FReeper Canteen~The Antonov An-225 Mriya~29 March, 2007

The Canteen Crew

[AZamericonnie]

The Antonov An-225 Mriya


The Antonov-225 at Munich Airport

Antonov An-225 "Mriya" is the world's largest aircraft. When it was built, it surpassed any airliner built before by 50%. It was designed for the transportation of the Russian Space Shuttle "Buran" by the Antonov Design Bureau (HQ in Kiev, Ukraine), which already had built good and large cargo aircraft such as the Antonov An-124 "Ruslan". The basic configuration of the An-225 is the same as the An-124, except the An-225 is longer, has no rear ramp/door assembly, and incorporates a 32-wheel landing gear system (two nose and fourteen main wheel bogies, seven per side, each with two wheels).


An-225 carrying the Buran shuttle

An-225 "Mriya" ("Mriya" is Ukrainian word for "dream) is also capable to transport other oversized objects/cargo. It is not a military aircraft, but it could find many military uses, because of the ability to transport cargo that no other aircraft is capable to.

The plane had the first flight in early 1988 and entered service in 1989. It's first flight took 75 minutes. After the cancellation of the Buran space program, the only An-225 built was stored in spring 1994, and it's engines were used for An-124s. In 2001 the aircraft was made airworthy again, and made it's new first flight on May 7. There were rumors that the European Space Agency had plans to launch the unmanned British HoTOL (Horizontal Take-Off and Landing) from the An-225, though these rumors appear to be unfounded. Although, some possibilities for deployment have already been found. Plenty of customers are to be found in the USA. According to Bruce Bird, Director of the Charter Division of Air Foyle, parts of rocket launchers like the Delta and Atlas could be transported in the An-225. Lockheed's planned Venture Star could be transported on its back. Additionally the Mrija could serve as a launch platform for the X-34B. Furthermore big sections of aircraft could be transported in it. The complete assembled fuselage of a Boeing 737 can be fitted in the hold.

General characteristics
Crew: 6
Payload: 250,000 kg (551,000 lb)
Door dimensions: 440 x 640 cm (14.4 x 21.0 ft)
Length: 84 m (276 ft)
Wingspan: 88.40 m (291 ft 2 in)
Height: 18.1 m (59.3 ft)
Wing area: 905.0 m² (9,741 ft²)
Empty weight: 175,000 kg (385,800 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 640,000 kg (1,411,000 lb)
Powerplant: 6× ZMKB Progress D-18 turbofans, 229 kN (51,600 lbf) each
Takeoff run: 3,500 m (11,500 ft) with maximum payload

Performance
Maximum speed: 850 km/h (460 knots, 530 mph)
Cruise speed: 750 km/h (400 knots, 465 mph)
Range:

With maximum fuel: 14,000 km (8,700 mi)
With maximum payload: 4,000 km (2,500 mi)
Service ceiling: 10,000 m (33,000 ft)
Wing loading: 662.9 kg/m² (135.5 lb/ft²)
Thrust/weight: 0.234

A size comparison between four of the largest aircraft. Put on yer glasses to read this!:)

Shuttle Buran & Antonov AN225 Mriya Video

THE WORLDS BIGGEST PLANES!!

[laurenmarlowe]

Evening dear Connie! *HUGS* Thank you for the very informative thread.

Doin' good if not a little muddy this evening, been playing in the yard, and working on a new flower bed. I'm kinda stinky, LOL!

Hope you have a great Thursday!

[The Mayor]

Thank you both, I am off to bed it is going to be a long couple of days on the road. Prayers please for our travel safety.

G'Night.

[mylife]

Yes I did! It looks like a locomotive with wings!

[AZamericonnie]

HUmmmm....what happened to your competion tonight!

Did you distract her?:)

[laurenmarlowe]

Howdy there LUV! *HUGS* Hope you have a good Thursday.


Thank God for and God Bless our Troops, who fight to keep us free. You are all in our thoughts and prayers always.

[MEG33]

May God Keep Safe Those Who Keep Us Safe

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good night and rest well, Mayor.
Prayers for safety during your trip and travels.

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

[luvie]

The C-5s, which my hubby and I lovingly call Big Mac (it's a long story), do touch-and-go's at our airport. I love watching them circling lazily in the air above the area around us.

[AZamericonnie]

Deliveries start when Spring has sprung.

LOL! How cool is that! I don't think I've ever seen a rig that size. That's just perfect for soooo many uses!

Congratulations Mayor...I'm sure it will be a very valuable addition.

Be safe on your travels!

[luvie]

Go Big Bertha! LOL!

[luvie]

Thursday will be great, because I am off...and Friday, too!

I might go to Lubbock...not sure yet.

Yes, God bless them all for their bravery and honor and love of country!

[luvie]

Amen, Megs!....amen....

[AZamericonnie]

(whoever needed that generator must have had a very fat wallet)

Good gads I'd imagine so!

That is so cool you got to see it take off. It gathers quite a liitle crowd for a yucky late eveing too huh?

A once in a lifetime sight indeed! Thanks for sharing that Vinnie!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Meg...((HUGS))...how was your day?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Mayor, for today's sustenance for body and soul.

[MeekMom]

Evening Connie! Thanks for tonight's thread. :)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, AAC....

[AZamericonnie]

Big Bertha wouldn't be pleased having Cindy as cell mate

Would anyone?

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Good Evening Connie.{{{HUGS}}}
Interesting thread.
That plane is huge.

[luvie]

You have my prayers for travel mercies.

We'll miss you till you are back with us!