5 interesting facts about exhibits of the State Aviation Museum of Ukraine

The State Aviation Museum of Ukraine, also named Military Museum in Zhulyany, is the one of largest military aviation museum in Eastern Europe.

The State Aviation Museum of Ukraine is the youngest and, at the same time, the largest historical museum of the country’s technical history.

The museum located in Kyiv near the Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany). The State Aviation Museum of Ukraine galleries presents military and civil aviation history of the Soviet Union and Ukraine, boasting more than 70 aerospace vehicles on display – many rare and one-of-a-kind.

We have prepared for you a rating of five most interesting aircraft on display in the State Aviation Museum of Ukraine:

Antonov An-71  (NATO reporting name: Madcap)

The Antonov An-71 was a Soviet Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft intended for use with Fighter Bomber forces of the Soviet Air Force, developed from the An-72 transport. Only 3 prototypes were built before the program was cancelled.

Tupolev Tu-22M (NATO reporting name: Backfire)

The Tupolev Tu-22M is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau. During the Cold War, the Tu-22M was operated by the Soviet Air Force  in a strategic bombing role, and by the Soviet Naval Aviation in a long-range maritime anti-shipping role. Significant numbers remain in service with the Russian Air Force, and as of 2014 more than 100 Tu-22Ms are in use.

Mil Mi-26 (NATO reporting name: Halo)

The Mil Mi-26 is a Soviet and Ukrainian heavy transport helicopter. Its product code is izdeliye 90. Operated by both military and civilian operators, it is the largest and most powerful helicopter to have gone into series production.

Beriev Be-6 (USAF/DoD reporting name “Type 34”, NATO reporting name “Madge”)

The Beriev Be-6  was a flying boat produced by the Soviet Beriev OKB. It was capable of accomplishing a wide variety of missions, such as long-range maritime reconnaissance, coastal and supply line patrols, torpedo/bombing strikes, mine-laying, and transport operations.

Tupolev Tu-142 (NATO reporting name: Bear F/J)

The Tupolev Tu-142 is a maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft derived from the Tu-95 turboprop strategic bomber. Formerly operated by the Soviet Navy and Ukrainian Air Force, the Tu-142 currently serves with the Russian and Indian Naval Air Arm.

We invite you to take an online glimpse of The State Aviation Museum of Ukraine displays by clicking on a gallery to see exhibits, including aircraft.