Antonov An-72

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The Antonov An-72 (NATO reporting name: Coaler) is a transport aircraft, developed and produced by the Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov. The An-72 and the related An-74 get their nickname, Cheburashka, from the large engine intake ducts, which resemble the oversized ears of the popular Soviet animated character of the same name. Design work on the An-72 commenced during the early 1970s, likely as the Soviet Union's response to the American Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) programme that was ultimately terminated. It was developed in relative secrecy as a short takeoff and landing (STOL) transport aircraft and was intended to serve as a jet-powered replacement for the Antonov An-26. The An-72 made the use of the Coandă effect to improve its STOL performance by directing engine exhaust gases over the upper surface of the wing to boost lift. This performance directed numerous other design features across the aircraft, including its use of a T-tail and the specifics of its flight...

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