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!!

[AZamericonnie]

Ok....it's "pumpkin" hour here....sweet dreams all! *Hugs*

[Kathy in Alaska]

Sleep???? Sounds wonderful....LOL! Stay safe.

[HiJinx]

the "Wadafugowi Tribe"

I think they were featured on an episode of "F Troop".

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Goodnight Sweetie!
Rest well and God Bless!
*HUG*
Ms.B

[BIGLOOK]

You betcha I remember! Kubrick's finest work.

[luvie]

Just got knocked off...I didn't unplug soon enough for that last big lightning strike. The router went down for a bit, but I am back for a little while.

It's raining, though...sounds very nice! No wind, yet. We're under a tornado watch. =\

[MS.BEHAVIN]

F Troop..
I remember that show!
Man, that's going back some!
((((((((((((Jinxy)))))))))))))
How was your visit with Piper?
Ms.B

[luvie]

Take it?

[luvie]

Take it?

[luvie]

Take it?

[luvie]

Take it?

[HiJinx]

Pumpkin hour? 10PM?
What kind of night owl are you, anyway?

(Like I should talk...)

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Thank you, Sis..
*HUG*
Ms.B

[luvie]

Nighty-night, Connie!

(((hugs)))

Thanks for all your hard work!

[HiJinx]

Our visit was very good - but it's a long drive. 6 hours for us, almost three with her in the car. Thank goodness for portable DVD players!

I should have pulled the camera out of the car, we stopped at a rest stop with an awesome view!

I'm going to see if I can find a pitcher on the web...

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Looking forawrd to the pics!
Man, the wind is just HOWLING here..
It almost sounds like it's groaning..
Ms.B

[luvie]

It seems that I have to honor them however I can.

[luvie]

Never mind pictures of the scenery...where are the Princess Pictures! :D

[MS.BEHAVIN]

*HUG*
You do a great job of it, Sissy!
I saw your post about th weather there..
Everything okay so far?
I'm gonna have to head out soon myself..
I don't like to wish my time away..
But I am glad this day is over with!
Ms.B

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good night, my. Thanks for helping honor our troops, and thank you for your service to our country.