What is AN-32 Aircraft?

About AN-32 Aircraft

• The AN-32 (Antonov AN-32) is a Soviet-origin military transport aircraft.
• It is designed and manufactured by the Antonov Design Bureau of Ukraine for the Indian Air Force (IAF). 
• It was purchased by India from the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1984. The IAF has a fleet of around 100 AN-32 planes.
• Its NATO reporting name is Cline.
• Features:
  • The aircraft is designed to manoeuvre day and night in tropical and mountainous regions, even in hot climatic conditions (up to 55°C).
  • It is powered by two single-shaft turboprop engines.
  • An-32 can fly at a maximum speed of 530 km/h, and its cruise speed is 470 km/h. 
  • The range and service ceiling of the aircraft are 2,500km and 9,500m, respectively.
  • The aircraft weighs around 16,800 kg, and its maximum take-off weight is 27,000kg.
  • It can take off and land on rough airfields and dirt runways. 
  • The aircraft can transport either 7.5 tons of cargo, 50 passengers, 42 paratroopers, or 24 patients and three medical crews over domestic and international air routes.
  • It also has a limited bombing role and is used for para-trooping operations.

Q1) What is a turboprop aircraft?

A turboprop aircraft uses a turbo-prop engine rather than a piston-powered engine or a jet engine. They have one or more gas-turbine engines connected to a gearbox that turns the propeller(s) to move the aircraft on the ground and through the air. Turboprop aircraft have lower operating costs than jets because they burn less fuel, but they are also slower than jets.

Source: Wreckage of IAF's AN-32 aircraft traced seven-and-a-half years after it went missing