Antonov An 26 Aircraft

Full Specifications

Antonov An 26 Tactical Transport Aircraft

The Antonov An-26 is a rugged twin turboprop tactical transport built for short, rough runways and demanding climates. Developed during the Cold War, it became a workhorse for cargo lift, troop movement, medical evacuation, and light utility missions. Its rear cargo ramp, simple systems, and strong landing gear made it well suited for austere operations across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Decades after introduction, many air forces and civil operators still rely on it for low cost logistics where jet transports are impractical.

Manufacturer

Designed and produced by Antonov Design Bureau in the Soviet Union, the An 26 entered service in the early 1970s as a ramp equipped derivative of the An 24. Production also involved Soviet plants in Kyiv and Ulan Ude. The aircraft was exported widely to Warsaw Pact states and partner nations, creating one of the most distributed Soviet transports of its era.

Speed and Range

Powered by two Ivchenko turboprops, the Antonov An 26 Aircraft cruises at moderate speed but offers dependable range for regional lift. It can operate from short strips, carry mixed cargo and personnel, and sustain long duty cycles with basic maintenance support.

Cost / Price

Exact pricing varies by airframe condition and overhaul status. On the secondary market, refurbished aircraft typically trade at a fraction of modern turboprop transports, often between 2 and 6 million USD.