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!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, AZ, for today's Antonov An-225 Mriya.
That is one BIG airplane.

[AZamericonnie]

Playing in the yard is a good form of meditation. It's a great thing to stand back & see what you've accomplished to!

I was wondering what that odor was! Stinky washes off! LOL

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

Prayers going up.

[Army Air Corps]

Hola!

¿Que tal?

[AZamericonnie]

Good evening Meg! Another of my favorites. How's life treating you today? *Hugs*

[Vinnie]

If I didn't spend so much time on FR instead of watching the local NEWS I would have known it was landing around Noon and could have seen it in daylight. :)

[laurenmarlowe]

Man I can remember makin' that drive to Lubbock when the boys were at Tech, what an interesting drive, LOL! I did enjoy seeing the caprock though.

If you go, have a very safe trip sweetie, and enjoy your days off! *HUGS*

[AZamericonnie]

You've seen the C-5's too?

I never get to see anything that cool!

Should I ask about the "big mac" thing?:)

[laurenmarlowe]

Safe travels for you Mayor!

[AZamericonnie]

A very good eveing to you MMom! How have you been?

I have had such limited time online this week I feel outta touch! LOL *Hugs*

[Kathy in Alaska]

Buried...yes, but all went well. And I even got some time to visit.

[laurenmarlowe]

ROFL! And I need to go get un-stinky!

Bless you Connie for all that you do, thank you!

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Evening LUV.{{{HUGS}}}

[AZamericonnie]

{{{{Noosie}}}}

Good evening to ya! Hope you & the family are well.

Has spring sprung your way yet? It got hot then cooled back down here. I'll take the cool as long as we can get it! lol *Hugs*

[MEG33]

*Hugs* Still working on my paper chase..Progess being made! It's slow now as the big job is done..and I am down to the nitty gritty.

Very intersting thread..Thank you!

[AZamericonnie]

Thank you for the pledge for us all Hope. My best as always to you & yours! *Hugs*

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Everyone is well.
Spring has sprung.We had a few days in the 60 and 70 and then it cooled down again with rain.
We had a nice day today.

[AZamericonnie]

Oh Vinnie....I'm guilty as charged myself. I always watch cable news & rarely see the local stuff!

Still....you got to see it!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Muy bien, pero muy cansado.

[Army Air Corps]

¿Porque?