IAF’s AN-32 missing: All you need to know about the aircraft

IAF Captain DK Sharma told reporters: “We termed it as overdue, and have launched full force (search and rescue operation). We will get results soon.” Media reports claim that bad weather could have played a role in the aircraft going off the radar.

Here’s a quick look at the AN-32 and what its features are

* The Indian Air Force reportedly has a fleet of 105 AN-32s in service.

* The AN-32, a twin-engine aircraft, is primarily used as a cargo flight.

* In this case, it was carrying 29 people on board – 23 personnel and six crew.

* The aircraft has the capacity to transport either 7.5 tonnes of cargo or fifty passengers.

* There are ten variants of the AN-32: An-32A, An-32B, An-32B-100, An-32B-110, An-32B-120, An-32B-300, An-32LL, An-32MP, An-32P firekiller and An-32B-200.

WATCH VIDEO: Indian Air Force’s An-32 Plane Goes Missing

Click here for LIVE updates on IAF’s missing AN-32 aircraft

* The AN-32 aircraft can fly at a maximum speed of 530km/hour. The aircraft weighs around 16,800kg and its maximum take-off weight is 27,000 kg.

* The aircraft is designed to be used in both – civilian as well as military situations.

* The An-32 prototype took its maiden flight in July 1976.