32nd Separate Transport Mixed Aviation Regiment
Unit Identification
Designation: 32nd Separate Transport Mixed Aviation Regiment (military unit 77979). Function: mixed aviation formation combining fixed-wing transport, rotary-wing assault/utility, and specialized mission aircraft to provide intra-theater airlift, command-and-control support, and search-and-rescue (SAR). Subordinate elements referenced in the provided data include two Mixed Aviation Squadrons and one Aviation Search and Rescue Detachment.
Regimental Inventory (as provided)
Aggregate aircraft list attributed to the regiment: - 3 × Mil Mi-8MT - 5 × An-12 - 4 × An-140-100 - 1 × Il-22M - 5 × An-26 - 1 × Tu-134 - 1 × Tu-154 - 4 × L-410UVP-E20
Subunit Composition (as provided)
Mixed Aviation Squadron (military unit 77979): - 3 × An-12; 2 × An-26; 1 × Tu-134; 8 × Mil Mi-8AMTSh Mixed Aviation Squadron (military unit 77979): - 3 × An-26; 4 × Mil Mi-8AMTSh Aviation Search and Rescue Detachment (military unit 77979): - 3 × An-26; 3 × Mil Mi-8MT
Data Consistency and Reconciliation
The aggregate regimental list and the subunit listings do not fully reconcile: - An-12: aggregate 5 vs. subunits 3. - An-26: aggregate 5 vs. subunits 8 (2 + 3 + 3). - Mi-8AMTSh: present in subunits (12 total) but absent from the aggregate list. - An-140-100, Il-22M, Tu-154, L-410UVP-E20: present in the aggregate list but not allocated within the subunit breakdowns. These discrepancies indicate that the subunit rosters may be partial, reflect a different date, or omit aircraft assigned at regiment level (e.g., command flight or detached elements). The provided information alone is insufficient to derive an exact, current on-hand total by type.
Fixed-Wing Transport Capabilities
An-12: medium tactical transport with rear cargo ramp, airdrop capability, and typical maximum payload around 20,000 kg; suited for palletized cargo, vehicles, and paratroop operations over medium ranges. An-26: light tactical transport with rear ramp and STOL-friendly handling on semi-prepared runways; typical maximum payload approximately 5,500–5,700 kg and seating for roughly 38 paratroopers in troop configuration; commonly used for short- to medium-range logistics, airdrop, and SAR search patterns. An-140-100: short- to medium-range regional transport; typical payload up to about 6,000 kg or approximately 52 passengers in standard configuration; compatible with relatively short paved runways; useful for point-to-point personnel/cargo movement where larger transports are inefficient. L-410UVP-E20: light STOL utility transport, typically up to 19 passengers or roughly 1,700–1,800 kg payload; capable of operations from short (approximately 800–900 m), sometimes semi-prepared runways; well-suited to remote-area resupply and liaison tasks.
Rotary-Wing Capabilities
Mi-8MT: medium-lift utility helicopter; typical internal payload around 3,000 kg (up to about 4,000 kg on external sling), troop capacity commonly on the order of two dozen personnel; roles include air assault insertion, CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, and general utility transport. Mi-8AMTSh: assault/transport variant equipped for day/night/all-weather operations with enhanced avionics, defensive aids, and weapon hardpoints (e.g., unguided rockets, gun pods, and anti-armor missiles depending on fit); retains the lift/transport characteristics of the Mi-8 family while adding armed escort and assault capability.
Special-Mission and Administrative Airlift Capabilities
Il-22M: airborne command post and communications relay variant derived from the Il-18 airframe; provides theater-level voice and data relay to extend command-and-control coverage and improve interoperability among airborne and ground elements; characterized by long endurance suitable for sustained C2 missions. Tu-134 and Tu-154: jet transports used for passenger carriage on administrative or operational support flights; provide faster point-to-point movement for personnel compared to turboprops, supporting staff movements, inspections, and time-sensitive transport needs.
Operational Roles Inferred from Composition
The combination of medium (An-12), light (An-26, L-410UVP-E20), and regional (An-140-100) transports with Mi-8MT/AMTSh helicopters enables: - Intra-theater airlift of personnel, supplies, and light vehicles. - Air assault and utility helicopter operations, including armed escort (Mi-8AMTSh) and lift (Mi-8MT/AMTSh). - Airdrop and parachute training/logistics using ramp-equipped turboprops (An-12/An-26). - Administrative passenger flights (Tu-134/Tu-154) when required. - Airborne command-and-control/communications relay (Il-22M). - Search-and-rescue coverage via a dedicated detachment, employing An-26 for search patterns and Mi-8MT for recovery/hoist, medical evacuation, and short-range extraction.
Infrastructure Requirements and Site Characteristics
A base supporting this regiment requires: - A paved runway suitable for An-12 and Tu-154 operations (typically on the order of ~2,000–2,600 m, depending on load and conditions) plus taxiways, dispersals, and aprons for mixed fleets. - Hangars and maintenance bays capable of accommodating medium turboprops and rotary-wing aircraft, including avionics and propeller/rotor maintenance facilities. - Fuel storage, de-icing, ground support equipment, and munitions storage (for Mi-8AMTSh armament as authorized). - Instrument approach aids (e.g., ILS/GLS, navigation beacons) to support all-weather operations by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. - SAR support infrastructure (alert facilities, rescue equipment stores, medical support).
Operational Limitations Derived from Fleet Mix
The absence of a heavy jet transport type (e.g., Il-76 class) in the provided listings indicates a focus on light-to-medium lift, short/medium-range air mobility, and regional administrative flights rather than strategic heavy airlift. Conversely, the presence of STOL-capable L-410s and numerous Mi-8 variants indicates flexibility for remote-area and austere-field operations, including last-mile logistics and point-of-need personnel movement.
Force Structure Observations
The regiment’s structure—two Mixed Aviation Squadrons plus a dedicated SAR detachment—aligns with a mission set covering routine transport, assault/utility helicopter tasks, and continuous SAR coverage. The presence of an Il-22M suggests embedded airborne C2/communications support at the regimental level or attached from a higher echelon, enabling more complex multi-aircraft operations and extended-range coordination.
Information Gaps and Verification Needs
The provided data does not specify basing location(s), higher-echelon subordination, aircraft tail numbers, modernization status by airframe, or the timeframe of the listed inventories. Internal discrepancies between aggregate and subunit counts (noted above) prevent a definitive roll-up. Confirmation items include: current on-hand aircraft by tail number and serviceability; distribution of An-140-100, L-410UVP-E20, Tu-154, and Il-22M among subunits or regimental flight; current armament and defensive aids fits for Mi-8AMTSh; SAR equipment fits (winches, medical modules) for Mi-8MT; and any recent transfers, retirements, or overhauls affecting the listed totals.