Antonov An-3

Polyot Production Association

Industry	Aerospace
Headquarters	Omsk , Russia
Products	Aircraft modernization and production, including Antonov An-3

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The Antonov An-3 is a multipurpose civil and agricultural aircraft initially developed in the Soviet Union, later produced in Ukraine and Russia. It represents a turboprop modernization of the Antonov An-2, aiming to either upgrade or succeed that model. The core transport variant (An-3T) is complemented by several specialized versions: cargo/passenger (An-3TK), agricultural (An-3SH), wildfire suppression (An-3P), and medical evacuation. This aircraft is capable of transporting both passengers and freight, operating efficiently from both paved runways and unprepared airstrips, including snow-covered fields with depths up to 35 cm (14 in) when equipped with ski landing gear.

Modernization

The modernization program replaced the original piston engine with a 1,025 kW (1,375 shp) TVD-20 turboprop engine, paired with a three-blade reversible pitch AV-17 propeller and an R-17 speed regulator. The cockpit layout was redesigned, incorporating improved heating and ventilation systems alongside upgraded electrical, flight, and navigation instruments. Additional enhancements included a centralized alert system, a new fire suppression setup, and optimized wide-area dispensing equipment tailored for agricultural applications. These improvements enhanced the aircraft’s dependability and increased its payload capacity by approximately 20%, while also improving crew comfort through reduced noise and vibration levels within the cockpit. Climb rate was nearly doubled (1.9 times increase), and takeoff as well as landing capabilities were significantly enhanced. The upgrade allowed for the use of kerosene and standard aviation lubricants instead of gasoline. Maximum takeoff weight and payload capacity were raised, enabling operations from airstrips as short as 500 metres (1,600 ft). This modernization was carried out at both the "Polyot" Production Association in Omsk, Russia, and at Antonov ASTC, Kyiv, Ukraine.

The prototype first took to the skies on May 13, 1980; however, progress was slow due to limited official backing. Flight testing extended until 1991. Notably, it remains one of the rare turbine-powered biplane designs worldwide. The An-3T achieved its Type Certificate on August 31, 2000, with subsequent supplements covering ski-equipped variants as well as agricultural configurations.

Variants

In the late 1990s, the project experienced a resurgence when Polyot State Aerospace Enterprise assumed control, initiating a focused marketing effort starting in 2000. Despite these efforts, sales remained modest. The aircraft is offered in four primary configurations: the standard transport model (An-3T), a flexible cargo/passenger variant capable of accommodating either 12 passengers or 1,800 kg (4,000 lb) of freight (An-3TK), an agricultural version designated as the An-3SH ("Selsko-Khosiajstwenni"), and a fire suppression model known as the An-3P.

During the 1970s, an alternative to replace the An-2 within Soviet agricultural operations was attempted with the WSK-Mielec M-15 Belphegor, but this initiative was unsuccessful.

Starting in 2007, the "Polyot" Production Association planned to implement modernization upgrades on ten An-2 aircraft used by the Russian Airborne Troops, elevating them to the An-3T-10 standard. The total projected requirement for these upgrades was approximately 200 units. Nevertheless, none of the An-3T-10 conversions were completed or delivered, and the Russian Airborne Troops continue to operate unmodified An-2s.

Specifications (An-3T)

File:An-3 prototype and An-3V silhouettes.png

Side elevation drawings of Antonov An-3

File:Марка России 2006г №1063-Ан-3Т.jpg

Antonov An-3T

Accidents and incidents

• On 13 October 2024, a Borus Aircompany-operated Antonov An-3T crashed in the vicinity of Olyokminsk Airport, Sakha Republic, Russia, resulting in the death of one individual among the five occupants aboard.

References

• (A brief English summary is accessible here)

External links

• Official website
• Panorama of an AN-3T stranded at the South Pole