Planes and helicopters
used in the expeditions to the North Pole

	Antonov An-2 Originally designed for a USSR Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry requirement, the legend of Soviet aviation An-2 has been producing since 1947 till present time, that is 60 years - a world record! And it's still in intensive service all over the world.
	Antonov An-12 Antonov An-12 was designed to meet a Soviet Air Force requirement for a tactical airlifter in the late 1950s. An-12s became a standard cargo and paratroop transport for the Soviet Air Force and also entered service with the Indian, Egyptian, Algerian, Czechoslavakian, Polish and Iraqi military.
	Antonov An-26 Antonov An-26 was developed for the Soviet Air Force in the late 1960s. The type was also a major export success and remains in service around the world. The An-26 has a unique feature, a rear loading ramp which can be rolled forward under the fuselage to allow vehicles to reverse up to the cargo bay.
	Antonov An-74 Antonov An-74 is a light transport multipurpose aircraft, designed specially for Arctic and Antarctic regions. The aircraft can be operated at uncontrolled routes in any season at any time from concrete, pebble, ice and snow surfaced airfields, in any climatic conditions, at any latitudes, North Pole and mountainous areas included.
	Ilyushin IL-76 Ilyushin IL-76 is a 4-engined heavy transport aircraft in widespread use in eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. The aircraft is able to operate from short and unprepared airstrips, and capable of coping with the worst weather conditions likely to be experienced in Siberia and the Russian arctic regions.
	Mil Mi-26 The largest helicopter in the world, the Mi-26 is often offered for difficult missions in Asia, South America and Europe. With his incredible performance the Mi-26 will remain without competitors for a long time to come.
	Mil Mi-8 Built in greater numbers than any other Russian helicopter, Mi-8 was designed primarily as a military transport, but is also in widespread civil use. Mi-8 is used by over 50 countries, virtually everywhere over the globe.

photos from www.airliners.net