Honeywell Engine Upgrade Set for South Africa's Last Flying An-2

The TVS-2MS project aims to modernize the Soviet-era An-2 aircraft by replacing its standard engine with an American Honeywell TPE331-12 turboprop power plant. The only flying An-2 in South Africa, known as Little Annie, is scheduled for this upgrade in 2027.

The new power plant is expected to improve the aircraft's flight performance by 15-20%, allow it to switch to aviation kerosene, reduce fuel consumption, and double its flight range at full load. The TVS-2MS will also be supplied to Mongolia.

In Russia, a replacement for the An-2 is being developed, but it has not yet entered serial production. The LMS-901 'Baikal' is expected to meet demand until 2035 for 100 aircraft.