✈️ Antonov An-124 “Ruslan” — Review

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🧩 Overview

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a massive strategic heavy-lift cargo aircraft, designed during the Cold War to support the Soviet military and space programs. When it first flew in 1982, it was the largest and heaviest aircraft ever built — until its even larger sibling, the An-225 Mriya, arrived in 1988.

Even today, the An-124 remains a vital and unmatched workhorse in both military and commercial logistics.

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⚙️ Specifications

• First Flight: December 26, 1982

• Entered Service: 1986

• Wingspan: 73.3 m (240 ft)

• Length: 68.96 m (226 ft)

• Max Takeoff Weight: ~405,000 kg (892,000 lbs)

• Cargo Capacity: ~150,000 kg (330,000 lbs)

• Range (with max payload): ~4,800 km

• Engines: 4 × Lotarev D-18T turbofans

• Crew: Typically 6–7 (plus additional support crew)

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📦 Design & Capabilities

The An-124 is built for brute strength and long-range cargo operations. It features:

• A nose that swings upward to allow roll-on/roll-off loading

• A rear cargo ramp for dual-end loading

• Built-in cranes and winches for self-loading

• An adjustable landing gear system that can kneel or raise the fuselage to ease loading

• A two-deck structure — lower for cargo, upper for crew and passengers

It was originally developed to carry tanks, mobile missile systems, satellites, and even aircraft. In the post-Soviet era, it’s frequently chartered for massive civil cargo jobs — from power plant equipment to locomotives and humanitarian aid.

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🪖 Military Use

The An-124 is still actively used by the Russian military and a few other armed forces for rapid deployment of equipment, vehicles, and troops. It’s the go-to aircraft when size truly matters, especially where C-17s or C-5s aren’t available.

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💼 Civilian Use

Through Antonov Airlines and other operators like Volga-Dnepr, the An-124 has become a cornerstone of global heavy-lift logistics, supporting aerospace, energy, defense, and disaster relief sectors.

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🧱 Strengths

• Massive payload capacity — only rivaled by the An-225 or the U.S. C-5M

• Can transport cargo too large or heavy for any other plane

• Self-contained loading system — ideal for remote operations

• Global reach and proven reliability over decades

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⚠️ Weaknesses

• Fuel-hungry and expensive to operate

• Requires special ground handling and long runways

• Aging fleet — with spare parts and modernization a growing concern, especially after the Ukraine–Russia conflict

• Limited production — only about 55 units built

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📜 Legacy

The An-124 is a symbol of Soviet engineering ambition — and one of the very few aircraft that could literally move mountains (or at least mountain-sized machinery). It’s played a vital role in both Cold War geopolitics and global commerce.

Even now, decades later, it remains irreplaceable for ultra-heavy transport. It’s often the aircraft called in when nothing else can do the job.

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🏁 Final Verdict: