An-12 Cub vs An-2 Colt

The An-12 Cub and the An-2 Colt are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Antonov and Antonov respectively. The An-12 Cub reaches 770 km/h — 3.0x the An-2 Colt's 258 km/h. The An-12 Cub has an operational range of 5,700 km vs 845 km for the An-2 Colt. The An-12 Cub operates at altitudes up to 10,200 m compared to 4,500 m for the An-2 Colt. At 61,000 kg MTOW, the An-12 Cub is 11:1 the An-2 Colt's 5,440 kg. The An-12 Cub has been produced in 1,248 units vs 18,000 for the An-2 Colt. Unit cost is $20M for the An-12 Cub vs $0.1M for the An-2 Colt. The An-2 Colt first flew 10 years before the An-12 Cub (1947 vs 1957).

Soviet cargo aircraft, significantly deployed during the Cold War, primarily used for military transport.
Antonov An-12 Cub Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇦 Ukraine
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Antonov
First flight 16 December 1957
Year introduced 1959
Number produced 1248 units
Average unit price $20 million
Soviet single-engine biplane aircraft, mass-produced since 1947, remaining in service for military and civilian operations.
Antonov An-2 Colt Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Antonov
First flight 31 August 1947
Year introduced 1947
Number produced 18000 units
Average unit price $0.1 million
Wing area 121.7 m²
Wingspan 38.0 m
Height 10.5 m
Length 33.1 m
Maximum speed 770 km/h
Operational range 5,700 km
Service ceiling 10,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 61,000 kg
Empty weight 28,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,126 kW
Wing area 71.5 m²
Wingspan 18.2 m
Height 4.1 m
Length 12.4 m
Maximum speed 258 km/h
Operational range 845 km
Service ceiling 4,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,440 kg
Empty weight 3,300 kg
Total thrust 1 x 750 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the An-12 Cub or An-2 Colt?
The An-12 Cub is faster with a maximum speed of 770 km/h compared to the An-2 Colt's 258 km/h, a difference of 512 km/h.
Which has longer range, the An-12 Cub or An-2 Colt?
The An-12 Cub has a longer range at 5,700 km compared to the An-2 Colt's 845 km.
Which can fly higher, the An-12 Cub or An-2 Colt?
The An-12 Cub has a higher service ceiling at 10,200 meters (33,464 ft) compared to the An-2 Colt's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the An-12 Cub or An-2 Colt?
The An-12 Cub has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 61,000 kg compared to the An-2 Colt's 5,440 kg.
Which is larger, the An-12 Cub or An-2 Colt?
The An-12 Cub is longer at 33.1 meters compared to the An-2 Colt's 12.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the An-12 Cub or An-2 Colt?
The An-12 Cub is more expensive at approximately $20 million per unit compared to the An-2 Colt at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the An-12 Cub or An-2 Colt?
The An-2 Colt entered service first in 1947, 12 years before the An-12 Cub which entered service in 1959.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the An-12 Cub or An-2 Colt?
The An-2 Colt has been produced in greater numbers with 18,000 units compared to 1,248 units of the An-12 Cub.