Intro
Discover the 5 largest aircraft ever built, including massive military planes and gigantic commercial jets. Explore the history, design, and capabilities of these behemoths of the sky, from the Antonov An-225 to the Airbus A380, and learn about their impressive dimensions, payloads, and flight ranges in this fascinating aviation article.
The world of aviation has witnessed some incredible feats of engineering over the years, and one of the most fascinating aspects of this industry is the construction of massive aircraft. These gargantuan machines have the power to transport hundreds of people and tons of cargo across the globe, making them an essential part of modern transportation. In this article, we'll explore the 5 largest aircraft ever built, their impressive specifications, and their remarkable capabilities.
What Makes an Aircraft Large?
When it comes to measuring the size of an aircraft, there are several factors to consider. These include the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), wingspan, and overall length. The MTOW is the maximum weight of the aircraft when it's fully loaded with fuel, passengers, and cargo. The wingspan is the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other, while the overall length is the distance from the nose of the aircraft to the tip of the tail.
5. Airbus A380-800
The Airbus A380-800 is one of the largest commercial aircraft in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of over 590,000 kg (1,300,000 lb). This massive plane has a wingspan of 79.8 meters (262 feet) and an overall length of 72.7 meters (238 feet). The A380-800 can carry up to 853 passengers in an all-economy class configuration, making it one of the most spacious commercial aircraft in the skies.
Specifications:
- Maximum takeoff weight: 590,000 kg (1,300,000 lb)
- Wingspan: 79.8 meters (262 feet)
- Overall length: 72.7 meters (238 feet)
- Passenger capacity: Up to 853 passengers
4. Boeing 747-8
The Boeing 747-8 is one of the most iconic commercial aircraft in the world, with a distinctive hump-like upper deck that gives it a unique appearance. This massive plane has a maximum takeoff weight of over 440,000 kg (970,000 lb), a wingspan of 68.4 meters (224 feet), and an overall length of 76.3 meters (250 feet). The 747-8 can carry up to 660 passengers in an all-economy class configuration, making it one of the most spacious commercial aircraft in the skies.
Specifications:
- Maximum takeoff weight: 440,000 kg (970,000 lb)
- Wingspan: 68.4 meters (224 feet)
- Overall length: 76.3 meters (250 feet)
- Passenger capacity: Up to 660 passengers
3. Antonov An-124 Ruslan
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of over 400,000 kg (880,000 lb). This massive plane has a wingspan of 69.1 meters (226 feet) and an overall length of 69.1 meters (226 feet). The An-124 can carry up to 150 tons of cargo, making it one of the most capable cargo aircraft in the skies.
Specifications:
- Maximum takeoff weight: 400,000 kg (880,000 lb)
- Wingspan: 69.1 meters (226 feet)
- Overall length: 69.1 meters (226 feet)
- Cargo capacity: Up to 150 tons
2. Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter
The Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter is one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of over 410,000 kg (900,000 lb). This massive plane has a wingspan of 68.4 meters (224 feet) and an overall length of 76.3 meters (250 feet). The 747 Large Cargo Freighter can carry up to 220,000 kg (485,000 lb) of cargo, making it one of the most capable cargo aircraft in the skies.
Specifications:
- Maximum takeoff weight: 410,000 kg (900,000 lb)
- Wingspan: 68.4 meters (224 feet)
- Overall length: 76.3 meters (250 feet)
- Cargo capacity: Up to 220,000 kg (485,000 lb)
1. Antonov An-225 Mriya
The Antonov An-225 Mriya is the largest aircraft ever built, with a maximum takeoff weight of over 640,000 kg (1,410,000 lb). This massive plane has a wingspan of 88.4 meters (290 feet) and an overall length of 88.4 meters (290 feet). The An-225 can carry up to 250 tons of cargo, making it the most capable cargo aircraft in the skies.
Specifications:
- Maximum takeoff weight: 640,000 kg (1,410,000 lb)
- Wingspan: 88.4 meters (290 feet)
- Overall length: 88.4 meters (290 feet)
- Cargo capacity: Up to 250 tons
Gallery of Largest Aircraft
Largest Aircraft Image Gallery
What is the largest aircraft ever built?
+The Antonov An-225 Mriya is the largest aircraft ever built, with a maximum takeoff weight of over 640,000 kg (1,410,000 lb).
What is the largest commercial aircraft in the world?
+The Airbus A380-800 is one of the largest commercial aircraft in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of over 590,000 kg (1,300,000 lb).
What is the largest cargo aircraft in the world?
+The Antonov An-225 Mriya is the largest cargo aircraft in the world, with a cargo capacity of up to 250 tons.
In conclusion, the largest aircraft ever built are truly impressive machines that have the power to transport hundreds of people and tons of cargo across the globe. From the Airbus A380-800 to the Antonov An-225 Mriya, these massive planes have been designed to meet the growing demands of the aviation industry. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just starting to learn about the world of flight, these incredible aircraft are sure to amaze and inspire.