Not too far back, I'm doing a bit of research and I'm hoping someone here could answer this.In about 1989 or so, what make/model of plane might have fit the following description.-Jet-8 or so passengers-Common in the Soviet Union-And older (1960's to 1970's vintage)Basically, what were *they* using at the time that would be the Russian ancestor of whatever they have today that's the equiv of the Lear 45?I *was* thinking Yak-40, but that was just a guess.

Business jets were a product of a capitalist society/economy. How do you see them fitting into a communist economy where the state ran all business.Aeroflot was their answer to the bizjet.!

The YAK-40 was the smallest I could find also in my World Aircraft Encyclopedia, but that held 32 passengers not 8!

Simple matter of the elite class - alright, let's try a different angle. What would have been used to move a VIP or a small group of them from point A to point B. Military aircraft perhaps?

My guess would be the venerable Antinov AN 2 or if they were real lucky an AN 3 (turboprop version of the AN 2). :-)Over 16,000 were built.Forget small jet transports. - they just didn't exist.Cheers,Roger

Oh, well that's closer to what I needed! Thanks.The An-2 was introduced in 1947 (according to WikiPedia) The An-3 was in the 1990's - Setting is 1989, so the An-3 is out. Would and An-2 really be in general use in the late 80's?? A bi-plane!?

some sources show the An-2 having over 20,000 examples built. around 2000 An-2 were still being 'made to order' in poland.the SAP Y-5 is a chinese built An-2. i believe this is still in production.with all the above ... 'wide use' in the 1980s means that more were likely flying than the 727, 737, DC9, EMB120s, Saab340s etc combined.--

That's kinda stunning to me... But there are other examples of "old tech" surviving much longer in other parts of the world then they do here in the "west".Know anywhere that I could find reliable specs on the beast?

from 'the vital guide to commercial aircraft and airliners' (2nd ed., 2000, p. 11) -* first flew 31, aug., 1947* fuselage is all metal (stressed)* 'wings' are a mix of metal and fabric* STOL aircraft* 1000hp PZL kalisz ASz-621R air-cooled 9 cylinder radial piston engine* two person flightdeck with up to 19 passengers (the 'normal' passenger config is 12)* 'transport' version can carry 4519 lbs* max 160 mph, ceiling 14425', range w/standard load 560mi* the An-3 has a 1450hp glushenkov TVD-20 turboprop--

Thanks guy! I found one for FS9, fun plane to fly though it looks like it would be a bit uncomfortable and unpressurized - even so I like it (In FS9 anyway)