Australian Aviation’s Lenn Bayliss took these photos of a 48-year-old Antonov An‑12BK landing in Wellcamp on 18 December.
Cavok Air-operated UR-KDM, msn 02348107, departed Kuala Lumpur at 7:32am on 17 December and landed in Darwin at 4:27pm, before continuing on to Wellcamp the next day.
Entering into service in 1959, the An‑12 was the go-to medium-range cargo transport for the Soviet air forces for close to three decades. It was effectively a major rival to the US Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
It was also renowned for its short runway capabilities, high-mounted wings, raised tail and strong lifting qualities.
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Brian
says:Just like there was no real alternative to a C-130 for the Western powers, there was no other option to the An-12 for those buying from the Eastern Bloc. Both aircraft have their advantages and disadvantages, but for real world, rough strip heavy haulage, nothing matches the Hercules.
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says:A12 of Covak Air flew over Liverpool U.K. 2 days ago on its way from Rep. of Ireland to Vigo in Portugal..