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Antonov An-38

Modern (1992–2009)

Antonov An-38 — Fixed Wing
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The Antonov An-38 is a Soviet/Russian / Ukrainian twin-turboprop short-haul commuter airliner — a stretched, re-engined evolution of the An-28. Antonov began An-38 development in 1989; production was at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association in Russia from 1994 onward. About 11 An-38s have been built, making the type one of the least-successful post-Soviet Antonov programmes despite a sound technical concept. The aircraft is structurally similar to the An-28 but uses American Honeywell TPE331 turboprop engines instead of the Soviet TVD-10 — the first Antonov ever certified with Western powerplants.

The An-38 used two Honeywell TPE331-14GR-805E turboprop engines (1,500 shp each). Maximum speed 220 mph; range 470 miles; service ceiling 13,000 ft. Capacity: 27 passengers in standard configuration. The aircraft retained the An-28's high parasol-wing layout and STOL performance (takeoff distance ~190 m, landing ~140 m). The An-38 entered service in 2000 with Aeroflot-Don for Russian short-haul operations; subsequent operators included Vostokavia (Russia) and a small number of South-East Asian and African operators. Production has been minimal — about 11 airframes built between 1994 and 2010 — because Russian short-haul airlines preferred Western alternatives (ATR 42, Bombardier Q400) with established maintenance networks.

The An-38 programme demonstrated the post-Soviet Russian aviation industry's struggle to commercialise late-Soviet aircraft designs in the global market. Despite Honeywell engine certification + Western-grade avionics, the type could not compete commercially with established Western short-haul turboprops on per-seat costs. Production has effectively ended; about 5 An-38s remain in active service in 2026, mostly in the Russian Far East.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Antonov An-38 is a small passenger plane made in Russia and Ukraine. It can carry up to 27 passengers on short trips. Engineers started designing it in 1989. The first planes rolled out of the factory in 1994.

The An-38 is a bigger, updated version of an older plane called the An-28. It kept the same high wing design, which sits on top of the fuselage like a roof. This helps the plane take off and land on very short runways. It is smaller than a school bus from nose to tail, making it great for tiny airports.

One special thing about this plane is its engines. Most Antonov planes used Soviet-built engines. But the An-38 used American Honeywell engines instead. It was the very first Antonov plane ever to fly with Western engines. Each engine produced a lot of power to lift the plane into the air.

The An-38 can fly up to 220 miles per hour and travel about 470 miles on one trip. It entered service in 2000 with a Russian airline called Aeroflot-Don. Airlines in other countries also used the plane for short flights. Only about 11 of these planes were ever built, which makes them quite rare today.

Fun Facts

  • The An-38 can carry 27 passengers on short regional flights.
  • It was the first Antonov aircraft ever fitted with American engines.
  • The plane can land in a space shorter than two basketball courts end to end.
  • Its top speed is 220 miles per hour — faster than a racing car on a track.
  • Only about 11 An-38s were ever built, making it one of the rarest Antonov types.
  • The An-38 can fly as high as 13,000 feet above the ground.
  • Engineers based the An-38 on an older plane called the An-28 and stretched it to fit more seats.
  • Airlines in Russia, South-East Asia, and Africa have all flown the An-38.

Kids’ Questions

What makes the An-38 different from other Antonov planes?

The An-38 was the first Antonov plane to use American-made engines. Most Antonov planes before it used Soviet-built engines. It is also a stretched and updated version of the smaller An-28. These changes made it stand out from earlier Antonov designs.

Can the An-38 land at small airports?

Yes! The An-38 is really good at landing on short runways. It can stop in a space shorter than two basketball courts. This means it can serve small towns that have tiny airports.

Why were so few An-38s built?

Even though the An-38 was a good plane, only about 11 were ever made. It was hard to sell after the Soviet Union ended. Not many airlines chose to buy it, so the factory did not make many.

Variants

An-38-100 (Honeywell-engined)
Standard production variant. Honeywell TPE331-14 engines. About 11 built.
An-38-200 (TVD-1500B-engined)
Russian alternative engine variant. Glushenkov TVD-1500B engines. Did not enter production.

Notable Operators

Russian Far East short-haul operators
Aeroflot-Don, Vostokavia, smaller Russian Far East operators. About 5 An-38s in active service in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there so few An-38s?

Despite Honeywell engine certification + Western-grade avionics, the An-38 could not compete commercially with established Western short-haul turboprops (ATR 42, Bombardier Q400) on per-seat costs and maintenance-network availability. Russian short-haul airlines preferred Western alternatives. About 11 An-38s have been built; production has effectively ended.

How is the An-38 different from the An-28?

The An-28 is the smaller predecessor — 17 passengers, TVD-10 Soviet engines. The An-38 is the larger successor — 27 passengers, Honeywell TPE331 American engines, longer fuselage, similar STOL performance. The An-38 was the first Antonov ever certified with Western powerplants.

How many An-38s were built?

About 11 airframes between 1994 and 2010 at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association in Russia. Production was minimal because Russian short-haul airlines preferred Western alternatives.

Are An-38s still flying?

About 5 An-38s remain in active service in 2026, mostly with Russian Far East short-haul operators. The type has not had production since 2010.

Sources

See Also