The Antonov AN 225, the world's largest aircraft, was developed based on the AN-124-100 (see below). It has a payload capacity of 250 tons, and was designed as a carrier for the Russian space shuttle.
Taking off 4/30/2004 4.45pm on Rwy 1L
The original AN-124-100
The Antonov AN-124-100 was originally developed as heavy airlifter for the Russian Air Force. This civilian variant was developed in the early 1990's. It has the largest payload and the largest accessible cargo area of all production aircraft in the world.
Photos by Andre Dall'au, with friendly permission.
