The Antonow An-225 “Mriya” is a massive cargo aircraft designed in the 1980s by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It is the longest and heaviest aircraft ever constructed, with a wingspan of 88.4 meters, a length of 84 meters, and a maximum take-off weight of 640 tons. The An-225 has been used to transport some of the world’s most unique and heavy cargos, including spacecraft components, massive generators, and even an entire train.
Antonow An-225 "Mriya" Overview
The Antonow An-225 “Mriya” is the world’s largest aircraft, designed and built by the Antonov Design Bureau in the 1980s. It is the longest and heaviest aircraft ever built, with a wingspan of 88.4 meters, a length of 84 meters, and a maximum take-off weight of 640 tons. The An-225 was initially designed to transport the Soviet Space Shuttle Buran, but has since been used to transport some of the world’s most unique and heavy cargos.
Features of the Antonow An-225 "Mriya"
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Engines: The Antonow An-225 is powered by six turbofan engines, each with a thrust of 229.5 kN. This gives the An-225 a maximum take-off thrust of 1,379 kN, making it the most powerful aircraft in the world.
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Cargo Capacity: The An-225 has a massive cargo capacity of up to 250 tons, making it the largest cargo aircraft in the world. It can transport large items such as spacecraft components, massive generators, and even an entire train.
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Range: The An-225 has an impressive range of up to 15,400 km, allowing it to fly long distances without needing to refuel.
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Design: The An-225 has a unique design, with a large tail fin and a forward-swept wing design. This helps to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
The Antonow An-225 “Mriya” is a remarkable aircraft, designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in the 1980s. It is the longest and heaviest aircraft ever created, with a wingspan of 88.4 meters, a length of 84 meters, and a maximum take-off weight of 640 tons. The An-225 has been used to transport some of the world’s most unique and
The Antonow An-225 “Mriya” is the world’s biggest operational aircraft. Built by the Antonov Design Bureau in Ukraine, this powerful aircraft has yet to be surpassed in size, capacity, or range of capabilities. Originally designed and built in the 1980s to transport components of the Soviet Union’s Buran Space Shuttle program, the An-225 is now a transport powerhouse, utilized by commercial air carriers, the military, and humanitarian aid organizations.
The Antonow An-225 “Mriya” boasts an impressive list of numberss — its sheer size being the most profound. It is 84 meters long, stands 18 meters high at the tail, and has a wingspan of 88.4 meters. Its impressive empty weight of 175 tons is also worth noting, as it can transport a maximum payload of 250 tons without breaking a sweat. On average, it can carry five times the load of a standard Boeing 747 — an incredible feat, considering that the 747 is the largest commercial passenger jet in operation today.
Specs aside, the An-225 “Mriya” is an impressive example of the power of international cooperation and joint enterprise. Designed by the Antonov Design Bureau and completed with assistance from MAI (Moscow Aircraft Institute) and Aero Vodochody of the Czech Republic, this behemoth of a cargo plane is a testament to the ingenuity of its varied designers.
Beyond its impressive size and flight capabilities, the Antonow An-225 “Mriya” enjoys a formidable status in the annals of aviation history. Notable uses of the aircraft have included setting 17 world records, including a 16-hour uninterrupted flight carrying a 209-ton payload, and transporting the Buran Space Shuttle components in 1988. Later, in 2001, the An-225 was used to transport a 105-ton transformer from Germany to Thailand, setting another record in the process.
Today, the Antonow An-225 “Mriya” continues to serve a variety of air transport needs — from delivering medication, food, water and other humanitarian aid, to moving parts for aerospace projects. Undoubtedly the world’s longest, heaviest, and most capable strategic airlift aircraft, the An-225 will likely remain a record-setting marvel of aircraft engineering for decades to come.
