Antonov looking to sell India six AN-74s

Ukraine's Antonov ASTC has chosen AeroIndia 2009, currently on at Bangalore, to unveil its new AN-74, a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft. This version of the aircraft is already being studied by the ministry of defence, and an order for six of them for the navy and coast guard is on the anvil.

The new AN-74 is capable of multiple tasks, aerial and maritime patrolling, support of military ships with the possibility to counterattack an enemy, carrying out search and rescue operations, electronic and radio reconnaissance, and determination of pollution of the sea surface.

It can be easily re-configured for the transportation of people and evacuation of sick and wounded persons. Its cargo cabin has a volume of 26 cubic metres, a fully mechanized hatch-ramp, and equipment for airborne loading/unloading as well as para-dropping cargo.

Antonov says the new AN-74, developed with its partners from France, Germany and Sweden, can be operated from poor quality runways which have pebbles, snow or ice. In STOL (short take-off and landing) mode it can transport up to six tonne of cargo.

It is also simple to service, and thus can operate for long periods far from regular aerodromes. It takes the best characteristics of the previous airplanes of the family, which are in operation in military divisions of different countries in a variety of roles. These include carrying troops and cargo for special missions, evacuation of casualties, fighting piracy, stopping poachers, guarding maritime boundaries, etc.

The new AN-74 offers several improvements, such as the newest instruments for piloting, navigation and communication. Besides, the power plant and APU, aircraft and engine control systems, fuel, hydraulic systems and many other parts have been enhanced. The most modern technologies will be used for after sales support of the airplane.

During the exhibition, Ukraine and India will also discuss both the existing and new sectors of cooperation in the aerospace industry.