Antonov An-124 Ruslan

The Antonov An-124, nicknamed Ruslan or Condor in NATO code, is one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world and is often used for outsize charters. Designed by the Ukrainian company Antonov, which had already developed heavy transport aircraft such as the An-22, its first flight took place on 26 December 1982 and deliveries began in 1987.

In terms of capacity, the An-124 is capable of carrying up to 150 tonnes of cargo over a maximum distance of 4,000 km, or 120 tonnes over a distance of 7,000 km. Its cargo bay is 36.5 metres long, 6.4 metres wide and 4.4 metres high, allowing it to carry large cargo. It is also equipped with a loading system at the rear of the aircraft, which facilitates the loading and unloading of heavy and bulky cargo.

In terms of performance, the An-124 set several world records in 1985, including payload and long-haul flight distance. It can reach a maximum cruising speed of 865 km/h and a maximum cruising altitude of 12,000 metres.

The Antonov An-124 is particularly useful for transporting large cargo, such as industrial machinery parts, oil equipment or aircraft. Its rear loading system facilitates the transport of heavy and bulky cargo, making it an ideal choice for outsize charters.

In summary, the Antonov An-124 is an exceptionally robust and efficient cargo aircraft, capable of transporting heavy and bulky loads over long distances. Its loading and unloading system facilitates the transport of oversized cargo, making it an ideal choice for businesses and industries that need to transport large cargo.