Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms By Flag By Year By Tag

PZL M.28 Skytruck (An-28)

1993 MODERN AIRCRAFT

History

In 1986, the Ukrainian Antonov Aircraft Company (then part of the Soviet Union) introduced the Antonov An-28, a twin-engine turboprop light transport aircraft. The 191 were eventually split into four main versions, with both civilian and military operators taking notice - from Armenia and Angola to Venezuela and Vietnam.

Operators also included Poland, which eventually took over locally licensed production of the series, resulting in PZL Mielec's locally refined model of the M. 28 "Skytruck".

The original Antonov An-28 flew for the first time on July 22, 1984, early production models were still powered by 2 PZL-10S turboprops (licensed TVD-10B series), simultaneously driving three-bladed propellers The device advances the 28 codename.

The core of An. The 28's success lies in its high-wing arrangement, which increases natural lift characteristics and improves short-field operation. A solid substructure and reinforced chassis ensure good operation even on rough terrain. Also, Ann. The 28's transport footprint is relatively small, with a deep fuselage and raised tail fins to facilitate the movement of cargo in, out, and around the aircraft.

It is these qualities that have made this aircraft consistently favored by civilian and military groups, including special forces around the world.

In addition to the above, the aircraft has excellent handling and the rear cargo door allows unobstructed access to the cargo area within the fuselage. The interior can also be reconfigured for various duties, including passenger transport. An anti-stall function has also been added.

After the fall of the Soviet Empire in 1991, PZL was free to maximize the An-28 for Western customers and began installing Western avionics, instrumentation and turboprops from Pratt & Whitney Canada. The aircraft now flies with two 1,100-horsepower PT6A-65B engines that drive the Hartzell five-blade propeller unit. Under this guise, the An-28 became the PZL M.28 "Skytruck" and completed its maiden flight on July 24, 1993.

Approved in March 1996.

The M. 28 can accommodate 2 crew members and can accommodate an additional 19 passengers with a fully equipped cabin. It has a payload of 5,070 pounds. The aircraft has an overall length of 42.11 feet, a wingspan of 72.4 feet and a height of 16 feet.

Curb weight is 9,310 pounds, and MTOW is 16,535 pounds. Power comes from 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65B turboprop engines, each rated at 1,100 hp.

Performance specs include a top speed of 220 mph, a cruising speed of 170 mph, a range of up to 930 miles and a service ceiling of up to 25,000 feet. The climb rate is 2,165 feet per minute.

Modern Polish Air Force and Naval Forces use a militarized version of the M. 28 as the M. 28B "Bryza" ("Sea Breeze"). These fly with 2 x PZL-10S series engines. Other Polish variant is An.

28TD Basic Transport, Modified M. 28B, M. 28B Bryza 1R Marine Patrol, M. 28B Bryza 1E Marine Ecological Reconnaissance Patrol, M. 28B Bryza 1RM bis Marine Patrol (with Submarine Hunting Capability) and M. 28 05 Skytruck for maritime patrol and search and rescue (SAR).

The US Air Force (Special Warfare Operations Center) is probably the most famous foreign Skytruck operator, with a fleet of 16 aircraft powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65B turboprops. Known locally as the "C-145A", this model is used for special missions, but is currently being phased out of the line (about 11 in stock as of 2017).

The C-145A has fought in the Afghan theater.

The M.28+ "Skytruck Plus" is an unused extended fuselage model.