Turboprop transporter Antei soldiers on

On 2 September 2021, two Antonov An-22A Antei turboprop heavy transport aircraft of the Russian Federation - Aerospace Forces (RF VKS) took off from Tver-Migalovo air base (Russia).

Not special at first glance. But given that there are currently only two airworthy An-22s in the world to be found, it is worth mentioning that both RF-09309 and RA-09341 were flying the past week.

The two aircraft were recently overhauled at Ivanovo-Severny airfield with the 308 Aircraft Repair Plant (308 ARZ). Besides Ukraine's Antonov state owned An-22A UR-09307, which was last seen flying at the end of 2020 and is believed to receive overhaul at this moment.

RF VKS An-22As RF-09328 and RA-09342 could well be the last Antei's that will receive attentention and will be restored into flyable condition in due time. The latter aircraft are stored at this moment and are the only two that are deemed possible to be restored into flying condition again.

Photos by Alexander Mashovets