Polish Bird

Currently parked on the tarmac in Loreto.



Pilots of the Antonov An-2 say one can fly the aircraft in full control at 30 mph



Antonov designed a large single bay biplane of all-metal construction, with an enclosed c-ckpit and a cabin with room for seats accommodating twelve passengers.



Payload 4,720 lbs



All versions (other than the An-3) are powered by a 750 kW (1,000 hp) nine-cylinder Shvetsov ASh-62 radial engine, which was developed from the Wright R-1820. It uses 43 gallons of avgas per hour.



Whilst their high noise levels, increasing maintenance costs, high fuel consumption and unsophisticated nature (the pre-flight checks alone take between 30 and 40 minutes) make them obsolete for commercial service in Europe, the huge number of aircraft available means that prices are low (from as little as $30,000 for a serviceable example). This makes them ideal for the developing world, where their ability to carry large loads into short airstrips makes them assets to airlines on a budget. Many ex-Aeroflot An-2s work as regional airliners in Africa, Central and South America, Cuba and south east Asia.











A note from the pilot's handbook reads: "If the engine quits in instrument conditions or at night, the pilot should pull the control column full aft and keep the wings level. The leading-edge slats will snap out at about 64 km/h (40 mph), and when the airplane slows to a forward speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph), the airplane will sink at about a parachute descent rate until the aircraft hits the ground."

KOOL Airplane! I had a biwing fleet with a CW Radial when I was in high school, open c-ckpit..used to deliver the Sunday Knockerbocker news from it.....Bank and toss, Bank and toss..LOVE Biplanes....