Antonov An-178

Summary

Description

The An-178 project was initiated in 2009 by Antonov as a self-financed venture to succeed its earlier Soviet-era transport aircraft like the An-12, An-26, and An-32. Market research identified the need for a payload capacity optimized for 13 to 18 tonnes, aiming to meet contemporary international aviation market requirements and client needs. Detailed design work commenced in 2011, with the aircraft based on the in-production An-148 and An-158 family. Compared to the An-12, the An-178 features two engines instead of four, reducing maintenance and crew requirements. The first prototype's main fuselage was completed by July 2014, and the aircraft was rolled out on April 16, 2015, in Kyiv. Its maiden flight took place on May 7, 2015. By May 2017, it had accumulated over 194 flight hours across 115 test flights.

The Antonov An-178 is a high-wing transport aircraft characterized by its moderately swept wing, winglets, and a T-tail configuration. Derived from the An-158 regional airliner, it incorporates the same fuselage nose section, flight deck, wing panels, empennage, and many onboard systems. However, the fuselage has been newly created with an enlarged diameter, increasing from 3.35 m to 3.9 m, resulting in a larger cargo hold with a cross-section of 2.75 m by 2.75 m. The airframe is constructed using aluminum alloys and composite materials, featuring a semi-monocoque fuselage with a circular cross-section. Its retractable landing gear includes two main wheel bogies and a dual nose wheel. The aircraft is equipped with digital avionics and a dual duplex fly-by-wire flight control system, comprising FCS-A and FCS-B, each managing two control channels. Flight control surfaces consist of ailerons, four control spoilers, six lift-dump/speed-brake spoilers, rudder, and elevators, supported by an emergency mechanical cable back-up system. Power is provided by two Progress D-436-148FM turbofan engines mounted on pylons under the wings, supplemented by an auxiliary power unit.

The An-178 is capable of transporting payloads of up to 18 tonnes over 1,000 km, or up to 10 tonnes over 4,000 km. It has a fully pressurised cargo compartment, unlike various Soviet-era transport aircraft. Potential military payloads include standardised cargo containers, a maximum of 99 infantry personnel with full combat equipment, up to 80 paratroopers, or as many as 40 casualties on litters and 30 seated casualties.

Although initially intended to replace older transport aircraft like the An-12, An-26, and An-32, the An-178 has faced a series of order changes and cancellations that have shaped its operational deployment. The Royal Saudi Air Force initially signed a letter of intent for 30 aircraft, potentially including local manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, but the deal was later reported as cancelled. Similarly, Silk Way Airlines in Azerbaijan, which was to be the launch customer with an order for 10 aircraft, later cancelled its order. Domestically, the Ukrainian market has been more promising; the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine ordered 13 An-178s in June 2019, and in January 2021, the Ukrainian Air Force ordered three aircraft designated as AN-178-100P. Construction of the first production An-178 was completed in December 2021, and certification testing has since commenced. The Iraqi Army also has two on order, while an order from the Ministry of the Interior of Peru was also cancelled.

Main Variants:

• Antonov An-178: The initial prototype, designed as a short-range, medium-airlift military transport aircraft.

• An-178 (elongated wingspan): Proposed future production-standard variant with an elongated wingspan to increase maximal takeoff weight.

• An-178 (improved engines): Envisioned later production variant equipped with turbofan engines providing approximately 9,500 kgf of thrust.

• AN-178-100P: Version ordered by the Ukrainian Air Force.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Ukraine	0 (+3)

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Ukraine

Photo of An-178