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| 7 List of the Largest Military Cargo Aircraft in the World |
Here are the 7 largest cargo planes in the world.
1. Antonov An-225 Mriya
The Antonov An-225 Mriya is a strategic airlift cargo aircraft designed by the Antonov Design Bureau of the Ukrainian SSR during the 1980s. The Antonov An-225 is the only aircraft in the world to be powered by six turbofan engines and is the heaviest aircraft ever built, with a maximum take-off weight of 640 tons.
The Antonov An-225 also has the largest wingspan of any aircraft in operational service. The Antonov An-225 Mriya holds the world record for the largest single cargo payload at 418,834 pounds as well as the record total airlift payload of 559,577 pounds or 280 tons. Unfortunately the plane which has a length of 84 meters was destroyed as a victim when the Russian-Ukrainian war broke out.
2. Antonov An-124 Kondor
The Antonov An-124 Kondor is still the sibling of the Antonov An-225 Mriya and 60 units were produced. Built in the 1970s, the Antonov An-124 Kondor has a length of 69.1 meters and a maximum displacement of 150,000 kg. The Antonov An-124 Kondor is designed for the airlifting of long-distance and large heavy cargo, including military machinery, equipment and troops.
This cargo plane is capable of carrying hydraulic turbines, a Tu-204 passenger airframe, a train locomotive, and a 25-meter cruise ship. Also Read Antonov AN 124-100 Second Largest Cargo Aircraft in the World Lands for the First Time at YIA Airport
3. Boeing 747-8 Freighters
The Boeing 747-8 is a wide-body aircraft developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, the largest variant of the 747. This cargo aircraft has a length of 76.3 meters and a maximum capacity of 132,600 kg.
The Boeing 747-8F Freighter has a cargo space with a volume of 853 m3 which can accommodate a maximum payload of 137 tonnes. Powered by four GEnx-2B67 engines, the aircraft achieves a maximum range of 7,630 km.
4. Lockheed Galaxy C-5 Galaxy
The Lockheed C-5 is the largest aircraft routinely operated by the US military with a maximum payload capacity of 127,459 kg, capable of carrying 5 helicopters. This 75.31 meter long aircraft can carry large cargo over intercontinental distances and can take off and land on relatively short runways.
The Galaxy Lockheed C-5, with a cargo payload of 127,460 kilograms can fly 2,150 nautical miles, detach and fly to a second base 500 nautical miles from its original destination, on a single refueling. The nose and stern doors open, allowing the ground crew to simultaneously load and unload cargo from both ends, reducing cargo transfer times.
5. Airbus Beluga XL
The Airbus BelugaXL is a large transport aircraft based on the Airbus A330-200 Freighter aircraft. Created by Airbus to replace the original Airbus Beluga with various large aircraft components such as wings.
The Airbus BelugaXL, which has a length of 63.1 meters, can carry two wings compared to the A350 XWB aircraft, in contrast to the Beluga ST, which can only carry one wing. With a maximum payload of 51 tons, the BelugaXL has a range of 4,000 km.
6. Boeing 747 Dreamlifter
The Boeing 747 Dreamlifter is a wide-body cargo aircraft, a variation of the Boeing 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter (LCF). The aircraft has a length of 76.3 meters and is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 113,400 kg.
With a volume of 1,840 cubic meters, it can accommodate three times the cargo of a 747-400F. The large aircraft is designed to transport parts for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner between Italy, Japan and the US, and fly medical supplies around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. Airbus A400M Atlas
The Airbus A400M Atlas is a European four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft measuring 45.1 meters in length. The aircraft was built as an international project and is operated by Germany, France, Spain, Great Britain and Turkey.
By using modern composite materials for the fuselage and turboprop engines, this cargo aircraft is designed for fuel efficiency and low operating costs. With a maximum payload of up to 37 tons and a volume of 340 cubic meters, the A400M can carry NH90 or CH-47 Chinook helicopters.