An-12 CUB

 

A SovMin resolution on 30 November 1955 instructed the No. 473 OKB led by Antonov to proceed with simultaneous development of two aircraft types : the "U" airliner and the "T" cargo aircraft. There designers were given the option of two engines - the NK-4 or AI-20 types.

Less than a year later, on 22 July 1956, the commission completed it's inspection of the "T" transport aircraft mockup. From the very start of the project development of both aircraft types, the NK-4 engines were favored.

To realize the intentions of Antonov, a large number of systems and equipment were taken from the already proven An-10. The flight deck was virtually the same. The wing, power unit, undercarriage with the nose, mid-fuselage sections and tail empennage were retained. The tendency was adhered to so thoroughly that even the heavier pressurized middle fuselage section from the An-10 was used on the unpressurized An-12 of the first production batches. In doing so, 86% standardization between these 2 types was obtained. During production, this factor was gradually reduced so it was more difficult to consider the An-12 as a modification of the An-10.

On 16 December 1957 the "T" (c/n 7900101) began it's company flight development. The aircraft was flown by test pilots Ya I Vernikov and G I Lysenko. Six months later the prototype was to be delivered NII VVS, but on 26 June 1958 whilst approaching Moscow Central Aerodrome (Khodinka) it crashed. Approach to this aerodrome, which is located close to Moscow city centre, includes numerous obstacles for which a high degree of flying skill is required to avoid. The crew led by G I Lysenko, while approaching, maintained the minimum recommended approach speed. At a height of 25m above the aerodrome boundary, Lysenko throttled back the inner engines. The aircraft losing power, with a shallow bank landed heavily about 65m short of the runway. During touchdown the starboard undercarriage collapsed, the blades of the outer engine bent and the airframe damaged. The accident investigation commission determined it's cause but the aircraft needed to be repaired. In order not to lose time for it's State Acceptance the production aircraft was made available. The Acceptance program July 1958 and was completed in June 1959. In that year the aircraft was accepted into service use as the An-12.

The NK-4 engines were replaced by the AI-20M's in 1960 - only the "T" "U" and first 2 production aircraft were fitted with the NK-4.

 

An-12A	First series production aircraft (1961)
An-12AP	Modification of above with fuel cells mounted below cargo deck (1963)
An-12B	Civilian Transport (1961)
An-12BP	Modification of above with fuel cells mounted below cargo deck and improved avionics (1963)
An-12P	Fuel cells mounted below cargo deck (1963)
An-12D	AI-20K engines and raised cargo area (1965)
An-12PL	Ski equipped for polar use. (1964)
An-12BK	Assault Transport - landing gear for use from unpaved runways (1966)
An-12BKV	Increased payload and combat capabilities - Bomber (1974)
An-12BP	'Tsyclon' meteorological platform
An-12PS	SAR aircraft with "Yersh" or "Gagara" rescue boats. (1965)
An-12LL	Flying laboratory
An-12BK-I	Fitted with "Fasol" ECM unit
An-12BK-IS	Fitted with interchangeable "Fasol" and "Siren" ECM units - 145 modified (1970)
An-12PP	Modification of An-12B for ECM support of aircraft groups.
An-12PPS	Upgraded An-12PP fitted with "Siren" ECM units (1974)
An-12DK	AI-30 engines - non built
An-12U	Wing mounted boundary layer control unit - non built
An-12SN	Devised to carry a T-54 - non built
Y-8	License built Chinese An-12BP. (1974)
Y-8A	Dedicated helicopter-carrier, China's S-70 Black Hawks
Y-8B	Civilian passenger/freighter version
Y-8C	Fully pressurized passenger version developed in collaboration with Lockheed.
Y-8D	Export aircraft with western avionics
Y-8E	Drone carrier (two drones can be carried on trapezes under the wings)
Y-8F	Dedicated livestock carrier with cages for 350 goats or sheep
Y-8MP	Long-range Maritime Patrol Aircraft deployed by the Chinese Navy (PLAN)
Y-8X	Maritime Patrol Aircraft

 

The Shaanxi Y-8 is a licensed version of An-12 built in China. An AEW version has been reported to be under development. The Y-8MP, the maritime patrol version, is the first long-range maritime patrol aircraft deployed by the Peoples Liberation Army Navy [PLAN]. With a range of 5,600km, it consists of the Y-8/An-12 transport aircraft, equipped with a Litton APSO-504(V)3 surface search radar in an enlarged undernose radome along with additional navigational systems. About half a dozen Y-8Xs patrol aircraft are believed in service, and although the aircraft has the potential to carry a large load of weapons, it is believed at present to be un-armed. The Chinese Navy also reportedly is acquiring Skymaster AEW radars. While Chinese officials claim these radars will be used for search and rescue operations, they could be used in AEW and surface surveillance roles.

 

Role	Medium-cargo/Transport, ECM, ELINT
Wing Span	124 ft, 8 in (38.0 m)
Length	121 ft, 4 in (33.1 m)
Height	10.53 m
Weight	30500 kg - empty 61000 kg - maximum takeoff 20500 kg - maximum payload
Engine	4xAI-20M, 4250 hp each
Maximum speed	640 km/h
Range	5500 km
Service Ceiling	10200 m
Runway	850 m
Armament	Twin 23mm NR-23 cannons in tail
Crew	3-6
Payload	100 equipped troops vehicles and weapons 130 passengers or cargo 13.5 m x 2.6 m x 3.5 m (122.9 cu. m) cargo bay

 

*The LII An-12BK is a multipurpose flying laboratory equipped with the experimental movable cockpit at the rear of the fuselage which allows testing of emergency escape systems - ejection systems and parachutes.