https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-2
The Antonov An-2 was designed to meet a 1947 Soviet Ministry of Forestry
requirement for a replacement for the much lighter, largely wooden-airframed
Po-2, which was used in large numbers in both agricultural and utility roles.
Antonov designed a large single bay biplane of all-metal construction, with an
enclosed cockpit and a cabin with room for seats accommodating twelve
passengers. The first prototype, designated SKh-1 and powered by a Shvetsov
ASh-21 radial engine, flew on 31 August 1947. The second prototype was fitted
with a more powerful Shvetsov ASh-62 engine, which allowed the aircraft's
payload to be significantly increased from 1,300 to 2,140 kg (2,870 to 4,720
lb), and in this form it was ordered into production
The An-2 has design features which make it suitable for operation in remote
areas with unsurfaced airstrips:
* It has a pneumatic brake system (similar to those used on heavy road vehicles)
to stop on short runways.[1]
* It has an air line fitted to the compressor, so the pressure in the tires and
shock absorbers can be adjusted without the need for special equipment.[1]
* The batteries are large and easy to remove, so the aircraft does not need a
ground power unit to supply power.[1]
* There is no need for an external fuel pump to refuel the aircraft, as it has
an onboard pump that allows the tanks to be filled from simple fuel drums.[1]
* It has a minimum of complex systems. The crucial wing leading edge slats that
give the aircraft its slow flight ability are fully automatic, being held closed
by the airflow over the wings. Once the airspeed drops below 64 km/h (40 mph),
the slats will extend because they are on elastic rubber springs.[1]
* Take-off run: 170 m (560 ft), landing run: 215 m (705 ft) (these numbers will
of course vary depending on take-off/landing weight, outside air temperature,
surface roughness, and headwind)
General characteristics
Capacity: 12 passengers
Length: 12.4 m (40 ft 8 in)
Wingspan: ** Upper wing: 18.2 m (59 ft 8 in)
Lower wing: 14.2 m (46 ft 7 in))
Height: 4.1 m (13 ft)
Empty weight: 3,300 kg (7,300 lb)
Loaded weight: 5,440 kg (12,000 lb)
Useful load: 2,140 kg (4,700 lb)
(1,000 hp)
Performance
Maximum speed: 258 km/h (139 kn, 160 mph)
Cruise speed: 190 km/h (100 kn, 120 mph)
Stall speed: ~50 km/h (26 knots, 30 mph)
Range: 845 km (456 nmi, 525 mi)
Service ceiling: 4,500 m (14,750 ft)
Rate of climb: 3.5 m/s (700 ft/min)
Power/mass: 0.136 kW/kg (0.083 hp/lb)
*
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