Will Ukraine get a new Antonov An-225 known as Mriya (“dream” in French), or the world’s largest aircraft?
The general director of the manufacturer, Yevhen Havrylov, has announced that Ukraine has begun construction work on a second An-225 aircraft to replace the one that was destroyed during the Russian attack on its home airport in Hostomel, about twenty kilometers from Kyiv. at the beginning of the invasion.
According to the German newspaper Image, the leader said in Leipzig that “the new plane is being worked on in a secret place” and that it is already 30% rebuilt. The second AN-225, never completed, will be completed with parts from the first bombed aircraft and new parts, adding that this operation will cost a whopping 500 million euros.
Antonov later clarified, stating on Facebook that “Currently, design work in this direction has started. According to available expert estimates, approximately 30% of the components can currently be used for the second aircraft model. The cost is estimated aircraft construction. at least 500 million euros. However, it is too early to talk about the exact amount.”
To finance this project, Antonov would seek to raise funds, in particular through the sale of derivative products, Bild advances.
The pride of Ukraine, this cargo plane began its career in 1988 and was honored each year on the country’s Independence Day, August 24.
11 meters longer than the A380
Produced in a single copy, its dimensions were impressive. In fact, the AN-225 is 11 meters longer than the A380, the Airbus jumbo jet (84 meters against 73 meters) and 38% heavier (almost 600 tons). It was designed to carry the Russian space shuttle Buran.
With its six turbojet engines and 88-meter wingspan, this behemoth can carry up to 253 tons of cargo over a distance of more than 10,000 kilometers. Specifically, this “mega-Jumbo” could have transported an Airbus A340 (240 tons) in spare parts between Toulouse and Seattle in its hold.
Last July, British billionaire Richard Branson, founder of Virgin airlines, was visiting Ukraine where he highlighted his visit to Hostomel airport, assuring that he wanted to “help” rebuild the Mriya.
Source: BFM TV
