Antonov An-12 questions

[John Miller]

Any An-12 crews here who can answer a couple of definitive questions;

1) Does the An-12 have reversible propellers?
2) Does the aircraft use Water Methanol injection?

[Siguarda al fine]

Thats a negative on both, though in temps above +30c the blades do go past BETA by a small ammount. The BETA mode is very effective, as its a constant speed engine. FYI the Chinese built An-12 has a pressurised hull and reverse.

[John Miller]

Thanks a stack Saf!

The aircraft commander was showing me the propeller control mounted above the pilot's windshield that locks out the two inner engine's props for landing. I think it's called a 'VPR' and it seems to be an important checklist item. I guess it would come down fast if all four propellers went into 'flat' pitch over the threshold.

[Siguarda al fine]

During the approach phase engines 1 and 4 are reduced to FLT IDLE and 2 and 3 are used to regulate the ROD. This is to avoid the 2 and 3 props discing at low power and reducing or even cutting off the airflow over the the elevator. The prop controls you were shown were the BETA switches which are operated by the FE upon touch down.