I believe it is the world's fastest propeller driven aircraft ?
Mach .8 . Not sure how long it could maintain that speed ?
Having been on a Russian transport ( I got a tour . He toured my Navy C-9B and I toured his 3 engine Russian VIP transport) during a fuel stop in Prague , I can tell you they build them heavy and they build them with old technology !
The only new avionics in the AC was a single Collins VHF radio . The rest of the gear was 1950 era . Coffee grinder ADF , hooded radar scope , etc. The funny thing was you entered the AC thru the rear much like a 727 , but MUCH smaller . 2 engines mounted on the tail and a 3rd engine mounted thru the tail just like a 727 . You had to "duck" down to make it up the rear ramp . The real big surprise (other than the cockpit) was the cabin area in this VIP transport . The seats were wicker basket type seats ! They faced each other with a very small table between the seats !
The jet also had a "straight wing" and big balloon tires .l I assume to land on dirt/gravel strips .
May have been a YAK 40 ?
Do I hear any complaints about traveling on SWA ?
RB