picture 170214

The most widely used transport aircraft of Operation Danube was the Antonov An-12, about 440 of which were deployed in support of the 7th and 103rd Guards Airborne Divisions of the Soviet Army. Except for a few examples drawn from the Soviet national airline, Aeroflot, all of the aircraft operated by the Soviet Transport Aviation were painted in mid-grey overall and wore very few markings. National markings – in the form of red stars – were applied in six positions (though sometimes replaced by the flag of the USSR on the fin), and famous two-digit ‘bort’ numbers in red – usually outlined in white, but sometimes in dark blue or black – on the rear fuselage. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)