"The timely implementation of the first phase of this contract was only possible thanks to the efficient and precise work of all participants," said Dmitry Peregudov, general director of Ukrainian arms export agency Ukrspetsexport. Signed in 2009, the modernisation programme is the largest-ever deal between the country and India, he said.
The upgraded An-32s have updated equipment including air collision avoidance systems, ground proximity warning systems, satellite navigation, distance measuring equipment, upgraded radio altimeters, new radars with multifunctional indicators, new oxygen systems and improved crew seats.
The An-32 is similar to the An-26, but has more powerful turboprop engines mounted higher on the wing. It can operate from airfields up to 14,800ft (4,500m) above sea level as well as in hot conditions. It has proved effective at linking India's high mountain settlements with bigger cities.
Key Data:
Role
Bomber or Transport Aircraft
Crew
Three
Passenger Capacity
42 paratroopers or 50 passengers or 24 Casualties on stretcher with three medical personnel
Maiden Flight
July 1976
Entry into Service
July 1984
Numbers Built
361
Dimensions:
Length
23.78m
Wingspan
29.2m
Height
8.75m
Wing Area
75m²
Weights:
Empty Weight
16,800kg
Maximum Take-Off Weight
27,000kg
Payload Weight
6,700kg
Engines:
Type
Ivchenko Progress AI-20DM turboprop engine
Number of Engines
Two
Power Capacity
3,864kW each
Performance:
Maximum Speed
530km/h
Cruise Speed
470km/h
Range
2,500km
Service Ceiling
9,500m
Take-off Run
1,500m
Key Players:
Manufacturer
Antonov Design Bureau
Operators
Afghan Air Force, Armenian Air Force, Bangladesh Air Force, Colombian Army, Croatian Air Force, Ethiopian Air Force, Indian Air Force, Iraqi Air Force, Libyan Air Force, Mexican Air Force, Peruvian Air Force, Sri Lanka Air Force and Ukrainian Air Force
Contractors:
Engines
Ivchenko Progress
Avionics Suite
SouthEast Aerospace
Multifunctional Display
Garmin Avionics
Automatic Direction Finder and Radar Altimeter
Bendix or King