Russia helps Vietnam upgrade AN-2 aircraft

(Baonghean.vn) - During a visit and working session with the Siberian Aviation Research Institute on October 27, the Vietnam People's Air Force discussed and requested assistance in modernizing 40 AN-2 aircraft delivered by Russia during the Soviet era.

AN-2 aircraft has the advantage of being small, compact, and having a powerful engine. (Photo: Ria Novosti)

The AN-2 is a lightweight, single-engine, highly reliable biplane. It is used as a light transport aircraft, to carry paratroopers. Its ability to fly very slowly and take off and land in short runways makes it well suited to operating on short and field airstrips.

AN-2 aircraft were provided by Russia to Vietnam in 1950-1960. The AN-2 not only helped the Vietnamese army transport aid goods to the northern battlefield, but also participated in night combat, becoming a "nightmare" for the US because it flew slowly and was very difficult to see.

According to the Financial Director of the Siberian Aviation Research Institute, representatives of Vietnam visited, learned and expressed interest in cooperation between the two countries on the modernization of national weapons equipment, including the refurbishment of AN-2 aircraft. Currently, the Institute is considering the possibility of upgrading each part of the aircraft at Russian facilities, in parallel with helping Vietnam train technical staff.

Accordingly, the aircraft's panels will be upgraded with lighter aluminum alloys, and the engine will be more compact and powerful. Thanks to these changes, the AN-2 can fly over 3,000km, twice as long as the old version. The aircraft has a faster speed, takes off from a shorter runway, helping to save fuel.

After this refurbishment, the AN-2 - a unique combination of speed, engine and landing capabilities for the Vietnamese army. It adapts to harsh environments, can land even in tropical forests and mountainous terrain./.

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(According to Ria Novosti)