Antonov An-225

[Neonspinnazz]

Recently I rented 2012 and I couldn't help seeing that majestic Antonov An-500 (actually An-225, the producers were likely suggesting that there will be a rear hatched An-225 in the very near future) and decided to research about her.

It has an interesting fact sheet:

Name: An-225 Mriya (translation: dream)

Largest Plane in the world (makes the Airbus A380 look like a Boeing!)

Carried the largest load of any plane in the world last year

20 of the 32 landing gears steer the beast

Designed for the Russian Space Program

Only one was ever built

Range is well over 9,000 miles

Top Speed -530mph

Cruising Speed at max load - 500mph

Six engines

Double vertical tailwing and wide horizontal tailwing (for purposes of carrying objects on the exterior)

Sent aid to Haiti (delivered construction vehicles; bulldozers and dump trucks), and was contracted to America and Canada for the Iraq war

Has carried everything from locomotives, to a large generator (which gave it the world record for heaviest air delivery

32 landing gear wheels

Has ability to carry a space shuttle on roof


There's plenty more juicy information about this plane that a simple Google search will blow your brains with.

Antonov Airlines had begun finishing a second An-225 (it was partially built during the space program but was ditched when the Soviet Union fell) in 2002 due to demand for heavy airlifts, but in late 2008 the plane was once again delayed (probably economy conditions).

What do ya'll think about this monster?

I hope someone in Chicago needs some heavy equipment because I want to see the one and only (for now) Antonov An-225!

It was last seen in America a few months ago in Miami.

[Neonspinnazz]

Today she wears an updated livery (repainted in 08')

Before:



After:



Unloading a train:

[Benjamin]

Back in 90's I lived in Russia for some time and had a pleasure to attend couple of air shows in Szukowski (small town 30 clicks from Moscow) airbase. The stuff that they make is pretty amazing and frequently cutting edge. The best part is seeing these planes fly on experimental fligts...they go slow and low...gets pretty loud and sometimes you can smell jetfuel on the ground.

[chumly]

..they go slow and low...gets pretty loud and sometimes you can smell jetfuel on the ground.[/QUOTE]
Sometimes you can smell Jetfuel? Does he need a bath?

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by Benjamin

...sometimes you can smell jetfuel ....

You can smell jetfuel ALL the time

[forestacademy]

It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do

[forestacademy]

Hmm, Don't look all that big by George


That's George standing behind it

[Kermit]

Well Neon, it looks like you found my secret strong suit. Cargo Planes.

That said, I have NEVER gotten a chance to be on the An-225. I have substantial time with the An-124 and more time than you could ever hope to imagine on C-5's. Any questions on what I've put on some of these planes, ask away. I've put everything from cigarette boats to motorhomes to animals. Had a blast and it was an enjoyable job.

[The GMan]

Not to be picky, but, this is a 124 (Note the single vertical tail)

Originally Posted by Neonspinnazz

I am also quite acquainted with the C-5, BBB. Worked on them for about 5 years in Dover. Despite its reputation for spending a lot of time on jacks, I never tired of looking at them from outside and in.
However, I did see the 225 one day while it was at Newark airport. It caught me by surprise as I drove up the Jersey Turnpike and I almost drove into the wall while looking at it.

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by The GMan

Not to be picky, but, this is a 124 (Note the single vertical tail)



.

Good Eye, Then the one of the Model is also wrong. George Lied to me