The Antonov 225, the largest cargo plane in the world, was destroyed

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Article published on 01/03/2022, modified on 01/07/2022 Reading time: 4 min

Sad news in the world of aeronautics, the Antonov An-225, the largest cargo plane in the world was destroyed by Russian bombing in Ukraine. The plane called “Mriya”, which means dream, lived a nightmare during the conflict. The Antonov 225 parked at Hostomel airport, near the city of Kiev, while the city was targeted by the Russian armed forces. The airport was hit, the plane then caught fire in the hangar. Back on this major event and the history of this emblematic cargo plane.

The destruction of the Antonov 225 announced in a tweet

It is the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, who announced on his Twitter account on February 27, 2022, the destruction of the Ukrainian cargo plane.

This was the world’s largest aircraft, AN-225 ‘Mriya’ (‘Dream’ in Ukrainian). Russia may have destroyed our ‘Mriya’. But they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We shall prevail!

This announcement sounds like the loss of a national emblem for Ukraine. Indeed, the latter took part every year, in August, in the air parade of the national holiday of Ukraine. The country was in possession of the one and only copy of the largest cargo plane in the world. It had allowed many air cargo flights and played a key role especially during the Covid 19 pandemic. It allowed the transfer of masks and other medical equipment to fight against the health crisis. Big blow in the world of air freight.

However, according to an article on BFM TV, discussions and repair projects have already been mentioned. For the moment, it would take about 5 years and no less than 3 billion dollars of cost to put the An 225 back in the air.

Of course, the destruction of an aircraft is anecdotal in light of the current and worrying situation in Ukraine. AEROAFFAIRES supports the country’s population during this dark period.

The history and characteristics of the Antonov 225

The Antonov 225 made its first flight from Kiev, Ukraine, on December 21, 1988. This very imposing aircraft was created in Kiev in partnership with China and Ukraine. This aircraft was created from the Antonov 124, a smaller model of the cargo plane. Moreover, one of the main missions that the Antonov 224 had to fulfill, were for military purposes. It had to be able to move Buran, a space shuttle built by the USSR during the Cold War.

In 1989, during a flight lasting 3h30, the Antonov 225 exploded the records. This giant of the air has in particular the record on the maximum total weight (aircraft itself, cargo, etc…) held during the takeoff (508 tons).

To date, the An 225 holds, among others, the records of the heaviest and longest aircraft in the world.

In addition, it should be noted that despite numerous projects to build another Antonov 225, these were never completed. The An-225 remained unique on the air cargo market since 1988. However, with the desire to repair and rebuild the An-225, this may be the opportunity, who knows, to create other copies of this legendary cargo plane.

The Antonov 225 in a few figures

More than 250 tons: that’s how much capacity the An 225 can carry. As an example, this most impressive aircraft is capable of carrying a 240-ton Airbus A340 aircraft in parts.
15,000 km: in addition to its incredible capacity, the Antonov 225 has a long-haul range of up to 15,000 km (depending on its cargo). It can therefore easily carry out air cargo missions to the four corners of the globe.
84 meters: this is the length of the aircraft.
88 meters: this corresponds to its wingspan (at about 12 meters, the aircraft covers the entire length of a soccer stadium!).

To find out more about the Antonov 225, click here.

AEROAFFAIRES wholeheartedly supports the people of Ukraine and is sorry for the losses this conflict is causing.

Why wasAntonov 225 unique in the air freight market?

The Antonov 225 was unique not only in its size and load capacity, but also in its specific design for transporting oversized cargo. No other aircraft in the world combined a capacity of more than 250 tonnes, a range of 15,000 km and a fuselage adapted for unusually shaped loads. This combination made it an irreplaceable aircraft for exceptional transport missions, where other cargo aircraft failed.
What technical challenges made its operation so complex?

The gigantic size of the Antonov 225 posed a number of technical challenges. The choice of airports was limited: it required a very long, reinforced runway to take off and land safely. Its 32-wheel landing gear required special maintenance to support the load. Maintaining the six jet engines was also complex and costly. Finally, ground coordination for the loading and unloading of massive freighters required specialised equipment and a highly qualified team.
Could theAntonov 225 have been used to carry passengers?

No, the Antonov 225 was never designed to carry passengers. Its cabin was entirely dedicated to freight, with a configuration adapted to bulky goods. Its only example was optimised for transporting exceptional loads and required six specialised crew members. Adapting the aircraft for passenger use would have been technically and financially unfeasible.
What are the prospects for rebuildingAntonov 225?

There have already been talks about rebuilding the Antonov 225. According to available information, a complete rebuild would require around 5 years of work and a budget of at least 3 billion dollars. Ukrainian teams are considering restoring the existing aircraft or even creating new examples, but the project remains dependent on political and financial conditions. This reconstruction could revive the market for ultra-heavy freighters and reaffirm Ukrainian expertise in aviation.
What aviation records did theAntonov 225 hold?

The Antonov 225 held several world records. It was the heaviest aircraft ever built, with a maximum take-off weight of 640 tonnes. It also held the record for the highest payload capacity (over 250 tonnes) and the longest wingspan (88 metres). Its fuselage was 84 metres long, almost the size of a football pitch. These records made it a veritable monument to aeronautical engineering.
Why wasAntonov 225 important for Ukraine?

In addition to its technical role, the Antonov 225 was a national symbol for Ukraine. It represented the excellence of Ukrainian aeronautical engineering and its ability to carry out projects that were unique in the world. The aircraft regularly took part in national events, including the National Day flypast. Its destruction was therefore seen as a symbolic and moral loss, in addition to the technical impact on air transport.
What types of exceptional cargo could theAntonov 225 carry?

The Antonov 225 was capable of carrying an extraordinary range of cargo: industrial turbines, space shuttles, dismantled aircraft, helicopters, generators, even medical supplies in times of crisis. Its huge cargo hold made it possible to move objects that were impossible to transport by any other means, making it indispensable for certain specialised air freight missions.
Why wasAntonov An-225 so important for Ukraine?

The Antonov An-225, nicknamed “Mriya” (which means “dream” in Ukrainian), was a national symbol of Ukraine. Its destruction during the Russian invasion in 2022 was seen as a major loss, not only of a technological feat, but also of an emblem of national pride.
How long did the battle for Hostomel airport last?

The battle for Hostomel airport took place at the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. It was marked by intense fighting, with air strikes and attempts to take control of the strategic airport.
What happened to the wreckage ofAntonov An-225?

After its destruction, the wreckage of the Antonov An-225 was partially recovered. Some parts of the aircraft were dismantled to be used for repair or preservation, while others were left in situ due to their condition.
WasAntonov An-225 destroyed in a bombing raid?

Yes, the Antonov An-225 was destroyed during Russian strikes on Hostomel airport on 27 February 2022. Satellite images and eyewitness accounts have confirmed its destruction.
Why wasn'tAntonov An-225 evacuated before the attack?

Criticism has emerged over the decision not to evacuate the Antonov An-225 before the invasion. Some believe that the aircraft could have been moved to another airport to avoid its destruction, but this was not done for logistical and strategic reasons.
CanAntonov An-225 be rebuilt?

There are plans to rebuild the Antonov An-225, but this would be extremely costly and complex. Estimates suggest that it could cost more than 3 billion dollars and take several years.
Why wasAntonov An-225 unique?

The Antonov An-225 was unique because of its exceptional size, record payload capacity and specific design for carrying bulky loads. There was only one example of this aircraft in the world.