60 years ago, on August 31, 1947, an aircraft, which became a real legend of the world aviation, rose into the sky for the first time. In serial production for more than 58 years, during which time around 17000 aircraft have been built at six plants in three different countries: all these words are about the multipurpose biplane AN-2. It was created by a small group of like-minded persons, but became the basis for the foundation of one of the most powerful design bureaus of the modern age. Creative work on the AN-2 set the standard for the further activity of ANTONOV ASTC. According to the memoirs of ANTONOV veterans, they worked with great gusto on development of this small airplane. It was impossible to work without inspiration, to complain of hardship, to recede from a complicated task. Oleg Antonov himself set the example for creative research, conscientious work, ingenuity and real enthusiasm.

     The AN-2's path to glory was not easy. The reason was a considerable difference between the civil biplane and high-speed military aircraft, which were the main products of the USSR aviation industry of that time. Antonov had to prove the expediency of production and efficiency of application of these biplanes for a long time. And he became a winner!

     AN-2 rapidly entered into intensive operations being used in several areas of the national economy of the USSR simultaneously. The principal operation of this airplane, which was initially called as SH-1, was in agricultural and forestry applications applying fertilizer and insecticide, spraying the pesticides, sowing the feed grass, destruction of beasts of prey. AN-2 was also used for sowing crops from the air, defoliation - removal of cotton leaves during the preharvest period, desiccation (preliminary drying of sunflower and rice).

     Many airplanes from the initial production batch were delivered to the Ministry of Geology to service geological survey expeditions.

     The scope of AN-2 missions widened each year. To help hunters it performed zoological surveys.

     AN-2 undertook aerial photography to determine the velocity and direction of streams. It carried people, animals, mail and every conceivable kind of freight. These aircraft were used for air quality monitoring including flying around gas and oil pipe lines, electricity supply networks. They also participated in work to relieve and eliminate man-made catastrophes. AN-2s were widely used during construction of the Baykal-Amur Railroad.

     The ANTONOV biplane made an important contribution into health care. AN-2s transported the sick and injured, doctors and medicines, fought with carriers of infectious diseases. In 1971, in the Ukraine alone, these aircraft performed 8993 medical-purpose flights, transporting more than 860 patients.

     The AN-2 became a really successful multipurpose aircraft. It is difficult to calculate the total number of its missions and, of course, impossible to tell about them in detail. But we can not overlook the role of the AN-2 in the development of aviation sport and flight personnel training. These airplanes were used for teaching air crew and training paratroops as well as for towing gliders - up to 5 simultaneously! Soviet glider pilots set many of their records thanks to assistance from the AN-2. Hundreds of thousands of sportsmen and pilots performed their first parachute jumps from this biplane.

     Answering the question: "why was the AN-2 used so widely?" Oleg Antonov answered: "I think, first of all, owing to its flight characteristics: short take-off and landing distances, simplicity of flight control and operation, great flexibility for airfields conditions".

     At the present time, more than 6,000 AN-2s are in operation in various countries all over the world. Their technical status is such that it is certain: this unique aircraft will meet its centenary in the air!