The An-70, designed by Antonov State Enterprise of Ukraine, is known as the first aircraft in the world to be flown powered by propfan engines, but its development has progressed at a disappointingly slow speed since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. The principal set of operational requirements for a new-generation, medium to heavy class, short take-off and landing (STOL) transport with high aerodynamic and fuel efficiency, was outlined by the former Soviet Air Force in 1987. The new-generation airlifter was required to be capable of operating from very short unpaved airstrips in close proximity to the front line, in order to facilitate rapid deployment of troops, heavy weapons and equipment. During the development, the aircraft grew in weight and size and its maximum take-off weight rapidly exceeded 100 tonnes - eventually positioning the An-70 into the heavy airlifter category.
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