How slow can you go?

[TangoWhiskey]

The Antonov An-2 can fly REALLY slow.

An interesting note from the pilot's handbook reads:

"If the engine quits in instrument conditions (blind flying when you can't see the ground) or at night, the pilot should pull the control column full aft (it won't stall) and keep the wings level. The leading-edge slats will snap out at about 40 mph (64 km/h), and when the airplane slows to a forward speed of about 25 mph [40 km/h], the airplane will sink at about a parachute descent rate until the aircraft hits the ground."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-2

To see a takeoff and HEAR the pneumatic (air) brake system in action, plus that throaty radial and TONS of switches on the panel, watch this video:

http://www.flightlevel350.com/Aircraft_Antonov_An-2-Airline_Private_Aviation_Video-5805.html

Who's gonna bring an An-2 to Gastons next year? I want a ride!

 

[SkyHog]

wow - that is a really really neat airplane. Too bad its a product of the communists.

But I still want some time in one.

 

[wesleyj]

it flies like something out of the stone ages, handles like a ton of bricks, heavy on all controls, not a real joy to fy, at least not as far as i was concerned.

 

[tonycondon]

Too bad its a product of the communists.

ya between that and those stinking IAR's, i just dont know anymore...

 

[Skip Miller]

Too bad its a product of the communists.

Good old American engine, though. It is an authorized copy of the Wright 1820 radial, made under license.

-Skip

 

[Steve]

AN-2 for sale

http://www.blueskies.aero/antonovsale.html

[FONT=Verdana, Trebuchet MS]Q: What is the interior like? How many seats, and what is the useful load, cruise speed and fuel burn at 75% power? How about short field performance? [/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Trebuchet MS]

A: The interior is a utility configuration with folding plastic troop seats. The useful load is somewhere around 4000 lbs, cruise is 100, and fuel burn is about 50 at 75% power. The An-2 is the king of short field performance. It gets off in about 500 feet at gross weight. For more specs, do a search for An-2 on Google... there is lots of information out there!​

[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Trebuchet MS]Q: what is your fuel burn? [/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Trebuchet MS]

A: Typical fuel burn is in the area of 42 gph. It really depends on what setting you prefer...

and one in Poland

http://www.planecheck.com/index.asp?ent=da&id=5003&cor=y​

[/FONT]

 

[Everskyward]

AN-2 for sale

Here's one that might be cheap. It is (or was) in Livermore, CA.

 

[infotango]

I got to tour one of those up in Penn Yann NY (PEO) last week.

Awesome plane, owner says that it gets around 50 gph.

 

[bbchien]

I got to tour one of those up in Penn Yann NY (PEO) last week.

Awesome plane, owner says that it gets around 50 gph.

Just DWARFs the twin commander behind it!

 

[jbelew]

If the engine quits in instrument conditions (blind flying when you can't see the ground) or at night, the pilot should pull the control column full aft (it won't stall) and keep the wings level. The leading-edge slats will snap out at about 40 mph (64 km/h), and when the airplane slows to a forward speed of about 25 mph [40 km/h], the airplane will sink at about a parachute descent rate until the aircraft hits the ground."

Check out the Stats on the Helio Courier, Built in Pittsburg, Kansas and used in Vietnam. Stall Speed 28 MPH a lot smaler plane but only burns 15-18 GPH. A lot of them were converted to tri-gear and given to the CAP.

 

[wesleyj]

There is another really good airplane ruined by putting a nose gear on it,

 

[AuntPeggy]

The Antonov An-2 can fly REALLY slow.

About five years ago, I found a website describing the Russian Flying Ballet Corps. They slowed the Antonov to about the speed of their headwind and flew the plane just off the ground while a troupe of dancers performed atop the fuselage with no safety restraints.B) Dancers complained about the cold wind. They were looking for sponsors then. I can no longer find them on the Internet.
- Aunt Peggy

 

[Steve]

Story at:

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9902/28/russia.ballerina/index.html

The dance company's website is no longer active.

 

[SCCutler]

Big ugly beast it is, is there anything else built that will do what the AN2 does? Remarkable airplane, serves its purpose very well.

Add me to the list of folks who'd love stick time in one!

 

[RotaryWingBob]

Nah, Troy. Slow is 0 kts

Hmmm. If I fly backwards, does that count as even slower

Rotors Rule!

 

[ScottM]

Hmmm. If I fly backwards, does that count as even slower

Zero is zero. Flying backwards is just flying at a certain speed in a different direction.

 

[Steve]

There's a fellow here in MS that is setting up a dealership for the Wilga

http://www.edsmart.com/falcon/pzl-w.htm

The first airframe was trucked in for assembly at a nearby airport. The mechanic in charge of the assembly invited me to help, but with the temps in hi 90's in the shade this week I've found myself otherwise engaged.

Not an "Ant" (AN-2), but an interesting STOL. http://www.slepcevstorch.com/super_storch.htm
-- Mike

 

[tonycondon]

oooo wilgas are amazing towplanes, they use them extensively in europe. have to start talking the club into selling the super cub...

 

[jason]

Those look like they'd be fun.

http://www.wilgas.com/photos.html

 

[Steve]

Ha! The white one with the solid red nose has been competing in landing contests....lol [tire paint]

Those look like they'd be fun.

http://www.wilgas.com/photos.html