The Museum Complex of Verkhnyaya Pyshma has begun assembling a restored An-2R aircraft, manufactured in 1987. After two years of restoration, the machine was installed on an open exhibition area near the "Wings of Victory" aviation museum.
The An-2 presented is an agricultural version of the legendary biplane. The aircraft was built at the Polish enterprise PZL-Mielec and transferred to the Perm Aeroflot air fleet in the autumn of 1987. There it was used for aerial chemical work until March 2000. In 2023, the aircraft was transferred to the museum complex of Verkhnyaya Pyshma.
The An-2SKh developed speeds of up to 250 km/h and had a flight range of up to 990 km. One of its main advantages was its ability to operate from unprepared sites. The aircraft required a runway of about 30 meters for takeoff, so it could use a field, a clearing, or a snow-covered meadow instead of a full-fledged runway.
The design and aerodynamics of the An-2 allowed it to maintain controllability at very low speeds. In strong headwind, the aircraft could practically hover relative to the ground. This feature became one of the most unusual characteristics of the famous biplane.
During restoration, specialists returned the aircraft to its historical appearance. Under later layers of paint, the original agricultural livery of sandy yellow and grey-blue colors was discovered. It was decided to restore it.
The work also affected the aircraft's design. One of the half-wings was expanded and covered with transparent plexiglass. This will allow visitors to examine the internal structure of the wing and the fuel system. The An-2 has six fuel tanks – three on each side of the upper wing.
Some wing elements were also replaced. Aviation aluminum was used instead of percale, which will better preserve the exhibit when placed outdoors.
Currently, the An-2 is in the final stage of assembly. After the work is completed, visitors will be able to see the restored agricultural version of one of the most famous Soviet aircraft.