TYPE: Turboprop development of An-2 agricultural variant.

PROGRAMME: Reported Spring 1972 as expected competitor to Polish turbofan WSK-PZL Mielec M-15 for standardised agricultural use in Soviet Union and eastern Europe; confirmed 1979 that prototype produced by retrofitting piston-engined An-2 with 706 kW (946 shp) Glushenkov TVD-10 turboprop; state trials 1982-83, following rejection of M-15, and announcement that production An-3 would have 1,081 kW (1,450 shp) Glushenkov TVD-20 turboprop; plans announced for large-scale conversion of An-2s to An-3s, but no subsequent confirmation of programme launch; announcement in 1988 that new 1,140 kW (1,528 shp) Glushenkov TVD-1500 turboprop developed for An-3.

DESIGN FEATURES: Longer and slimmer nose than An-2, housing turboprop, with small plugs fore and aft of wings to lengthen fuselage; cockpit farther forward, sealed and air-conditioned; multi-panelled starboard cockpit windows replaced by single large blister window; instrumentation, electrical and fuel systems new; access to cockpit of agricultural version via small door on port side; this door omitted on transport An-3, with access via main cabin door and airtight door between cabin and flight deck.

FLYING CONTROLS: As An-2.

STRUCTURE: As An-2.

LANDING GEAR: As An-2.

POWER PLANT: One 1,140 kW (1,528 shp) Glushenkov TVD-1500 turboprop. Total of 1,200 litres (317 US gallons; 264 Imp gallons) of fuel carried in six tanks in upper wings.

ACCOMMODATION: As An-2.

EQUIPMENT: Chemical spraytank for agricultural duty has capacity of 2,200 litres (581 US gallons; 484 Imp gallons), more than 50 per cent increase over that of An-2. Dusting equipment available.