirt runways. 
  • The aircraft can transport either 7.5 tons of cargo, 50 passengers, 42 paratroopers, or 24 patients and three medical crews over domestic and international air routes.
  • It also has a limited bombing role and is used for paratrooping operations.