The Antonov An225 roars to life during a takeoff from Schipol
The biggest plane your average Joe off the street knows about is likely the Airbus A380 or some flavor of the Boeing 747. Relatively few people have every heard of or seen the Antonov An225 but what a sight it is. Mriya (Мрія in Ukranian) is perhaps the most impressive relic of the Soviet space program. Originally designed to give piggyback lifts to Soviet space shuttles, in its post-perestroika life it has provided great utility as a freight hauler popping up in airports the world over and swallowing up gargantuan loads of cargo. Once loaded up its Ivchenko Progress D-18T turbofans do the rest. Just how big is big you ask?
Antonov An225 size comparison chart
There is only one An225 in operation (UR-82060) – compared to almost 60 An124s – ensuring that it is always in demand. Hardly surprising considering it hold the world record for the heaviest ever air lift. So the next time you’re seated with your seatbelt securely fastened taxiing to the runway, keep your eyes open as you pass the cargo facilities, it may be the only chance you ever get to see this marvel of Soviet engineering.
Check out this landing at Gander:
