Built as a successor to the An-24/26 family, the Antonov An-72 'Coaler' was designed with STOL performance in mind and somewhat based on the Boeing YC-14 experimental transport. Thus, despite having a typical transport high-wing configuration, the An-72 is distinguishable by the large turbofan engines mounted above and forward on each wing causing the exhaust to generate additional lift (a phenomenon known in physics as the Conada Effect). Other STOL improvements include full-span leading edge flaps, and a multi-wheel landing gear with low-pressure tires which allow for operations in rough fields or those covered in ice or snow. The 'Coaler' has also been modified as the An-74 to serve as a specialized Artic/Antartic transport, with provisions for improved de-icing, ski-landing gear, upgraded avionics including an INS, and a large prominent radome. Many remain in service today, mostly in civil service with numerous airlines around the world.

First flown on 22 December 1977 as the An-72 'Coaler-A', this transport entered service two years later with the designation An-72A 'Coaler-C' which was slightly larger than the prototypes and pre-production units. Simultaneously, a freight variant was designated An-72AT. Other variatns included the An-72P designed for maritime patrol and equipped with various weapons stations, the An-72S VIP transport, and the An-74 'Coaler-B' for service in the polar areas and with various additional changes to the standard design. Finally, the An-74 'Madcap' was an AEW station with a large rotating radome.