The Antonov An-225 Mriya, once the largest aircraft ever built, was destroyed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 27, 2022, while stationed for repairs at Hostomel Airport near Kyiv. The aircraft, a symbol of Ukrainian engineering prowess, was caught in the crossfire of the invasion, suffering extensive damage that has led to plans for a second aircraft to be completed.
Known as the “Dream,” Mriya holds the record as the heaviest cargo aircraft in history, with a maximum payload capacity of 250 metric tons (551,155 pounds). Initially designed to transport the Buran space shuttle, the aircraft was renowned for its exceptional lifting power and stability in flight. Over nearly four decades, the An-225 completed numerous missions and set more than 240 world records for cargo transport.
The Engineering Marvel of the An-225
The An-225 was built for extraordinary payload capacity and power, featuring six turbofan engines that provided the necessary thrust for its maximum takeoff weight of 600 metric tons (1,322,774 pounds). In contrast to other large aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, which focus on commercial efficiency, the Mriya was designed specifically for heavy lifting.
According to Andrii Sovenko, a former technical crew member, the An-225 was developed using technology from the successful Antonov An-124. Sovenko stated, “Wings and engines are also the same, with just a new center section and one extra engine per wing.” This engineering approach allowed the Mriya to maintain high reliability and performance during its missions.
The aircraft’s design featured a remarkable cargo hold measuring 142.2 x 21 x 14.5 feet (43.35 x 6.4 x 4.4 meters), enabling it to transport oversized and heavy cargo, such as locomotives and industrial generators.
The Legacy and Future of Mriya
Mriya’s primary role was to transport the Buran space shuttle, which completed its only flight in November 1988. The shuttle was capable of uncrewed missions and fully automated landings, marking a significant achievement in space exploration. However, following the cancellation of the Buran project in the early 1990s, the An-225 transitioned to commercial cargo operations.
Despite its operational success, the aircraft met its tragic end when Russian forces targeted it during the invasion of Ukraine. Visual evidence from satellite images confirmed the destruction, showing severe damage to the fuselage and wings. The loss of the An-225 resonated deeply within Ukraine and the global aviation community, as it represented not just technical achievement but also national pride.
In response, plans are underway to complete the second, partially assembled An-225 airframe. Yevhen Havrylov, Acting Director General of Antonov, indicated that approximately 30% of the necessary components for the new aircraft are available. He stated, “Work on the new machine is being carried out at a secret location. The second An-225, which was never completed, will be supplemented with parts from the bombed machine and new parts.”
The project is expected to exceed 500 million euros in total investment, reflecting the complexity and ambition of restoring this iconic aircraft. Ukrainian security services are also investigating the attack that led to Mriya’s destruction, identifying individuals involved in the targeting of the aircraft.
As efforts continue to rebuild the An-225, its legacy as a pioneer in aviation and a symbol of resilience will endure, embodying the spirit of innovation and determination that defines Ukraine.
