Aircraft overview

The Antonov AN-24 / AN-26 family is a Soviet designed, twin turboprop regional and utility aircraft built by Antonov for operations from short, rough and lightly prepared airstrips. The Antonov AN-24 first flew in 1959 and entered production as a passenger and combi transport, with production continuing into the late 1970s. The Antonov AN-26, developed from the AN-24 airframe, first flew in 1969 and was produced into the 1980s as a tactical cargo aircraft with a rear loading ramp. The type matters because it combined rugged landing gear, high wing clearance and simple systems with useful payload capability, making it widely used by civil operators, military forces and government agencies.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speed is about 240 to 270 knots, depending on variant, weight and altitude. Practical range varies significantly by payload, with the Antonov AN-26 commonly quoted at about 590 nautical miles with maximum payload and longer ferry ranges when lightly loaded. Maximum payload is approximately 12,000 lb for the Antonov AN-26, while the Antonov AN-24 is normally configured around regional passenger or mixed passenger and freight missions. Service ceiling is about 25,000 to 27,000 feet. Power is provided by two Ivchenko AI-24 series turboprops, commonly AI-24T or AI-24VT depending on variant, driving four blade propellers. Many Antonov AN-26 aircraft also have an auxiliary RU19A-300 turbojet installation used for starting assistance and added performance in demanding conditions.

Cabin & avionics

The Antonov AN-24 is typically arranged for about 44 to 52 passengers in airline service, with a simple pressurized cabin and overhead baggage provision. The Antonov AN-26 is primarily a freight aircraft, using a rear ramp for pallets, vehicles, bulk cargo, paratroop seating or stretcher layouts. It can also be fitted for passenger or combi missions, but cabin comfort and noise levels reflect its military transport origins. Original avionics are conventional Soviet era analog systems, with no factory Garmin Perspective or G1000 suite. Aircraft offered today may have upgrades such as modern VHF radios, GPS navigation, Mode S transponder, ADS-B Out, TAWS, weather radar, 8.33 kHz spacing and Western flight instruments.

Buying & value

Prospective buyers should focus on records, corrosion status, structural life, engine and propeller times, ramp and door condition, landing gear history, pressurization integrity and compliance with local noise and avionics rules. Parts support and maintenance capability are central considerations, since fleet age and regional supply chains vary widely. Common points of comparison include passenger Antonov AN-24B and AN-24RV aircraft, cargo focused Antonov AN-26 and Antonov AN-26B variants, and aircraft converted for survey, medical, firefighting or special mission work. In the used market, the Antonov AN-24 / AN-26 is positioned as a low acquisition cost, rugged utility turboprop, best suited to operators with appropriate technical support and a clear need for rough field capability.