World’s Largest Aircraft - the Antonov An-225 Mriya - Lands in Perth, Australia

The Antonov An-225 Mriya, the world's largest aircraft, touched down in Perth, Australia earlier today (15 May 2016).

With its twenty one crew comprised of seven cockpit crew, one flight manager, six engineers and additional support crew, the Antonov will be in Perth for approximately 48 hours.

The aircraft was chartered by a resources company to transport an 117-tonne turbine for its operations in the south west.

The unloading of the aircraft will take up to 12 hours and involves a sophisticated system of ramps and cranes to remove the cargo.

Fiona Lander, Executive General Manager External Affairs, Perth Airport, said, “The sheer size of the An-225 was breathtaking, with the click of camera shutters audible over the roar of the six engines as it taxied past. Never before has the An-225 made its way to Australia, and the people of Perth made the most of its visit today.”

 Facts About the Antonov An-225 Mriya

- The An-225 Mriya’s first flight was on 1 December 1988;

- The An-225’s maximum speed is 850 kph per hour, with a cruising speed of 800 kph;

- It’s cruising altitude is up to 12,000 metres;

- The An-225 is 84 metres long, 18.1 metres high and has a wing span of 84.4 metres;

- The An-225’s cargo compartment is 43.32 metres long, 6.4 metres wide and 4.4 metres high;

- It has a maximum take-off weight of 640,000 kilograms;

- The aircraft has six D-18T turbofan engines and 32 wheels;

- The nose-gear was designed to “kneel” so that cargo can be more easily loaded and unloaded.

- Mriya means “dream” in Ukrainian.

See other recent news regarding: Antonov, Ukraine, Cargo, Freight, Perth Airport, Perth, Australia