Antonov An-32 facts for kids

The Antonov An-32 is a strong transport airplane.

The Antonov An-32 (its Russian name is Антонов Ан-32) is a special kind of airplane. It's known by the NATO reporting name Cline. This aircraft has two powerful turboprop engines. It was designed as a military transport aircraft, which means it's used to carry soldiers, equipment, and supplies for armed forces. The An-32 was developed from an earlier plane called the Antonov An-26.

What is a Turboprop?

A turboprop engine is a type of jet engine that spins a propeller. Imagine a jet engine, but instead of pushing air out the back to move the plane forward, it uses its power to turn a large propeller at the front. This makes turboprop planes very good at flying at medium speeds and at lower altitudes. They are also often more fuel-efficient than pure jet engines for certain types of flights. This design helps the An-32 take off and land on shorter runways, even in hot climates or at high altitudes.

Built for Carrying

The Antonov An-32 is a transport aircraft. This means its main job is to carry things. It can carry a lot of cargo, like vehicles or supplies. It can also carry people, such as soldiers or paratroopers. Because it's a military transport plane, it's built to be tough and reliable. It can operate from different kinds of airfields, including those that are not perfectly smooth. This makes it very useful for delivering aid or supplies to hard-to-reach places.

Who Uses the An-32?

Many countries around the world use the Antonov An-32. It's popular because it's strong and can handle tough conditions. For example, the Indian Air Force uses these planes, especially in places like Leh Airbase, which is very high up in the mountains. The Bangladesh Air Force, Sri Lanka Air Force, and Croatian Air Force also use the An-32. Some An-32 planes are even used for special jobs, like fighting forest fires. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine uses them to drop water on big fires.

Key Features of the An-32

The An-32 has a "high-wing" design. This means its wings are attached to the top part of the plane's body. This design helps the plane carry heavy loads and gives it good stability. The engines are placed above the wings, which helps protect the propellers from debris when taking off or landing on rough ground. The An-32 first flew in 1976, showing that it has been a reliable aircraft for many decades.

Images for kids

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  A State Emergency Service of Ukraine An-32 firefighting aircraft dumps water on a forest fire.

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  Bangladesh Air Force Antonov An-32 landing

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  Antonov An-32B of the Indian Air Force at Leh Airbase.

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  Sri Lanka Air Force Antonov An-32B.

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  Sun Air Charter An-32 at Lokichogio Airport.

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  Antonov An-32B of the Croatian Air Force.

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  Mexican Navy Antonov An-32B taking off at Kyiv International Airport.

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  An Antonov An-32 of the Afghan Air Force

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  Orthographic projection of the Antonov An-32.

See also

In Spanish: Antonov An-32 para niños