Antonov An-71 Facts for Kids

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Aeroflot Antonov An-71

! First flight | 12 July 1985 |-

! Status | Retired |- ! Primary user | Soviet Air Force |-

! Number built | 3 |-

! Developed from | Antonov An-72 |-

The Antonov An-71 (which the North Atlantic Treaty Organization called "Madcap") was a special airplane built in the Soviet Union. It was designed to act like a giant flying radar station. This type of aircraft is known as an AWACS plane, which stands for Airborne Warning and Control System. It was developed from another aircraft called the Antonov An-72.

What is an AWACS Aircraft?
- Why are AWACS planes important?
Design and Features of the An-71
- The Radar Dome
- Engine Placement
History and Purpose
- First Flight and Testing
- Limited Production
Images for kids
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What is an AWACS Aircraft?

An AWACS aircraft is like a powerful eye in the sky. Its main job is to detect and track other aircraft, ships, and vehicles from high above. It can also guide friendly planes during missions.

Why are AWACS planes important?

They carry large radar systems that can see much farther than radars on the ground. This is because they are flying high up.
They help military forces understand what is happening in the air and on the ground.
They can direct fighter jets and other aircraft to their targets or to intercept threats.
They act as a command center, coordinating many different planes at once.

Design and Features of the An-71

The Antonov An-71 was built by the Antonov company. It was based on the An-72 transport plane. However, the An-71 had some very unique features.

The Radar Dome

The most noticeable part of the An-71 was a large, flat, round dome on top of its tail. This dome housed the powerful radar antenna. It looked a bit like a giant frisbee or a mushroom. This radar could spin around to scan the sky in all directions.

Engine Placement

Like the An-72, the An-71 had its jet engines placed above its wings. This design helped to improve the plane's ability to take off and land on shorter runways. It also protected the engines from debris on rough airfields.

History and Purpose

The Antonov An-71 was developed in the 1980s. The Soviet Union needed a new AWACS plane to replace older models. They wanted a plane that could operate from smaller airfields.

First Flight and Testing

The first An-71 took to the skies on July 12, 1985. Engineers and pilots tested the aircraft to make sure its radar and systems worked correctly. They wanted to see if it could perform its important surveillance tasks.

Limited Production

Only three Antonov An-71 aircraft were ever built. Even though it showed promise, the project was eventually stopped. The Soviet Union decided to use other AWACS aircraft instead. These planes were later retired from service.