Aviation has long been part of our lives; air transportation, like airplanes, has already become something commonplace and familiar. However, there are planes whose appearance will impress anyone who sees them. These are the most large planes. Their apparent power, wingspan, and size are amazing.

The brightest representatives

The largest aircraft in the world, of course, is not a combat vehicle, fighter or attack aircraft, but a transport one. Its task is to deliver by air large and heavy cargo, or a sufficiently large number of passengers. Among the dozens of giants there are both military aircraft and huge passenger airliners. There are cars in the top that have remained only in history, but they took most of the places modern aircraft, successfully plowing the air spaces.

It is the largest aircraft built before World War II. It was made by Soviet aircraft manufacturers. Its wingspan was 63 m, and the length of the vessel was 33 m. The release of ANT-20 was timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the literary career of the famous writer. Its crew consisted of 20 people, and the largest number of passengers was 70 people. This passenger plane first saw the sky on June 17, 1934 during a test flight.

The interior design of the ship included not only the usual passenger seats, but also such delights as a library, laboratory, printing house, sleeping places inside the wings of a giant. The aircraft was powered by 8 engines capable of accelerating it to 275 km/h and providing a flight of up to 1 thousand km. Its maximum take-off weight was 53 tons.

The main areas of its use were:

The fate of the ANT-20, produced in a single copy, is tragic - in 1935 it crashed, killing all passengers and crew.

In terms of wingspan (98 m), this seaplane, made mostly of wood, still holds the record. This 136-ton colossus was adapted to transport an entire army over long distances - 750 soldiers with full equipment. It owes its creation in the 40s to the eccentric tycoon Howard Hughes. The use of wood was caused by a shortage of aluminum. The seaplane made its first flight in 1947. Currently, its only copy has turned into a museum, which is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year.

For the American army, this military aircraft has long become a living legend. The US Air Force's Stratospheric Fortress first flew in 1952, but the aircraft is planned to be removed from service only in 2040. The B-52 was originally designed as a strategic nuclear bomber. It was subsequently modified and turned into a multifunctional aircraft. Its maximum take-off weight is 220 tons, and its wingspan is 56.4 m.

This is one of the air combat vehicles made in Russia that is included in the list of the most prominent representatives of military aviation. Currently, the Tu-160 or “White Swan” is considered the most powerful and largest supersonic aircraft. It is also the largest bomber. This is the largest aircraft with variable wing geometry. This military giant has a record take-off weight for this class of aircraft - 275 tons, and its wingspan is 55 m.

In total, there are 16 Tu-160s in service with the Russian air force. The main armament of the White Swan is long-range cruise missiles with nuclear warheads. It is also possible to equip the vehicle with free-falling bombs. The maximum flight range without refueling is also impressive - almost 14 thousand km.

This is the largest passenger aircraft (serial), the capacity of this colossus is 853 passengers for cars with one class of service and 525 passengers for aircraft with three classes of service. Its maximum take-off weight is 575 tons. This huge airliner, 73 m long with a wingspan of about 80 m, made its first flight in 2007.

To reduce the weight of an aircraft, parts made of composite materials are widely used during its manufacture. It is considered the most economical big liner, since it consumes 3 liters per 100 km per passenger. The Airbus A-380-800 is capable of non-stop flights of up to 15 thousand km.

Before the advent of the Airbus A-380, it was the largest double-deck widebody passenger airliner. The aircraft of its latest, longest modification, 747-8 (76.3 m), can accommodate up to 581 passengers, making it the longest passenger airliner in the world. Boeing 747s have been flying for 45 years.

The maximum take-off weight of the Boeing 747-8 is 442 tons. Due to its size and shape, the aircraft received the unofficial name Jumbo Jet. The flight range of the aircraft with a maximum load is about 14 thousand km. The giant's wingspan is 68 m.

The An-22 Antey turboprop wide-body cargo aircraft still remains the largest in its class, despite the fact that it made its first flight back in 1965. Its wingspan is 64 m, the maximum take-off weight is 225 tons. The aircraft is designed to transport cargo (including airborne military equipment) with accompanying specialists, the wounded, paratroopers, and soldiers.

Until the giants of the Antonov Design Bureau appeared, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy was the largest cargo aircraft. The military transport aircraft made its first flight in 1968. Currently, the Americans are in service with 19 transport aircraft of the C-5M Super Galaxy modification, by 2018 their number is expected to increase to 53. The wingspan of the aircraft is 67.9 m, and the length of the vessel is 75.5 m. Its maximum take-off weight is 381 T.

The answer to the question of which aircraft was able to take the palm from the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy lies on the surface. Of course, this is a machine designed by a competitor on the world stage at the time. In 1982, the American record was broken by the brainchild of the Soviet military-industrial complex, the An-124 Ruslan. Its maximum take-off weight is 392 tons, and its wingspan is 73 m. Currently, it is the largest military aircraft.

10. An-225 “Mriya” (Dream)

Today it is the largest transport aircraft and the largest aircraft in the world. The wingspan of the giant “Dream” is 88.4 m, and the length is 84 m. It was built to transport the Buran space shuttles at the end of the USSR’s existence. The maximum take-off weight of this colossus is 640 tons, which is significantly higher than that of all previous TOP-10 models. True, at present only one operational copy of the An-225 is in operation, and not for its intended purpose, but for commercial purposes.

Video about An-225:

As can be seen from the above list of the largest aircraft, most of them appeared as a result of competition or confrontation between states. There will probably be new flying monsters in the future.

A hundred years ago, no one would have thought that huge colossus weighing tens of tons would be able to rise into the air and carry gigantic loads. Now this is a reality, but still, every time we see these giants, we are surprised how the design idea made their flight possible.

An-225 "Mriya"

In 1985, the Soviet Union was looking for solutions to create transport system for its reusable spacecraft Burana. There was an urgent need for an aerial vehicle capable of transporting multi-ton spacecraft parts to the place of its assembly and launch. As a result, a project for a cargo aircraft was proposed, called the An-225.

The creation of this giant became possible thanks to the hard work and cooperation of design bureaus throughout the USSR. In Voronezh, Kyiv, Moscow, Tashkent and dozens of other cities, thousands of scientists and engineers implemented the most daring project in the history of aeronautics. It took a huge country three years to turn the idea of ​​the An-225 into reality: the first flight of the An-225 Mriya aircraft, assembled at the Kiev Mechanical Plant, took place on December 21, 1988.

“Mriya” is translated from Ukrainian as “dream”. And thanks to the efforts of thousands of people, this dream became a reality.

The parameters of the An-225 are amazing: its wingspan is 88.4 meters, its length is 84 meters, and it can carry a cargo weighing 250 tons!

The An-225 Mriya was built in a single copy and is currently in working condition, regularly performing flights.

Stratolaunch Model 351

On May 31, 2017, the Stratolaunch Model 351 aircraft with a record wingspan of 117.3 meters was presented to the general public, which is only slightly inferior in maximum take-off weight to the An-225: 590 tons versus 640 tons. The vehicle has a double-fuselage design and is equipped with six jet engines.

The creation of the giant aircraft Stratolaunch Model 351 is also associated with space launches. It is assumed that during the flight this aircraft will launch rockets intended for launch into low-Earth orbit.

So far, the Stratolaunch Model 351 has never flown and is being tested on the surface. Just the other day, to test the operation of the landing gear and braking system, the plane made a test run on the runway, during which it accelerated to 74 km/h. It is planned that the machine will make its first flight in 2019.

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Aviation, like many areas of engineering, is no stranger to gigantism.

Today we've rounded up some of the largest and most impressive aircraft ever to fly. Not only the dry dimensions were considered, but also the significance for world aviation, as well as the originality of the design and purpose.


Tupolev ANT-20 "Maxim Gorky"

Built in honor of the 40th anniversary of the literary activity of Maxim Gorky, the ANT-20 with 8 engines and a wingspan of 61 meters was the largest aircraft of its time. After a successful test flight on June 17, 1934, "Maxim Gorky" lazily cut through air space over Red Square, striking the imagination of residents of the then young Soviet state with its dimensions.

Inside the wings there were places equipped for sleeping, and in the central part one could find a printing house, a laboratory and even a library. It was assumed that the aircraft would be used in a very wide range of areas: from broadcasting (and not only) propaganda to entertainment passenger flights.

However, the further history of the ANT-20 is tragic: on May 18, 1935, an accident occurred, as a result of which the only copy of the aircraft crashed and the entire crew with 35 passengers on board died. Neither the ANT-20 nor its modifications ever entered mass production.

Characteristics and dimensions:

Length: 33 m
Wingspan: 63 m
Crew: 20 people.
Number of passengers: 60-70 people.
Max. flight speed: 275 km/h
Flight range: 1000 km
Max. take-off weight: 53 t


Hughes H-4

Hercules “Hercules” still retains the high-profile status of the largest seaplane in history and the owner of the largest wingspan (98 meters), although it was created under the leadership of the American tycoon Howard Hughes during the Second World War.

Several circumstances spoil the picture: intended to transport 750 soldiers in full equipment across the Atlantic, “Hercules” never crossed the ocean and remained in a single copy, and a wooden one at that.

Such an exotic material for aviation was chosen due to the restrictions imposed by the martial law in which the US economy found itself - there was a shortage of metals, especially aluminum. In 1947, the wooden Hercules still took off, but further development of the project was abandoned.

Characteristics and dimensions:

Length: 66.45 m
Wingspan: 97.54 m
Crew: 3 people
Number of passengers: 750 people. (intended for metal version)
Max. flight speed: 565 km/h
Flight range: 5634 km
Max. take-off weight: 180 t


An-22 "Antey"

The first Soviet wide-body aircraft, however, it is still the largest in the world in the category of aircraft with turboprop engines. The first flight was in 1965, and is still used today in Russia and Ukraine.

Characteristics and dimensions:

Length: 57.31 m
Wingspan: 64.40 m
Crew: 5-7 people.
Number of passengers: 28 people accompanying the cargo/290 soldiers/202 wounded/150 paratroopers
Max. flight speed: 650 km/h
Flight range: 8500 km (no load)
Max. take-off weight: 225 t


Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

The legendary "Stratospheric Fortress" first took to the skies in 1952 and still serves the needs of the US Air Force. One of the largest strategic missile-carrying bombers, the B-52 was intended to deliver thermonuclear bombs anywhere in the USSR, but over time it underwent several modifications and became multi-functional.

After the start of operation, it was used in almost all US military campaigns, and was often involved in conducting nuclear tests. In addition to bombs, it has laser-guided missiles. The most common modification is the B-52H.

Features and Dimensions (Model B-52H):

Length: 48.5 m
Wingspan: 56.4 m
Crew: 5 people
Number of passengers: crew only
Max. flight speed: 1047 km/h
Flight range: 16232 km (no load)
Max. take-off weight: 220 t


Lockheed

Pride US Air Force, developed by the aerospace company Lockheed. Having made its first flight in 1968, the C-5 strategic military transport aircraft in various modifications has survived to this day and into given time continues to be used by the US military.

It was used in many military conflicts: in Vietnam, in Yugoslavia, in both wars in Iraq, and also in Afghanistan. Until 1982, it was the largest cargo aircraft in mass production. Purpose – transportation military equipment And personnel anywhere in the world.

At the moment, the US Air Force already has 19 aircraft of the latest high-tech modification, the C-5M Super Galaxy (beginning of operation in February 2014). By 2018 it is planned to increase their number to 52.

Features and Dimensions (Model C-5M Super Galaxy):

Length: 75.53 m
Wingspan: 67.91 m
Crew: 7 people
Number of passengers: no data
Max. flight speed: 922 km/h
Flight range: 11711 km
Max. take-off weight: 381 t


An-124 "Ruslan"

The largest operational military aircraft in the world at the moment. Designed to transport both military equipment and personnel. Developed by the Antonov Design Bureau, the first flight took place in 1982. Now it is used both in Russia and Ukraine, and for civilian purposes - for example, for the transportation of non-standard and large-sized cargo. So, in 2011, Ruslan transported an entire locomotive weighing 109 tons from Canada to Ireland.

Characteristics and dimensions:

Length: 69.1 m
Wingspan: 73.3 m
Crew: 8 people
Number of passengers: 28 people.
Max. flight speed: 865 km/h
Flight range: 16500 km (no load)
Max. take-off weight: 392 t


Airbus A-380-800

The largest production passenger aircraft (airliner) in the world. The wingspan is almost 80 meters, with a capacity of up to 853 passengers. Developed by the European concern Airbus S.A.S., made its first flight in 2007, and is actively used by airlines. The design makes extensive use of composite materials to reduce the weight of the aircraft. With its appearance on the market, it became a worthy competitor to the aging Boeing 747.

Characteristics and dimensions:

Length: 73.1 m
Wingspan: 79.75 m
Crew: 2 people
Number of passengers: 853 people. (in single-class configuration)
Max. flight speed: 1020 km/h
Flight range: 15200 km
Max. take-off weight: 575 t


Boeing 747

Each of us has seen this plane at least once in our lives. Since its first flight in 1969, the 747 has remained the largest passenger airliner for a full 37 years – until the arrival of the Airbus A380. Used by airlines around the world. The legendary nature of this aircraft is proven, however, not only by the long and successful “life” of its modifications. In 1991, the Boeing 747 set a world record for the transportation of passengers: during the military operation “Solomon” to transport Ethiopian Jews to Israel, 1,112 passengers managed to fit on board the 747 and reach their destination at once. Among other things, this aircraft was also used to transport Space Shuttle program spacecraft from the production site to the spaceport. The 747-8I modification is the world's longest passenger aircraft.

Features and Dimensions (Model 747-8I):

Length: 76.4 m
Wingspan: 68.5 m
Crew: 2 people
Max. flight speed: 1102 km/h
Flight range: 14100 km
Max. take-off weight: 448 t


Airbus A300-600ST

Beluga “Beluga” is a modification of the Airbus family, distinguished by its unique hull shape. This aircraft is not as large compared to the others, but its purpose is to transport the largest cargo. In particular, details of other Airbus aircraft. The first flight took place in 1994.

Characteristics and dimensions:

Length: 56.15 m
Wingspan: 44.84 m
Crew: 2 people
Number of passengers: 605 people. (in single-class configuration)
Max. flight speed: 1000 km/h
Flight range: 4632 km (with a load of 26 tons)
Max. take-off weight: 155 t


An-225 "Mriya" (Dream)

This giant needs even less introduction than the Boeing 747. The legendary An-225 is objectively recognized as the largest (wing span - almost 88.5 meters, total length - 84 meters, or 25 floors of a residential building) and heaviest (capable of lifting into the air from with a total weight of up to 640 tons) aircraft ever created by man.

The An-225 made its first flight in December 1988. Initially, it was supposed to be used to transport Buran spacecraft, but after the collapse of the USSR, the need for it disappeared. In the early 2000s, the Mriya was restored by combining the capabilities of several Ukrainian enterprises, and the only working copy of the An-225 is now operated by Ukraine for commercial purposes.

Characteristics and dimensions:

Length: 84 m
Wingspan: 88.4 m
Crew: 6 people
Number of passengers: 88 people accompanying the cargo
Max. flight speed: 850 km/h
Flight range: 15400 km
Max. take-off weight: 640 t

Ever since people learned to design flying vehicles, they began to be used to transport heavy and bulky cargo. Over the history of aeronautics, many transport aircraft have been created that impress with their enormous size.

1. Antonov An-225 “Mriya”.

The An-225 is currently the largest aircraft in the world; it has an extremely large payload and can lift about 250 tons into the air. The An-225 was originally designed and built to transport components of the Energia launch vehicle and the Buran reusable spacecraft.

2. Boeing 747 Dreamlifter.


This transport aircraft is a modified version of the Boeing 747, it was built and used exclusively to transport parts of the Boeing 787 aircraft. What makes the Dreamlifter special is its unusual appearance.

3. Aero Spacelines Super Guppy.


The Super Guppy cargo plane was produced in five copies and today only one of them is in use. It is owned by NASA and is used to deliver large cargo and spacecraft parts.

4. Antonov An-124 “Ruslan”.


The An-124 is a heavy military transport aircraft for long-distance transport, the largest of all serial commercial cargo aircraft in the world. It was developed primarily for air transportation launchers of intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as for transporting heavy military equipment. The carrying capacity of the An-124 is 120 tons. .

5. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.


American military transport aircraft, second in terms of payload capacity after the An-124. The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is capable of carrying six helicopters or two large tanks in its cargo bay. The total weight that the aircraft can transport is more than 118 tons.

6. Airbus A300-600ST Beluga.


A jet cargo aircraft for transporting large cargo, which was developed on the basis of the Airbus A300 series. The main purpose of creating the A300-600ST is to replace transport aircraft Super Guppy. Beluga owes its name to its body shape, which resembles a beluga whale. The Beluga's carrying capacity is 47 tons.

7. Antonov An-22 “Antey”.


Soviet-made heavy transport aircraft, the largest turboprop aircraft in the world. Currently, the aircraft is used by the Russian Air Force and the Ukrainian cargo airline Antonov Airlines. The carrying capacity of the An-22 is 60 tons.

8. Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.


The C-17 Globemaster III is one of the most common military transport aircraft of the US Air Force and is still in use today. The aircraft is designed to transport military equipment and troops, as well as perform tactical missions. The C-17's carrying capacity is more than 76 tons.

9. Airbus A400M Atlas.


The A400M Atlas was designed and built as an international project for the air forces of France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and several other countries. It is a four-engine turboprop aircraft with a payload capacity of up to 37 tons.

The not yet very long history of aviation is replete with episodes when different countries, V different time and for various reasons in military fashion included gigantomania, which led to the construction of huge flying machines. This material presents 10 such aircraft built over the past three quarters of a century.

1. Junkers Ju 390

This aircraft was built in Germany on the basis of the four-engine Junkers Ju 290 in 1943 and was intended for use as a heavy transport, maritime patrol aircraft, and strategic bomber. The Germans planned to build 26 such aircraft, with which, in theory, it was possible to bomb even the territory of the United States, but in reality they were able to build only two machines. The aircraft's wingspan was 50.3 meters, its length was 34.2 meters, and its flight range was up to 9,700 kilometers.

2. AntonovAn-225 "Mriya"»

The An-225 Mriya aircraft was developed by the Antonov design bureau in the 1980s. It is the longest (84 meters) and heaviest (maximum take-off weight 640 tons) aircraft ever built. "Mriya" was originally created to transport the reusable spacecraft "Buran", as well as various large-sized components of the launch vehicle from the production site to the launch site, and was produced in a single copy (the second copy is approximately 70% ready since Soviet times at the plant "Antonov"). After the completion of the Energia-Buran program, the An-225 was mothballed for eight years. In the early 2000s, the aircraft was restored by Ukrainian companies, and currently it performs commercial cargo transportation.


3. MesserschmittMe 323 "Gigant"


The German Messerschmitt Me 323 was the largest production land aircraft of World War II. In total, just over 200 of them were built. It was designed and built in preparation for the planned invasion of Great Britain. Initially it was created as a heavy glider Me 321, but in 1941 it was decided to build a version of this glider with a motor. With a payload capacity of up to 23 tons, this fabric and plywood-covered aircraft was used by the Germans primarily to supply troops in North Africa, although it was also seen on the Eastern Front.


4. Blohm & Voss BV 238


This German flying boat with a wingspan of 60.17 meters made its first flight in March 1944 and was built in a single copy. The Blohm & Voss BV 238 was the largest aircraft built to that date, and, ironically, became the largest aircraft destroyed during World War II. The plane was based on Lake Schalsee in northern Germany and was sunk in September 1944 as a result of an attack by a group of American P-51 Mustang fighters. According to another version, it was destroyed by British Hawker Typhoon in May 1945.

5. MartinJ.R.M.Mars


The large Martin JRM Mars transport seaplane was built in limited numbers (1 prototype and 6 production) for the US Navy during World War II. It was created as a “flying dreadnought” - a long-range patrol aircraft. After the war, the four surviving Mars, written off for scrap in 1959, were bought by Canadian timber merchants and converted into flying tankers for fighting forest fires. After 2012, there is still one Martin JRM Mars in service.

6. Convair B-36 Peacemaker


XB-36 prototype (right) next to a B-29 Superfortress

The B-36 Peacemaker is an American intercontinental bomber, the largest combat aircraft in the history of aviation in terms of wingspan (70.1 meters). The first flight took place in August 1946. A total of 384 aircraft were built.

7. ConvairXC-99


The XC-99 is an American prototype heavy cargo aircraft built using parts from the B-36 bomber. Built in a single copy, it made its first flight on November 24, 1947, and in 1949 it entered service with the US Air Force. During the Korean War, the XC-99 made intercontinental flights in the interests of the US Army. The last flight was performed on March 19, 1957.

8. Boeing B-52 Stratofortress


The B-52 intercontinental strategic bomber made its first flight in April 1952 and replaced the Convair B-36. Being one of the main means of delivery of American nuclear weapons, The B-52 participated in several military conflicts, during which only conventional weapons were used from its board. The US Air Force plans to operate the B-52 until at least the 2040s. The aircraft's wingspan is 56.39 meters.