In Omsk, the results of tests of the modernized An-2 "Russkaya Arktika" aircraft, capable of operating in the conditions of the Far North, were presented. Against the backdrop of the ongoing development of the light aircraft "Baikal", representatives of the polar community proposed to more actively use already available machines to solve transport and special tasks in the Arctic.
During events dedicated to the anniversary of Polar Aviation, specialists once again raised the issue of the updated An-2. The aircraft, created on the basis of the legendary biplane, recently performed demonstration flights with practice of takeoff and landing on deep snow – one of the key elements of operation in northern regions.
According to the founder of the Omsk aviation enterprise "Motor", honorary polar explorer of Russia Yuri Petrov, the project is designed to return the existing An-2 fleet to work in the Arctic. The machine can be used for northern delivery, sanitary transportation, patrolling, geological exploration and aerial photography.
Our task is to return to the Arctic with dignity and utilize the remaining An-2 aircraft fleet in the country.
The aircraft received a complex of equipment for operation in difficult climatic conditions, including additional fuel tanks, enlarged wheels, navigation systems, surveillance equipment and electronic warfare systems.
Against this background, polar explorers once again recalled the protracted wait for the "Baikal" aircraft, which is to become the successor to the An-2.
It seems that "Baikal" has become our future, which hardly anyone will live to see. That's why we are returning to the past.
Polar specialists believe that until the serial "Baikal" is put into operation, modernized An-2s will be able to partially satisfy the needs of the northern regions for affordable and reliable aircraft.
Earlier, "Pervy Tekhnichesky" reported that the LMS-901 "Baikal" aircraft successfully completed a test flight with updated measuring equipment.
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