Sunday, 15 April 2007

Antonov An-26 in the twilight of its career

In service with the Polish Air Force since 1972, the Antonov An-26 light transport aircraft is due for retirement next year. Five are currently in service. Note the three tones of green-over-sand camouflage scheme; the undersides are painted olive. Not visible in this shot are the dirty streaks of smoke that the polluting engines leave behind, something this plane has in common with other Soviet-era transports used by the Polish Air Force, the Tu-154M and Yak-40.
Below is a CASA C-295, of which the eight are currently in service in the light transport role, with two more on order. They will eventually replace the Antonovs.

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