Comprehensive Antonov An-24 Aircraft Technical Documentation

This digital collection assembles authentic technical manuals for one of the Soviet Union's most successful regional airliners and military transports. The Antonov An-24 served with distinction for over five decades, providing reliable short-haul service across the USSR and worldwide. These original documents provide detailed specifications and procedures used by civilian and military crews operating this versatile twin-turboprop aircraft.

Historical Note

The Antonov An-24 entered service with Aeroflot in 1963 as a modern twin-turboprop regional airliner designed to replace aging piston-powered aircraft on short-haul routes throughout the Soviet Union. Developed by the Antonov Design Bureau under Oleg Antonov's leadership, the An-24 was specifically engineered for the challenging operating conditions of the USSR—extreme climates, primitive airfields, and minimal ground support infrastructure in remote regions.

Powered by two Ivchenko AI-24 turboprop engines producing 2,550 shaft horsepower each, the An-24 could carry 44-52 passengers over ranges up to 1,400 miles. The high-wing configuration, rugged landing gear with low-pressure tires, and auxiliary power unit in the right engine nacelle (which could also serve as an emergency propulsion source) made the aircraft remarkably self-sufficient. The An-24 could operate from unpaved runways, in temperatures ranging from -50°C to +45°C, and required minimal ground equipment—critical capabilities for serving Siberia, Central Asia, and the Arctic.

The aircraft's design philosophy emphasized reliability, simplicity, and ease of maintenance over performance. The An-24 featured robust systems with significant redundancy, allowing operations in conditions that would ground more sophisticated aircraft. Its short-field performance enabled service to communities with runways as short as 4,000 feet, bringing air service to hundreds of remote towns and villages across the vast Soviet Union for the first time.

Aeroflot became the largest operator, eventually acquiring over 1,000 An-24s that formed the backbone of Soviet regional aviation for three decades. The aircraft connected remote communities to major cities, supported resource extraction industries in Siberia, and provided essential transportation across regions where surface travel was difficult or impossible for much of the year. The An-24's reliability in harsh conditions earned it legendary status among Soviet pilots and passengers.

The Soviet military adopted the An-24 in several variants including the An-24T cargo version with a rear loading ramp, and specialized electronic warfare and reconnaissance platforms. Military An-24s served throughout the Warsaw Pact and with Soviet-aligned nations, providing tactical transport and support missions. The aircraft's ability to operate from forward airstrips made it valuable for military operations in remote areas.

The An-24 achieved remarkable export success, serving with airlines and air forces across the Soviet sphere of influence and beyond. Over 40 countries operated the type, including China, which produced the aircraft under license as the Xian Y-7 (later developed into the modern MA60 and MA600). Cuba, Mongolia, Vietnam, Egypt, Iraq, and numerous African nations flew An-24s on both civilian and military missions. The aircraft's rugged reliability and economical operation made it ideal for developing nations with limited infrastructure.

Several variants were developed including the An-24V passenger version, An-24RV with auxiliary turbojet for improved hot-and-high performance, An-24T freighter, An-24RT combined passenger/cargo variant, and the An-26 tactical transport derivative with a rear loading ramp. The An-26 became a successful military transport in its own right, with over 1,400 built and widespread service continuing today.

Production continued until 1979, with over 1,100 An-24s built at factories in Kiev and Ulan-Ude. This impressive production run reflected the aircraft's importance to Soviet civil and military aviation. The An-24's simple, proven design required minimal updates throughout its production life—testament to the soundness of the original concept.

The An-24 remained in widespread service long after Soviet production ended. Hundreds continued flying with operators across the former Soviet Union, Africa, Asia, and Latin America well into the 21st century. The aircraft's durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to operate from primitive airfields ensured continued relevance decades after more modern regional jets entered service. Some operators modernized their An-24s with Western avionics and refurbished interiors, extending service life into the 2020s.

The aircraft's safety record, while challenged by aging airframes and varying maintenance standards in some regions, demonstrated the basic design's soundness. Properly maintained An-24s proved remarkably reliable, with some individual aircraft accumulating over 40,000 flight hours—extraordinary longevity for a regional airliner.

Today, the Antonov An-24 is remembered as one of the most successful regional airliners ever built. Its combination of rugged reliability, excellent short-field performance, and economical operation made it indispensable for serving remote communities across the Soviet Union and developing nations worldwide. The aircraft's influence extends through its Chinese Y-7 derivative and the An-26 military transport, ensuring that Oleg Antonov's design continues serving operators over six decades after its first flight.

What's Included

This collection contains essential technical references for the Antonov An-24:

• Flight Operating Manuals – Complete pilot procedures, short-field operations, performance data, and emergency protocols
• Flight Engineer Manuals – Systems management, fuel calculations, and crew coordination procedures
• Maintenance Instructions – Detailed servicing procedures, inspection schedules, and troubleshooting guides
• Parts Catalogs – Illustrated parts breakdowns with nomenclature and part numbers
• Technical Orders – Official modifications, updates, and service bulletins
• Structural Repair Manuals – Airframe repair procedures and specifications
• Systems Documentation – Powerplant (AI-24 turboprops), hydraulic, electrical, and auxiliary power systems
• Weight and Balance Manuals – Loading procedures and calculations

Digital Delivery

All manuals are delivered as high-resolution PDF files, optimized for both screen viewing and printing. Download immediately after purchase and access your files anytime from your account. Perfect for reference, restoration projects, or building your aviation library.

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Disclaimer: Sold for historical and reference purposes only. These original or reproduced manuals and blueprints are transferred to electronic format from active-duty archives. Not intended for current certification or repair work. Ideal for scholars, collectors, modelers, and aviation enthusiasts. We provide civil manuals and blueprints on obsolete aircraft, engines, and helicopters for proprietary reasons. Information is for reference only; completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed.

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