- Category
- War in Ukraine
Russia Failed to Replace Its Soviet An-2—Now It’s Turning It Into a Nazi-Era Ju 52
Prefer U24 Media on Google
- Authors
![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia is reportedly testing a new modernization concept for the Soviet-era Antonov An-2 biplane. The concept replaces its original radial aircraft engine with a three-engine configuration based on modified automotive powerplants, creating a layout that resembles the Nazi German Junkers Ju 52 transport aircraft used during World War II.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
According to Defense Express on May 27, the project was presented by the Russian company “Tekhnoregion” from Yeysk amid continued delays in the development of the LMS-901 “Baikal,” the aircraft intended to replace Russia’s aging An-2 fleet.
The proposed upgrade replaces the An-2’s original 1,000-horsepower Ash-62IR engine with three separate engines. The current prototype configuration reportedly includes one modified Toyota engine rated at 400 horsepower mounted in the nose section, along with two Subaru engines producing around 250 horsepower each under the wings.
The outlet reported that the developers eventually plan to standardize the aircraft with three Toyota-based engines, which would increase total output to approximately 1,200 horsepower.
Images published by Defense Express show the modified aircraft retaining the An-2’s original biplane layout while adding two additional engine nacelles beneath the lower wings. The resulting configuration has drawn comparisons to the German Junkers Ju 52, the iconic trimotor transport aircraft widely used by Nazi Germany during World War II.
According to the report, the developers described the project as an improvised modernization effort using available components and stated they hope to conduct a first flight within two months.
The redesign significantly changes the operational layout of the original An-2, which was engineered around a single-engine configuration. The addition of multiple engines increases maintenance complexity and may introduce additional reliability and balance challenges.
The outlet also emphasized that the engines used in the project are derived from automotive platforms rather than certified aviation engines. While reportedly modified for aviation use, such engines generally have different durability and operational standards compared to purpose-built aircraft powerplants.
The modernization effort comes as Russia continues to face difficulties developing the LMS-901 “Baikal,” a light utility aircraft intended to replace the An-2 in remote civilian and cargo operations. Despite earlier announcements regarding procurement plans and funding allocations, the aircraft has faced repeated delays during development.
The Antonov An-2, originally introduced in the late 1940s, remains widely used across parts of the former Soviet Union due to its ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips. Russia continues to rely on the aircraft for transport operations in remote regions decades after its original production began.
Earlier, Ukraine’s repeated strikes on the Beriev Aircraft Plant in Taganrog—one of Russia’s key strategic aviation facilities—contributed to major financial losses and disrupted programs involving Tu-95MS bombers, A-50 radar aircraft, and the A-100 “Premier” AWACS platform.
Discuss this article:
-9a7b3a98ed5c506e0b77a6663f5727c5.png)
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
