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!!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

LOL!
Dat's me!
*HUG*
Ms.B

[Army Air Corps]

No problemo. :-)

[luvie]

No rain, huh?

Ya might as well still live in San Angelo! LOL!

We're under a tornado watch right now. Aren't you glad you are in paradise instead?

[AZamericonnie]

Ok smarty pants! I was being serious! LOL

Elevator? Stairwell?

[luvie]

You did good. YOu were being hospitable, like you usually are!

[StarCMC]

AWESOME thread Connie! *HUG*

[mylife]

I love it when freepers meet!

[Kathy in Alaska]

I SURE have!! LOL!!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

I don't either!
I know that I HAVE to get out of there..
I can't keep up that kind of a pace anymore..
Ms.B

[Army Air Corps]

The power is fluctuating again. Time to unplug the laptop and log-ff. N'ight all.

[luvie]

I know, MY. I do, too!

Amazing how close we all have become because of it.

Adding another one or two to the group just makes it
more fun!

[MEG33]

I just saw the radar for where you are..Stay safe!

[luvie]

Yes, you do need to. It's killing your back and your attitude! ~ducking~

:D

Seriously, hope you can find something less stressful and physical.

[AZamericonnie]

Yes! That's what we need!:)

[MS.BEHAVIN]

LOL
Neither can I!
;0)
Ms.B

[mylife]

You betcha. Networking is a good thing and its fun!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

!!!!!!!!!
LOL
Is my attitude that bad?
I'm sorry!
Ms.B

[luvie]

I'm TEASING, Sis! (((hugs))) :D

[mylife]

You prolly didnt know it but I have indian blood and an indian name "Types with 2 thumbs"

Not many have heard of the "Wadafugowi Tribe"

[MS.BEHAVIN]

LOL
Whew!
Ya had me worried!
Ms.B