Farewell to the Antonov AN-225 Mriya: The Largest Plane in the World
A Monument Lost to War
The Antonov AN-225 "Mriya"—meaning "The Dream" in Ukrainian—was more than just the largest plane in the world. It was a symbol of engineering brilliance, human ambition, and peaceful innovation. Designed in the 1980s by the Antonov Design Bureau in Soviet Ukraine, this one-of-a-kind aircraft was tragically destroyed during the war in Ukraine at Hostomel Airport in March 2022.
As an air cargo instructor, I admired its power and grace. Writing this post is emotional—not only for the loss of this aviation marvel but for every soul lost in conflict. War steals dreams, and Mriya was one of them.
How Many AN-225 Mriya Aircraft Were Built?
Only one AN-225 was ever completed. A second was planned but never finished. This makes its destruction even more heartbreaking.
First Flight and Purpose
- First Flight: December 21, 1988, from Svyatoshin airfield, piloted by Captain Oleksandr Galonenko.
- Primary Mission: Transport the Buran space shuttle and Energiya rocket components.
- Secondary Mission: Carry ultra-heavy and oversized cargo anywhere in the world.
AN-225 Specifications
Aircraft Dimensions
| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 84 m | 275.6 ft |
| Height | 18.2 m | 59.3 ft |
| Wingspan | 88.4 m | 290 ft 2 in |
| Wing Area | 905 m² | 9,743.7 ft² |
Flight Performance
- Cruise Speed: 800 km/h
- Max Speed: 850 km/h (530 mph)
- Range: 15,400 km
- Ceiling: 9,000 meters
Cargo and Power
- Payload Capacity: 250,000 kg (550,000 lb)
- Cargo Volume: 1,300 m³
- Engines: 6× ZMKB Progress D-18 turbofans
- Fuel Consumption: 18–22 tons/hour
Historical Highlights
- 1989: Carried the Buran shuttle piggyback; showcased at Paris Air Show.
- 1990–2001: Commercial flights and reactivation after downtime.
- 2004–2016: Set multiple world records, including longest cargo item and heaviest payload.
- 2022: Destroyed in the war at Hostomel Airport.
Charter Cost
Renting the AN-225 cost around $30,000 per hour, depending on cargo and route.
Bigger Than the Airbus A380?
Yes. With six engines and 32 wheels, the AN-225 had a wingspan of 290 feet—larger than the A380.
Restoration Plans
Restoring the AN-225 is estimated to cost over $3 billion and take more than five years. A dream worth rebuilding?
Final Words
Goodbye, Mriya. I dreamed of standing beside you, hearing your engines roar, and watching you soar. Like every aviation lover, I mourn your loss. And like every human being, I despise war.