Antonov AN-12 - In details

Antonov AN-12 - In details

A photographic monograph of unknown origin, but rich enough to justify putting it online.

The Antonov An-12 (NATO designation Cub) is a medium tonnage military transport aircraft. Although similar in general appearance to the American Hercules, it has not been produced in such large numbers, although it has been seen flying under every sky on earth, especially African skies. Closer in its dimensions to the Franco-German Transall C-160, it is rather underpowered and its airframe is less resistant to fatigue than its western counterparts.
It made its first flight in 1957, was put into service in the Soviet Air Force in 1959 and, 60 years later, several dozen examples are still in service. In addition to the 1,243 aircraft built in the Soviet Union, there are an undetermined number (more than 800?) of aircraft built under license in China under the name Yunshuji Y-8.
According to the Soviet custom of the time, the aircraft is equipped with a glass nose for a navigator/bomber and also with a turret armed with NR-23 23mm machine-guns in the rear position.
With a range of 5,700 km and a payload capacity of 90 men and 123 m3, the Antonov AN-12 was the linchpin of Warsaw Pact tactical transport in the 1960s and 1970s.