Colossal Mriya plane starts restoration

One year after it was destroyed in the early days of the Russian invasion, workers in Ukraine have begun salvaging parts of Mriya with the intention of rebuilding the world’s largest aircraft


ANTONOV AN-225 MRIYA
World’s heaviest plane in operation with longest body and greatest wingspan

Nose cone: Hold door is 6.4m wide, compared with 3.4m for Boeing 747 freighter

Crew: 6

Engines: Six Progress D-18T turbofans

Landing gear: 32 wheels

Cargo compartment: 43m x 6.4m x 4.4m. Holds record for heaviest payload ever lifted – four tanks weighing total of 253.82 tonnes


Ruined Mriya seen at Hostomel airport


SPECIFICATIONS
Cruise speed: 800km/h
Range: 15,400km
Ceiling: 11,000m
Empty weight: 285 tonnes
Maximum takeoff weight: 640 tonnes

Length: 84m
Wingspan: 88.4m

Boeing 747-8
68.5m


Mriya (meaning “dream” in Ukrainian) originally built in late 1980s to carry Buran – orbiter in short-lived Soviet space shuttle programme (right)

Extensively overhauled after Ukraine won independence from Soviet Union in 1991. Had been expected to continue in service until 2033

Wrecked in Russian attack on Hostomel airport near Kyiv in Feb 2022, became symbol of Ukraine’s defence against invasion

Antonov says full restoration will have to wait until after war. Company estimates rebuild will cost at least $500 million


Sources: Antonov, New York Times, Reuters, Simple Flying
Pictures: Newscom, Ralf Manteufel 
© GRAPHIC NEWS