Antonov An-72 Facts for Kids

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Aeroflot Antonov An-72

! First flight | 22 December 1977 |-

! Variants | Antonov An-74
Antonov An-71 |-

The Antonov An-72 is a special transport aircraft. It was designed by the Antonov company, first in the Soviet Union and later in Ukraine. This plane is known by its NATO reporting name, Coaler.

What is the Antonov An-72?
- How the An-72 Was Developed
- Who Uses the An-72 Today?
A Unique Design: The Coandă Effect
- How the Coandă Effect Works
An-72 Variants
Images for kids
See also

What is the Antonov An-72?

The An-72 is a type of aircraft called a transport plane. This means it is used to carry important things like cargo, equipment, or even soldiers. It was designed to be very tough and able to fly in many different conditions.

How the An-72 Was Developed

The first time an An-72 flew was on 22 December 1977. After more testing, it started being produced in 1985. Production continued until 1992. A total of 123 An-72 aircraft were built.

Who Uses the An-72 Today?

Even though it's an older design, many An-72 planes are still being used today. The main users include the Russian Air Force and the Ukrainian Air Force. In the past, the airline Aeroflot also used these planes.

A Unique Design: The Coandă Effect

One of the most interesting things about the An-72 is how its engines are placed. They are mounted high up on top of the wings. This unusual design helps the plane take off and land in very short distances.

How the Coandă Effect Works

This special feature uses something called the Coandă effect. When the engine exhaust (hot air from the engines) blows over the top surface of the wing, it creates extra lift. This extra lift allows the plane to fly slower and still stay in the air. It also helps the plane get off the ground faster. This is very useful for planes that need to operate from small or rough airfields.

An-72 Variants

The An-72 design led to other aircraft models. These are called variants. Two important variants are the Antonov An-74 and the Antonov An-71. Each variant was designed for slightly different purposes.

The An-74 is often used for operations in harsh weather, like in the Arctic.
The An-71 was an early warning aircraft, designed to detect other planes.

Images for kids

An unusual design feature of the An-72 is the use of the Coandă effect to improve STOL performance, using engine exhaust gases blown over the wing's upper surface to boost lift.
Russian Border Guard An-72P at Vladivostok Airport
A Russian Navy An-72 showing the front view that resembles 'Cheburashka'.
Ukraine National Guard An-72 at Zhulyany Airport
Kazakhstan Border Guard Antonov An-72-100