An-28 Cash

The Antonov An-28 is a twin-engined light turboprop transport aircraft. It was developed from the Antonov An-14M as a competitor for Aeroflot's short-range airliner requirement. Sharing design elements with the An-14, including the wing structure and twin rudders, the An-28 features an expanded fuselage and turboprop engines in place of the An-14's piston engines. The An-28's initial flight occurred in 1969 as a modified An-14. The preproduction model first flew in 1975. Production was transferred to PZL-Mielec in 1978, with the first Polish-built aircraft flying in 1984. The An-28 received its Soviet type certificate in 1986.

Design

The Antonov An-28 shares similarities with the An-14 in its wing structure and twin rudders, but is distinguished by an expanded fuselage and the incorporation of turboprop engines. The aircraft is designed to accommodate up to 17 passengers, in addition to its two-man crew. The An-28 utilizes a TsAGI R-II-14 airfoil with a 14% thickness.

Operational History

The Antonov An-28 has been utilized in various operational roles, primarily as a civilian transport, with some military applications. It has seen predominant service within the former Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries, and has also operated in regions of Africa and South America. Blue Wing Airlines of Suriname, a former operator, experienced multiple fatal crashes involving the An-28. The aircraft has been employed by air forces in Georgia, Tanzania, and formerly by Djibouti and Peru. Accidents attributed to factors such as engine failure, icing, and controlled flight into terrain have occurred during its operational history.

Variants

Main Variants:

• An-14A: Initial designation by Antonov for an enlarged, twin-turboprop version of the An-14.

• An-28RM Bryza 1RM: Variant equipped for search and rescue operations and air ambulance services.

• An-28TD Bryza 1TD: Dedicated transport version for cargo and personnel.

• An-28PT: Polish-made variant featuring Pratt & Whitney PT6 engines.