Antonov An-72
| An-72 | |
|---|---|
| A Russian Air Force An-72 on short final in to Chkalovsky Airport | |
| General information | |
| Type | Transport aircraft |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Antonov |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Russian Aerospace Forces |
| Number built | 195 (An-72 & An-74) |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1977–present |
| First flight | 31 August 1977 |
| Developed into | Antonov An-71 Antonov An-74 |
The Antonov An-72 (NATO reporting name: Coaler) is a Soviet transport aircraft, developed by Antonov. It was designed as a STOL transport and intended as a replacement for the Antonov An-26, but variants have found success as commercial freighters.
The An-72 and the related An-74 get their nickname, Cheburashka, from the large engine intake ducts, which resemble the oversized ears of the popular Soviet animated character of the same name.