Antonov An-225 Mriya

The Antonov An-225 Mriya was a Ukrainian-built strategic airlift aircraft and the heaviest airplane ever flown. Designed to carry oversized cargo, it was destroyed during Russia’s 2022 attack on Hostomel Airport.

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High-wing aircraft: An aircraft configuration with its wings attached near the top of the fuselage. The An-225’s high wing supports its large fuselage and leaves space beneath the wings for its landing gear.
Buran (spaceplane): A Soviet reusable spaceplane developed for the Buran space program. The An-225 was built to ferry Buran on its back between facilities.
Buran program: The Soviet program that developed and flew the Buran reusable spaceplane. The need to transport Buran by air drove the An-225’s original design.
Battle of Antonov Airport: A 2022 battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces for control of Hostomel Airport near Kyiv. The fighting at Hostomel Airport destroyed the An-225 in its hangar.
Antonov An-124 Ruslan: A Soviet-designed heavy strategic airlifter developed by Antonov and the largest production cargo aircraft. The An-124 remains a highly capable cargo aircraft, but the An-225 was larger and heavier.
Turbofan: A jet engine that produces thrust through a core and a ducted fan. Six turbofan engines supplied the thrust needed to lift the An-225’s immense loads.
Oversized cargo: Freight whose dimensions or weight exceed the practical limits of ordinary transport systems. The An-225’s cargo hold and loading ramp accommodated exceptionally large freight.
Soviet space program: The state-directed effort by the Soviet Union to develop spaceflight and explore space. The An-225 originated as logistical support for a Soviet space project.
Hostomel Airport: An airport near Kyiv used by Antonov Airlines and the site of the An-225’s destruction in 2022. The aircraft was based at Hostomel and was destroyed there during the invasion.
Stratolaunch Roc: A twin-fuselage carrier aircraft built by Stratolaunch with the largest wingspan of any airplane. The Roc has a wider wingspan, while the An-225 was heavier and carried larger payloads.