The Antonov An-2, a single-engine biplane, first flew in August 1947. It is a robust, simple, and inexpensive Soviet utility aircraft, holding a Guinness World Record for the longest production run of any aircraft (over 45 years). The An-2 was used extensively for agriculture, transport, and as a light military transport.

The An-2 became a common sight in many parts of the world and a symbol of practical, rugged aviation for thousands of pilots. It was a symbol of Soviet industrial design and its ability to serve everyday needs. It appears in many stories of rural and remote aviation.