The Antonov AN-225 Mriya, once the largest cargo plane in the world, was a modern marvel of aviation, powered by six turbofan engines—a unique feature that set it apart from any other aircraft. This engineering giant was capable of transporting up to 250 tonnes of cargo, including single pieces weighing as much as 200 tonnes, over short to medium-haul routes. Its unrivaled capacity made it the go-to aircraft for oversized and heavy cargo transport.
About the largest cargo plane AN-225 Mriya
Only one AN-225 Mriya ("Dream" in Ukrainian) was ever completed. Designed and built throughout the 1980s, the aircraft took its maiden flight on December 21, 1988. One of its most striking features was its 32-wheel landing gear, which included 20 steerable wheels. Four of these were housed in the nose gear, while the other 16 were located in the 18-wheel main gear at the rear. This landing gear allowed the Mriya to handle immense loads with exceptional maneuverability.
Originally, the AN-225 was designed for the Soviet space program to transport the Buran space shuttle, and it made a spectacular debut at the 1989 Paris Air Show, arriving with the shuttle mounted on its back. Compared to the Boeing 747 freighter, the Mriya was designed to carry twice the payload, with an overall size that rivaled a football field, from nose to tail and wingtip to wingtip. Its maximum takeoff weight of 1.32 million pounds (598 tonnes) dwarfed even the largest commercial freighters.
To power such a colossal and huge cargo plane, Antonov engineers equipped it with six ZMKB Progress Lotarev D-18T engines, each generating 51,590 pounds of thrust, providing the power needed to lift such extraordinary weights.
Interior Design
The cargo hold of the biggest cargo plane AN-225 was nothing short of impressive. Measuring 142.1 feet in length, 21 feet in width, and 14 feet in height, it was spacious enough to carry up to 50 cars. The interior featured a main cargo deck with a built-in crane capable of moving 33 tonnes, along with a side-cargo area for bulky items and an engineering bay that could accommodate four crew members. The cockpit, positioned at the top of the plane, was accessible only via a retractable ladder, adding to the aircraft's unique design.
Technological Features
The most iconic feature of the largest cargo plane AN-225 was undoubtedly its six powerful turbofan engines. These engines enabled the Mriya to reach speeds of up to 528 mph and altitudes of 36,000 feet. Even with its massive size and full fuel tank, the aircraft could fly distances of up to 9,569 miles, making it capable of traveling from London to Australia without needing to refuel.
The combination of immense power, long-range capabilities, and a spacious cargo hold made the biggest cargo plane AN-225 ideal for transporting oversized and specialized cargo that no other aircraft could handle.
The History and Legacy of Mriya
While the first largest freight aircraft AN-225 Mriya was completed and flew successfully, a second aircraft was only partially built. Production on the second model was started in the late 1980s but was eventually abandoned in 2009 due to financial constraints.
Tragically, the world`s largest plane AN-225 was destroyed in February 2022, but before its demise, it completed its final charter flight, transporting 90 tonnes of COVID-19 testing kits from Tianjin, China, to Billund, Denmark. This last mission symbolized Mriya’s critical role in global humanitarian aid and logistics. While Ukrainian authorities and Antonov CEO Sergii Bychkov have expressed intentions to rebuild the aircraft, estimating a cost of around $3 billion USD, no concrete plans have materialized as of yet. The Mriya’s loss marks a significant moment in aviation history, but its legacy as the largest and most powerful cargo aircraft lives on.
For businesses looking to transport air cargo, Stellavia Airlines provides the ideal solutions for your charter needs. With our innovative strategies and streamlined processes, we are committed to delivering customized cargo charter services tailored specifically to your requirements. Contact us today, and let’s begin your seamless shipping journey!
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