Antonov Izdelie 181

– A Forgotten Soviet Experiment Brought to Life

The Antonov Izdelie 181 (Ukrainian: ????? 181, Russian: ??????? 181), sometimes unofficially referred to as the An-181, was a Soviet experimental aircraft developed in the 1980s. This aircraft was designed as a research platform to test unconventional aerodynamic principles, particularly the channel wing concept, which was originally pioneered by Willard Ray Custer in the United States.

Despite its innovative design, the Izdelie 181 project was ultimately terminated due to the economic collapse following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Only one prototype was ever built, bearing the registration CCCP-190101, and today, it is exhibited in the State Museum of Aviation of Ukraine as a testament to an era of ambitious yet unrealized Soviet aviation projects.

Design and Features

What sets the Izdelie 181 apart from conventional aircraft is its arc-shaped "channel wing", designed to enhance lift and enable short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. This unique wing shape houses a propeller mounted within a semi-enclosed channel, which theoretically increases airflow over the wing, generating additional lift at lower speeds.

Other notable features of the aircraft include:
• Side-by-side seating configuration – providing an ergonomic and collaborative cockpit environment.
• Fixed tricycle landing gear – simplifying maintenance and reducing weight.
• V-tail configuration – optimizing aerodynamics and reducing drag.
• Engine-powered propellers via driveshafts and deflection gearboxes – an unconventional power distribution method.

While the channel wing concept was extensively tested by various designers, including Antonov, it never saw widespread adoption due to complexity and mechanical inefficiencies. However, its potential for high lift at low speeds made it an interesting experiment in the pursuit of STOL aircraft technology.

Performance in SimplePlanes

The Antonov Izdelie 181 has been recreated in SimplePlanes, allowing players to experience this forgotten aircraft firsthand. The in-game version stays true to the real-world prototype while ensuring a realistic and immersive flight experience.

Flight Characteristics in SimplePlanes:
• Max Cruise Speed: 390 km/h (Varies with altitude; given data collected below 1000m)
• Stall Speed: Slightly below 100 km/h
• Takeoff Speed: 150 km/h

With its low stall speed and efficient lift characteristics, this aircraft is capable of stable flight at low speeds, making it a unique addition.

Controls

• AG1 > Canopy
• VTOL > Trim
• Trim > Flaps

Cockpit Modeling

The cockpit has been carefully recreated based on available reference images, though due to low-quality sources and my limited Russian, I could not make every switch and gauge fully functional. However, I have included several working gauges that I was able to identify from images, along with a functional canopy lock for added realism.

The Fate of the Antonov Izdelie 181

Despite its promise, the Izdelie 181 never entered mass production. The collapse of the Soviet Union halted numerous aviation projects, and this experimental aircraft was one of the many casualties of budget cuts and shifting priorities. The sole prototype remains preserved in Ukraine, serving as a reminder of the bold yet unfulfilled visions of Soviet aeronautical engineering.

Now, with this SimplePlanes recreation, you have the opportunity to fly and experience the Antonov Izdelie 181 in a way that was never possible in reality. Try it out and let history take flight once again!

NOTE:

In some images you can notice both beacon ligths on the primary wings are same color. I fixed them after taking photos.