Antonov An-72 vs Piper PA-23: Specs Compared

ASupport aircraft

Antonov An-72

Transport aircraft

Credit

Kirill Naumenko - Moscow City Spotters · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source ↗ · Modified

BSupport aircraft

Piper PA-23

American four- to six-seat twin-engined general aviation light aircraft ,

First system

Second system

At a glance

Side by side

Length comparisonOne shared metre scale

Antonov An-72An-72 · Length

28.07 m

Length source ↗

Piper PA-23PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Length

9.519 m

Length source ↗

Lengths retain their source configuration and measurement scope.

Measured figures

Head to head

16 of 41 rows sourced on both sides

28.07mAn-72 · Length

9.52mPA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Length

LengthScopes differ

All recorded figures & sources

28.07 m

An-72 · Length

Single source

28.07 m (92 ft 1 in)^[source]

9.519 m

PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Length

Single source

31 ft 2 + 3 ⁄ 4 in (9.519 m)^[source]

31.89mAn-72 · Wingspan

11.34m

WingspanScopes differ

All recorded figures & sources

31.89 m

An-72 · Wingspan

Single source

31.89 m (104 ft 7.5 in)^[source]

11.341 m

PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Wingspan

Single source

37 ft 2 + 1 ⁄ 2 in (11.341 m)^[source]

8.65mAn-72 · Height

3.15mPA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Height

HeightScopes differ

All recorded figures & sources

8.65 m

An-72 · Height

Single source

8.65 m (28 ft 4.5 in)^[source]

3.15 m

PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Height

Single source

10 ft 4 in (3.15 m)^[source]

34.5tGross; An-72 · Gross weight

2.4t

MassScopes differ

All recorded figures & sources

19,050 kg

Empty; An-72 · Empty weight

Single source

34,500 kg

Gross; An-72 · Gross weight

Single source

19,050 kg (42,000 lb)^[source]

34,500 kg (76,058 lb)^[source]

1,442 kg

Empty; PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Empty weight

Single source

2,359 kg

Maximum take-off; PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Max takeoff weight

Single source

five

1PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Crew

Crew

All recorded figures & sources

five^[source]

1 people

PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Crew

Single source

1^[source]

700km/hMaximum; An-72 · Maximum speed

346km/h

SpeedScopes differ

All recorded figures & sources

700 km/h

Maximum; An-72 · Maximum speed

Single source

700 km/h (435 mph, 378 kn)^[source]

277 km/h

Cruise; PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · at 10,200 ft (3,100 m) (long-range cruise)

Single source

346 km/h

Maximum; PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Maximum speed

Single source

215 mph (346 km/h, 187 kn)^[source]

172 mph (277 km/h, 149 kn) at 10,200 ft (3,100 m) (long-range cruise)^[source]

4,325kmAn-72 · Range

2,445km

RangeScopes differ

All recorded figures & sources

4,325 km

An-72 · Range

Single source

4,325 km (2,688 mi, 2,336 nmi)^[source]

2,445 km

PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · at long-range cruise

Single source

1,519 mi (2,445 km, 1,320 nmi) at long-range cruise^[source]

—

190kW

Power

All recorded figures & sources

190 kW

PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · 2 × Lycoming IO-540 -C4B5 normally aspirated air-cooled flat-six piston engines each

Single source

2 × Lycoming IO-540 -C4B5 normally aspirated air-cooled flat-six piston engines , 250 hp (190 kW) each^[source]

63.9kN

—

Thrust

All recorded figures & sources

63.9 kN

An-72 · 2 × Lotarev D-36 series 1A Turbofan thrust each

Single source

2 × Lotarev D-36 series 1A Turbofan, 63.9 kN (14,330 lbf) thrust each^[source]

98.6m²An-72 · Wing area

19.3m²

Wing areaScopes differ

All recorded figures & sources

98.62 m²

An-72 · Wing area

Single source

98.62 m 2 (1,062 sq ft)^[source]

19.283 m²

PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · Wing area

Single source

207.56 sq ft (19.283 m 2 )^[source]

10 000 м

5,780m

Service ceiling

All recorded figures & sources

10 000 м^[source]

5,780 m

PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · absolute ceiling

Single source

18,950 ft (5,780 m) (absolute ceiling)^[source]

—

7.1m/s

Rate of climb

All recorded figures & sources

7.1 m/s

PA-23-250F, normally aspirated · 1,400 ft/min (

Single source

1,400 ft/min (7.1 m/s)^[source]

Bars compare reported quantities only. A larger figure does not make a system better; configurations and test conditions differ.

Configuration

Details

Antonov An-72 and Piper PA-23 configuration
Specification	Antonov An-72	Piper PA-23
Type	Transport aircraft^[source]	Twin-engined light piston utility^[source]
National origin	Soviet Union^[source]	United States^[source]
Manufacturer	Antonov^[source]	Piper Aircraft^[source]
Status	In service^[source]	—
Primary users	Russian Aerospace Forces Russian Navy Angolan Air Force Soviet Air Force (historical)^[source]	—
Number built	133^[source]	6,976^[source]
Manufactured	1977–2002^[source]	1952–1981^[source]
First flight	31 August 1977 ( 1977-08-31 )^[source]	2 March 1952^[source]
Developed into	Antonov An-71 Antonov An-74^[source]	—
Capacity	up to 52 passengers or 10 tonnes of cargo^[source]	5 passengers^[source]
Introduction date	—	1954^[source]
Aspect ratio	—	6.8:1^[source]
Airfoil	—	USA 35B (modified)^[source]
Fuel capacity	—	140 US gal (120 imp gal; 530 L) usable fuel (normal), optional extra tanks with 40 US gal (33 imp gal; 150 L)^[source]
Propellers	—	2-bladed Hartzell HC-E2YK-2RB constant-speed propellers^[source]
Stall speed	—	68 mph (109 km/h, 59 kn) (flaps down)^[source]
Never exceed speed	—	277 mph (446 km/h, 241 kn)^[source]
Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15 m)	—	1,695 ft (517 m)^[source]
Landing distance from 50 ft (15 m)	—	1,695 ft (517 m)^[source]
Role	—	American four- to six-seat twin-engined general aviation light aircraft ,^[source]
Source measurement	—	The PA-23 was the first twin-engined Piper aircraft, and was developed from a proposed "Twin Stinson" design, inherited when Piper bought the Stinson Division of the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation . The prototype PA-23 was a four-seat, low-wing, all-metal monoplane with a twin tail , powered by two 125 hp Lycoming O-290 -D piston engines; it first flew on March 2, 1952. The aircraft performed poorly, so it was redesigned with a single vertical stabilizer and an all-metal rear fuselage and more powerful 150 hp Lycoming O-320 -A engines.^[source]Piper PA-23 · Design and development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Two new prototypes of the redesigned aircraft, named Apache , were built in 1953 and entered production in 1954; 1,231 Apaches were built. In 1958, the Apache 160 was produced with upgraded 160 hp (119 kW) engines; 816 were built. The Apache 160 was superseded in 1962 by the Aztec-derived 235 hp (175 kW) Apache 235 . With a 1962 price of $45,000, the Apache 235 featured the Aztec's engines and swept tail surfaces (119 built).^[source]Piper PA-23 · Design and development / Apache; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In 1959, Piper produced an upgraded version with 250 hp (186 kW) Lycoming O-540 engines and a swept vertical tail as the PA-23-250, and named it Aztec . The first models came in a five-seat configuration. In 1961, a longer-nosed variant, the Aztec B, entered production. Later Aztecs were equipped with Lycoming IO-540 fuel-injected engines and six-seat capacity, and remained in production until 1982. Turbocharged versions of the later models could fly at higher altitudes.^[source]Piper PA-23 · Design and development / Aztec; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage PA-23 powered by two 160 hp O-320-B engines^[source]Piper PA-23 · Variants / Apache; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Apache with five seats and 235 hp O-540 engines, 118 built^[source]Piper PA-23 · Variants / Apache; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Apache G with modified rear fuselage, new fin and rudder and 250hp Lycoming O-540-A1D engines, 4811 built (including subvariants)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Variants / Aztec; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Aztec variant with gross weight reduced from 5,200 lb (2,400 kg) to 4,995 lb (2,266 kg). Produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s exclusively for the United Kingdom market.^[source]Piper PA-23 · Variants / Aztec; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage On 18 April 1974, Aztec G-AYDE collided with Court Line Flight 95 , a BAC One-Eleven , at London Luton Airport after the pilot of the Aztec entered the active runway without clearance. He was killed and his passenger was injured. All 91 people on board the One-Eleven successfully evacuated after the takeoff was aborted.^[source]Piper PA-23 · Accidents and incidents; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Capacity: 5 passengers^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Length: 31 ft 2 + 3 ⁄ 4 in (9.519 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Wingspan: 37 ft 2 + 1 ⁄ 2 in (11.341 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Height: 10 ft 4 in (3.15 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Wing area: 207.56 sq ft (19.283 m 2 )^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Empty weight: 3,180 lb (1,442 kg)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Max takeoff weight: 5,200 lb (2,359 kg)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming IO-540 -C4B5 normally aspirated air-cooled flat-six piston engines , 250 hp (190 kW) each^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum speed: 215 mph (346 km/h, 187 kn)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Cruise speed: 172 mph (277 km/h, 149 kn) at 10,200 ft (3,100 m) (long-range cruise)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Stall speed: 68 mph (109 km/h, 59 kn) (flaps down)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Never exceed speed : 277 mph (446 km/h, 241 kn)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Range: 1,519 mi (2,445 km, 1,320 nmi) at long-range cruise^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Service ceiling: 18,950 ft (5,780 m) (absolute ceiling)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Rate of climb: 1,400 ft/min (7.1 m/s)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15 m): 1,695 ft (517 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Landing distance from 50 ft (15 m): 1,695 ft (517 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Reported operators	Reported operator · Angola Reported operator · Equatorial Guinea Reported operator · Kazakhstan Reported operator · Libya Reported operator · Russia Reported operator · Sudan Reported operator · Ukraine	—

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Antonov An-72

Piper PA-23

Type

Transport aircraft^[source]

Twin-engined light piston utility^[source]

National origin

Soviet Union^[source]

United States^[source]

Manufacturer

Antonov^[source]

Piper Aircraft^[source]

Status

In service^[source]

—

Primary users

Russian Aerospace Forces Russian Navy Angolan Air Force Soviet Air Force (historical)^[source]

—

Number built

133^[source]

6,976^[source]

Manufactured

1977–2002^[source]

1952–1981^[source]

First flight

31 August 1977 ( 1977-08-31 )^[source]

2 March 1952^[source]

Developed into

Antonov An-71 Antonov An-74^[source]

—

Capacity

up to 52 passengers or 10 tonnes of cargo^[source]

5 passengers^[source]

Introduction date

—

1954^[source]

Aspect ratio

—

6.8:1^[source]

Airfoil

—

USA 35B (modified)^[source]

Fuel capacity

—

140 US gal (120 imp gal; 530 L) usable fuel (normal), optional extra tanks with 40 US gal (33 imp gal; 150 L)^[source]

Propellers

—

2-bladed Hartzell HC-E2YK-2RB constant-speed propellers^[source]

Stall speed

—

68 mph (109 km/h, 59 kn) (flaps down)^[source]

Never exceed speed

—

277 mph (446 km/h, 241 kn)^[source]

Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15 m)

—

1,695 ft (517 m)^[source]

Landing distance from 50 ft (15 m)

—

1,695 ft (517 m)^[source]

Role

—

American four- to six-seat twin-engined general aviation light aircraft ,^[source]

Source measurement

—

The PA-23 was the first twin-engined Piper aircraft, and was developed from a proposed "Twin Stinson" design, inherited when Piper bought the Stinson Division of the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation . The prototype PA-23 was a four-seat, low-wing, all-metal monoplane with a twin tail , powered by two 125 hp Lycoming O-290 -D piston engines; it first flew on March 2, 1952. The aircraft performed poorly, so it was redesigned with a single vertical stabilizer and an all-metal rear fuselage and more powerful 150 hp Lycoming O-320 -A engines.^[source]Piper PA-23 · Design and development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Two new prototypes of the redesigned aircraft, named Apache , were built in 1953 and entered production in 1954; 1,231 Apaches were built. In 1958, the Apache 160 was produced with upgraded 160 hp (119 kW) engines; 816 were built. The Apache 160 was superseded in 1962 by the Aztec-derived 235 hp (175 kW) Apache 235 . With a 1962 price of $45,000, the Apache 235 featured the Aztec's engines and swept tail surfaces (119 built).^[source]Piper PA-23 · Design and development / Apache; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 1959, Piper produced an upgraded version with 250 hp (186 kW) Lycoming O-540 engines and a swept vertical tail as the PA-23-250, and named it Aztec . The first models came in a five-seat configuration. In 1961, a longer-nosed variant, the Aztec B, entered production. Later Aztecs were equipped with Lycoming IO-540 fuel-injected engines and six-seat capacity, and remained in production until 1982. Turbocharged versions of the later models could fly at higher altitudes.^[source]Piper PA-23 · Design and development / Aztec; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

PA-23 powered by two 160 hp O-320-B engines^[source]Piper PA-23 · Variants / Apache; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Apache with five seats and 235 hp O-540 engines, 118 built^[source]Piper PA-23 · Variants / Apache; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Apache G with modified rear fuselage, new fin and rudder and 250hp Lycoming O-540-A1D engines, 4811 built (including subvariants)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Variants / Aztec; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Aztec variant with gross weight reduced from 5,200 lb (2,400 kg) to 4,995 lb (2,266 kg). Produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s exclusively for the United Kingdom market.^[source]Piper PA-23 · Variants / Aztec; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

On 18 April 1974, Aztec G-AYDE collided with Court Line Flight 95 , a BAC One-Eleven , at London Luton Airport after the pilot of the Aztec entered the active runway without clearance. He was killed and his passenger was injured. All 91 people on board the One-Eleven successfully evacuated after the takeoff was aborted.^[source]Piper PA-23 · Accidents and incidents; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Capacity: 5 passengers^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Length: 31 ft 2 + 3 ⁄ 4 in (9.519 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Wingspan: 37 ft 2 + 1 ⁄ 2 in (11.341 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Height: 10 ft 4 in (3.15 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Wing area: 207.56 sq ft (19.283 m 2 )^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Empty weight: 3,180 lb (1,442 kg)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Max takeoff weight: 5,200 lb (2,359 kg)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming IO-540 -C4B5 normally aspirated air-cooled flat-six piston engines , 250 hp (190 kW) each^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum speed: 215 mph (346 km/h, 187 kn)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Cruise speed: 172 mph (277 km/h, 149 kn) at 10,200 ft (3,100 m) (long-range cruise)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Stall speed: 68 mph (109 km/h, 59 kn) (flaps down)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Never exceed speed : 277 mph (446 km/h, 241 kn)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Range: 1,519 mi (2,445 km, 1,320 nmi) at long-range cruise^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Service ceiling: 18,950 ft (5,780 m) (absolute ceiling)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Rate of climb: 1,400 ft/min (7.1 m/s)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15 m): 1,695 ft (517 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Landing distance from 50 ft (15 m): 1,695 ft (517 m)^[source]Piper PA-23 · Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Reported operators

Reported operator · Angola
Reported operator · Equatorial Guinea
Reported operator · Kazakhstan
Reported operator · Libya
Reported operator · Russia
Reported operator · Sudan
Reported operator · Ukraine

—