Antonov T-2M Maverick
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Ukraine |
| Products | Ultralight aircraft, including the Antonov T-2M Maverick |
Template:Infobox aircraft The Antonov T-2M Maverick is an ultralight trike originating from Ukraine, designed and manufactured by the company Antonov.
Design and development
Conceived by the Antonov Design Bureau toward the conclusion of the Cold War, the T-2M was created to meet emerging civilian aviation demands, including microlight aircraft suited for recreational flying clubs. Beyond its leisure applications, the model was also adapted for covert operations by Russian Special Forces, who requested an advanced wing folding system to facilitate infiltration missions.
The T-2M is characterized by a cable-supported, hang glider-style high wing employing weight-shift control mechanisms. It features an open cockpit with dual seats arranged side-by-side, tricycle-style landing gear, and a single engine mounted in a pusher configuration. Constructed primarily from tubular materials, its wing is covered with Dacron sailcloth and spans approximately 163 square feet (15.15 square meters). The wing is stabilized by a single tubular kingpost and controlled via an "A" frame control bar. The standard powerplant provided was the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582, a twin-cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled engine; however, options included the smaller 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 and the four-stroke 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912.
Two distinctive features set the T-2M apart from Western ultralight trikes: its side-by-side seating arrangement enhances flight instruction capabilities, and its main landing gear employs a large single-piece leaf spring design. This landing gear configuration offers simplicity, reduced weight, lower aerodynamic drag, and fewer components compared to conventional assemblies. The aircraft is versatile in operation, capable of utilizing wheels, skis, or floats depending on mission requirements. Additionally, an agricultural aerial application kit is available for specialized use.
In North America, the T-2M was marketed through a dealer named UK-Air located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Around the year 2000, its retail price was approximately US$18,500.