The Antonov An-72 / An-74 is a medium sized transport aircraft of a quite unique design. It was built to be capable of operating out of smaller airstrips. Its two jet engines are mounted above the elevated wing, so that their thrust provides additional lift on the wing surface (so-called coanda-effect). A rear loading ramp is standard for the aircraft.
Many An-72s are employed by military operators, namely the Navy, the Air Force and the Ministry of Defense. The majority of these aircraft still carry Aeroflot markings. Besides, some civilian An-74 operators are known of. These include the gaz and energy producers in the CIS as well as some airlines. While the An-72 and older An-74 require a cockpit crew of four, the newer An-74T (freighter) and An-74TK (combi) aircraft designed for commercial use feature a two-man cockpit.
The An-72 and An-74 are still a rare sight outside the CIS, although Helicol Colombia once attempted to bring the type into South American skies.
| Technical Data | Photos |
| Role | Medium sized jet transport with short landing and take-off capabilities | | Crew, prs | 4 (An-72) or 2 (commercially used An-74T/TK series) | | Ceiling, m | 11,000 | | Range with max.payload, km | 1,000 | | Range with max.fuel, km | 3,200 | | Cruise speed, kmph | 720 | | Maximum take-off mass, kg | 34,800 (An-72) or 36,000 (An-74) | | Wingspan, m | 25.8 | | Lenght, m | 26.6 | | Engines | 2 Lotarev D-36 | | Passengers | 32 | | 
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