The Antonov An-26 is now a comparatively rare
sight in European skies, many of the former Warsaw Pact air arms having retired
the type - known under the NATO codename system for Soviet-built aircraft as
the 'Curl' - in favour of newer Western equipment. The Hungarian Air Force,
however, still has four An-26s on strength with its fixed-wing transport
squadron at Kecskemét. The twin-turboprop tactical transport made its maiden
flight in 1969, and was produced to the tune of over 1,400 examples. It was based
on the earlier An-24, incorporating a rear loading ramp among other
improvements. Extensive sales to Communist countries for both military and
civil use were guaranteed, but numbers in service are now dwindling. Hungary is
expected soon to begin the search for a replacement for its An-26 fleet.
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