Antonov An-72
The Antonov An-72 has its engines mounted on top of the wing rather than underneath, so their exhaust flows directly over the wing's upper surface to boost lift at low speed — a technique that gives it remarkably short takeoff and landing distances for its size. That unusual engine placement also keeps them well clear of dust, mud, and debris on rough runways. Its bulbous nose and top-mounted engines earned it the nickname 'Cheburashka', after a large-eared cartoon character it was thought to resemble. It's used mainly as a rugged military and civilian transport in Russia and former Soviet states.
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Did you know?
Nicknamed 'Cheburashka', the An-72 mounts its engines on top of the wing so their exhaust boosts lift for very short takeoffs.
Specifications
| Length | 28.1 m (92 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 31.9 m (105 ft) |
| Height | 8.7 m (28 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 68 |
| Persons on board | 70 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 34.5 t |
| Range | 620 NM (1,148 km) |
| Maximum speed | 335 kt (620 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 32,800 ft (9,997 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Take-off distance | 1,170 m (3,839 ft) |
| Landing distance | 1,800 m (5,906 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 13,000 l |
| Engines | 2x Lotarev D-36 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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