The Antonov An-225, the world’s largest aircraft, set more than 214 national records and about 124 world records before its destruction during the Ukraine-Russia War.
The Antonov An-225 ‘Maria’ caught the world’s attention for being the world’s largest aircraft. Although it is hard to believe, in addition to its size, the aircraft is famous for setting another 123 world records before its destruction during the Ukraine-Russia War. Even after the destruction, Ukraine has not completely abandoned Marya, which means ‘The Dream’. According to reports, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky wants to build the second Antonov An-225.
Rounding back to the topic, the Antonov An-225 has set many records since its creation, not to mention its existence was unique as only one unit of it was ever built. Talking about the uniqueness of the aircraft, it had a unique power generation capability to lift its massive body off the ground. Its engine was so powerful that it destroyed a fence during its takeoff at RAF Breeze Norton in the UK last year, Simple Flying reports.
Antonov An-225 World Record
Talking about the records, apart from 124 world records, there were 214 national records in the name of this plane. Due to its sheer size, the Antonov An-225 held the record for the highest maximum takeoff weight, being included in the description of some of the most important world records. The size also helped the aircraft claim the record for the largest wingspan at the time.
Also read: Research explains how brain changes during treatment of depression.
The Antonov An-225 always took things up a notch; Following the pattern, it set the record for carrying the heaviest commercial payload of 253,820 kg. To add a perspective, that would weigh about 63 elephants.
To no one’s surprise, Maria also set the record for the longest cargo carried in 2010 at 42.1 meters. In other words, the length of the cargo was about one and a half times the length of the basketball court.
Even during the pandemic era, the An-225 continues to set records. It transported 1,000 cubic meters of PPE-filled crates in 2020, the largest shipment volume in history. According to Antonov Airlines, to safely load such a large number, loadmasters had to remove the pallets and load each box manually.
While it is not possible to mention all the records made by the Antonov An-225, it is necessary to mention that all the records made by Miria were not only about the biggest or heaviest things. It also had other records, such as the Guinness World Record for the highest art exhibition in the world.
