Antonov An-22 Antei (Cock)
At the time of its production, the Antonov An-22 Cock was the heaviest aircraft in existence.
By Staff Writer
The Antonov An-22 Antei (or "Cock") was another in the long line of Antonov transports designed and produced throughout the Cold War, with each design seemingly becoming progressively larger in scope. The An-22 was no exception, becoming the world's heaviest flying aircraft ever built at the time of its inception and setting various logistical records in that span as well. Though reports vary, somewhere between 50 and 100 examples were produced with fewer and fewer numbers seeing service as more effective designs relegated the An-22 to moth ball.
Debuting at the Paris Air Show of 1965, the prototype An-22 was unveiled in full. Most notable in the design were the use of twin propeller blade systems on the four high-mounted Kuznetsov turboprop engines. The high-mounting of these systems allowed for unfettered ground access and movement of cargo around and into the rear-ward accessed cargo ramp. Additionally, the tell-tale twin rudder fins were another identifiable component to this design, adding stability in flight.
Cargo capacity for the An-22 totaled off at about 176,300 pounds, making the system quite the earth mover. The pressurized cabin contained the crew and passenger seating as well. Among the various loads of cargo that the system was designed to move, the An-22 could transport military equipment, vehicle systems and aircraft if needed.
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