IATA A32ICAO AN32

Antonov AN-32

Antonov

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Soviet high-altitude turboprop designed for hot-and-high operations.

First flight

1976

Category

Military turboprop transport

Seating

Up to 50 passengers or 42 paratroopers

Range

2,500 km

Engines

Two Ivchenko AI-20D Series 5 turboprops, approximately 5,112 shp each

Status

In service

The Antonov An-32 is a twin-turboprop transport aircraft developed by the Antonov Design Bureau in Ukraine as an upgraded variant of the An-26. It was designed specifically to operate from high-altitude airfields in hot climates, featuring significantly more powerful engines mounted above the wing to improve ground clearance for the large propellers. The aircraft first flew in 1976 and entered service primarily with military and government operators around the world. India became one of the largest operators, acquiring the type for the Indian Air Force due to its suitability for Himalayan routes. The An-32 has also served in various conflict zones and remote regions across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Capable of operating from short, unprepared airstrips, the An-32 fills a niche role in military logistics and humanitarian operations. Despite its age, many examples remain in active service, though the type is no longer in production.

Notable operators

The Indian Air Force is the largest operator; others include the Ukrainian Air Force, Iraqi Air Force, and various African and Latin American military services.

Notable facts

›Developed as a hot-and-high variant of the An-26 with much more powerful engines.
›The oversized engines are mounted high above the wing to provide propeller ground clearance.
›India ordered 123 An-32s, making it the type's biggest customer.
›Can operate from unprepared airstrips at altitudes up to 4,500 meters.
›Several An-32s operated by the Indian Air Force were upgraded with modern avionics in the 2010s.