Mriya on short final in Ostrava – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
There are many items still left on my AvGeek bucket list, but last week I was fortunate enough to cross a pretty BIG one off.
I was very excited to be invited to witness the arrival of the world’s largest aircraft ever produced, the mighty Antonov An-225. Nicknamed “Mriya”, which is the Ukranian word for dream. The aircraft first flew in 1988 and is the only plane of its kind in service today. There was a second model built to about 70% completion, but due to funding problems it remains in a desolate state in Kiev.
Touchdown!! The whole landing sequence seemed very slow-motion due to the aircraft size – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
The original mission scope of the aircraft was to carry the soviet spacecraft Buran, much like the American version of the 747-based Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the aircraft remained in storage for almost a decade before it was brought back into operational service as a cargo air-lifter, operated by Antonov Airlines. Mriya is primarily based in Kiev, Ukraine but has completed various missions all around the world.
Colossal, yet somehow majestic – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
Mriya was scheduled to make a series of three flights from Ostrava Airport in the east of Czech Republic. Once the schedule was released, I realized that I would only have one chance to get some decent shots, as two of the three flights were scheduled to take place during darkness.
Thrust reversers and spoilers working overtime to bring the beast to a stop – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
There was much fanfare at Ostrava Airport, and I estimate close to 200-300 spotters came out for the arrival, not just from Czech Republic but also from Poland and Slovakia. It always amazes me the amount of enthusiasm that is clearly present in the Czech population for all things aviation.
Taxing – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
I was fortunate enough to be on the other side of the fence, as one of my friends works at the airport. Thanks to this unique access, I was able to not only get some amazing shots of the aircraft, but also partake in assisting my friend with the preparation for the arrival of this beast. As there was about four inches of snow on the aprons, I got to witness first-hand the complex and demanding task of snow clearing.
Not a bad looking rear end – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
The unique rudder design of the AN-225, to improve airflow when carrying Buran – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
Today the AN-225 is operated as a cargo transporter by Antonov Airlines – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
It really is massive! – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
Time to feed Mriya – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
Interesting view of the cockpit when the nose is open – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
There are a total of 32 wheels on the AN-225 – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
One of six ZMKB Progress D-18 turbofan engines powering Mriya, delivering 51,600 pounds of thrust each! – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
What an awesome view – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
Mriya looks beautiful from any angle – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
My favorite part of the aircraft, the twin rudder – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
It was truly an awe-inspiring experience to be able to see this colossal, yet somehow majestic, aircraft up-close. This really goes down as one of my best AvGeek experiences to date!
Note: For the best viewing experience, be sure to click on each photo for the full resolution image to be displayed.
The author: one very happy #AvGeek – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter
Sadly I think the current conflict in the Ukraine is casting a shadow over Antonov’s future. I hope when things settle down that the Ukranian government look to help Antonov form a partnership with a Western aviation company (Boeing/Airbus/Bombardier/Embraer) and get them to adopt more Western business practices.
I think that is the only real future for them as it won’t be long before the Russians cut them off. Imagine one of these beasts powered by GE or RR engines and with Western avionics. With a Western partner Antonov could build on its strengths as a manufacturer of rugged airlifters and reach out to a wider market. There was a good article in the NYTimes recently that discusses the current state of affairs at Antonov if anyone is interested.
Maybe then we will see the second An-225 get finished. I believe at least $300 million is required to finish it. Surely in this big wide world there is enough demand for a second aircraft.
The AN-225 was at MSP for almost an entire week this past summer. Was pretty sweet! It’s departure kept getting delayed by days because it was too hot and humid here for it to take off.
I felt lucky enough to actually be visiting family at MSP during its visit and was able to stop by and see. What a massive beast!
David, AirlineReporter
WOW ~ Massive, yet still majestic, and FAR BETTER-LOOKING than the A380 .. .. =-O!
Loving these great shots of the king of the vodka burners! Thanks, JP!
I was able to see this some years ago when it was at Boeing Field. Awesome aircraft.
Great post, thank you! Here is another great photo shoot of the Mriya, including many internal and during flight photos: http://gelio.livejournal.com/193025.html