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{{Short description|Soviet/Ukrainian large military transport aircraft}}
{{Short description|Soviet large military transport aircraft}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{{Infobox aircraft
|name= An-124 Ruslan
| name= An-124 Ruslan
| image= Антонов Ан-124 9773054055093, Москва - Домодедово RP2297.jpg
|image= File:An-124 RA-82028 in formation with Su-27 09-May-2010 (cropped).jpg
|caption= An An-124 of [[224th Flight Unit]]
| caption= An Antonov An-124 Ruslan in landing configuration
| type= [[Military transport aircraft|Heavy transport aircraft]]
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
| national_origin= [[Soviet Union]]
|type= [[Military transport aircraft|Heavy transport aircraft]]
| manufacturer= [[Antonov]]
|national origin= [[Soviet Union]]
| design_group= [[Antonov]]
|manufacturer=
| builder= [[Antonov Serial Production Plant]] <br />[[Aviastar-SP]]
|design group= [[Antonov]]
| first_flight= 24 December 1982<ref name="Antonov24Dec2007">{{cite press release |date= 24 December 2007 |title= Era of Ruslan: 25 years |url= http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?news=antk-main%2Fnews_200712241.xml |url-status= dead |publisher= [[Antonov]] |archive-url= https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?news=antk-main/news_200712241.xml |archive-date= 22 January 2018 |access-date= 25 February 2008}}</ref>
|builder= [[Aviastar-SP]] <br />[[Antonov Serial Production Plant]] <small>(former)</small>
| introduction= 1986
|first flight= 24 December 1982<ref name="Antonov24Dec2007">{{cite press release |date=24 December 2007 |title=Era of Ruslan: 25 years |url=http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?news=antk-main%2Fnews_200712241.xml |url-status=dead |publisher=[[Antonov]] |archive-url=https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?news=antk-main/news_200712241.xml |archive-date=22 January 2018 |access-date=25 February 2008 }}</ref>
| retired=
|introduced= 1986
| status= In service
|retired=
| primary_user= [[Russian Aerospace Forces]]
|status= In service
| more_users= [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]] <br />[[Antonov Airlines]]<!--limited to three "more users"! please don't add more-->
|primary user= [[Russian Air Force]]
| produced= 1982–2004
|more users= [[Antonov Airlines]] <br />[[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]]<!--limited to three "more users"! please don't add more-->
| number_built= 55<ref name="list">{{cite web |title= An-124 Production List |url= http://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-124 |website= russianplanes.net |access-date= 21 May 2014 |language= ru |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130223084853/http://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-124 |archive-date= 23 February 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref>
|produced= 1982–2004
| unit cost= US$70–100&nbsp;million<ref name= "kurapov costing"/>
|number built= 55<ref name="list">{{cite web|title=An-124 Production List|url=http://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-124|website=russianplanes.net|access-date=21 May 2014|language=ru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223084853/http://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-124|archive-date=23 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
| variants=
|unit cost= US$70–100&nbsp;million<ref>[http://www.casr.ca/id-antonov-costs.htm] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111014326/http://www.casr.ca/id-antonov-costs.htm |date=11 January 2009}}</ref>
| developed_into= [[Antonov An-225]]
|variants with their own articles=
|developed into= [[Antonov An-225]]
}}
}}
|}
The '''Antonov An-124 Ruslan''' ({{lang-ru|Антонов Ан-124 Руслан||[[Ruslan (given name)|Ruslan]]}}; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''Condor''') is a large, [[strategic airlift]], [[Four-engined jet aircraft|four-engined aircraft]] that was designed in the 1980s by the [[Antonov]] design bureau in the [[Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic|Ukrainian SSR]], then part of the [[Soviet Union]] (USSR). The An-124 is the world's 2nd heaviest [[aircraft gross weight|gross weight]] production cargo airplane and heaviest operating [[cargo aircraft]], behind the destroyed one-off [[Antonov An-225 Mriya]] (a greatly enlarged design based on the An-124) and the Boeing 747-8.{{#tag:ref|Although the enlarged An-124-100M-150 version has a 7% higher payload than the operational [[Boeing 747-8F]], the 747-8F has over two times the range at {{cvt|5,050|mi}} with a payload of {{cvt|295,800|lb}} compared to the An-124-100M-150 at the same payload. The An-124-100M-150 is able to carry less than half the payload at the same range.<ref name="100Perf">{{cite web|title=AN-124-100 Performance|url=http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-124-100-ruslan/an-124-100-performance|publisher=[[Antonov]]|access-date=10 August 2013|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-124-100-ruslan/an-124-100-performance|archive-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>}} The An-124 remains the largest military transport aircraft in service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/46548/russia-completes-initial-an-124-upgrade-programme |title=Russia completes initial An-124 upgrade programme |last=Novichkov |first=Nikolai |work=janes.com |date=2 December 2014 |access-date=5 July 2015 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151019042528/http://www.janes.com/article/46548/russia-completes-initial-an-124-upgrade-programme |archive-date= 19 October 2015}}</ref> The lead designer of the An-124 (and the An-225) was [[Viktor Tolmachev]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/press-center/news/3314/ |title=Volga-Dnepr Group Celebrates 80th Birthday of Legendary Chief Designer of the An-124 and An-225 Transport Aircraft |publisher=Volga-dnepr.com |date=24 December 1982|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143257/http://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/press-center/news/3314/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>


The '''Antonov An-124 Ruslan''' ({{Langx|ru|Антонов Ан-124 Руслан}}; {{langx|uk|Ан-124 Руслан||[[Ruslan (given name)|Ruslan]]}}; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''Condor''') is a large, [[strategic airlift]], [[Four-engined jet aircraft|four-engined aircraft]] that was designed in the 1980s by the [[Antonov]] design bureau in the [[Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic|Ukrainian SSR]] of the [[Soviet Union]] (USSR). The An-124 is the world's second heaviest [[aircraft gross weight|gross weight]] production cargo airplane and heaviest operating [[cargo aircraft]], behind the destroyed one-off [[Antonov An-225 Mriya]] (a greatly enlarged design based on the An-124).{{#tag:ref|Although the enlarged An-124-100M-150 version has a 7% higher payload than the operational [[Boeing 747-8F]], the 747-8F has over two times the range at {{cvt|5,050|mi}} with a payload of {{cvt|295,800|lb}} compared to the An-124-100M-150 at the same payload. The An-124-100M-150 is able to carry less than half the payload at the same range.<ref name= "100Perf">{{cite web|title= AN-124-100 Performance |url= http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-124-100-ruslan/an-124-100-performance|publisher= [[Antonov]]|access-date= 10 August 2013|url-status= bot: unknown|archive-url= https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-124-100-ruslan/an-124-100-performance|archive-date= 22 January 2018}}</ref>}} The An-124 remains the largest military transport aircraft in service.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.janes.com/article/46548/russia-completes-initial-an-124-upgrade-programme |title= Russia completes initial An-124 upgrade programme |last= Novichkov |first= Nikolai |work= janes.com |date= 2 December 2014 |access-date= 5 July 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151019042528/http://www.janes.com/article/46548/russia-completes-initial-an-124-upgrade-programme |archive-date = 19 October 2015}}</ref>
During development it was known as ''Izdeliye 400'' (''Product #400'') in house, and ''An-40'' in [[Western world#The Cold War|the West]]. [[Maiden flight|First flown]] in 1982, civil certification was issued on 30 December 1992.<ref>E. Gordon, ''Antonov's Heavy Transports'', Midland Publishing.</ref> In July 2013, 26 An-124s were in commercial service with 10 on order.<ref name="FI13">"World Airliner Census". [[Flight International]], 16–22 August 2013</ref>


In 1971, design work commenced on the project, which was initially referred to as ''Izdeliye 400'' (''Product #400''), at the [[Antonov|Antonov Design Bureau]] in response to a shortage in heavy airlift capability within the [[Military Transport Aviation]] Command (''Komandovaniye voyenno-transportnoy aviatsii'' or VTA) arm of the [[Soviet Air Forces]]. Two separate final assembly lines plants setup for the aircraft, one at [[Aviastar-SP]] (ex. Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex) in [[Ulyanovsk]], [[Russia]] and the other was the [[Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT]], in Ukraine. Assembly of the first aircraft begun in 1979; the An-124 (which was sometimes referred to as the ''An-40'' in [[Western world#The Cold War|the West]]) performed its [[maiden flight]] on 24 December 1982. The type made its first appearance in the Western world at the 1985 [[Paris Air Show]]. Viktor Tolmachev was the Chief engineer of An-124 and An-225.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=July 1982 |title=Academician A. L. Kursanov celebrates his 80th birthday |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf02879473 |journal=Biologia Plantarum |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=319–320 |doi=10.1007/bf02879473 |s2cid=13228733 |issn=0006-3134}}</ref> After the dissolution of the [[Soviet Union]], commercial operations were quickly pursued for the An-124, leading to civil certification being obtained by Antonov on 30 December 1992. Various commercial operators opted to purchase the type, often acquiring refurbished ex-military airlifters or stored fuselages rather than new-build aircraft.
In August 2014, it was reported that plans to resume joint production of the Antonov An-124 had been shelved due to the ongoing [[2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine|political tensions between Russia and Ukraine]].<ref name=janes_stop /> The sole remaining production facility is Russia's [[Aviastar-SP]] in [[Ulyanovsk]]. The various operators of the An-124 are in discussions with respect to the continuing airworthiness certification of the individual An-124 planes. The original designer of the An-124 is responsible for managing the certification process for its own products, but the Russia-Ukraine conflicts are making this process difficult to manage.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} In 2019, there were 26 An-124s in commercial service.<!-- Based on cited text in Operators section. -->

By July 2013, 26 An-124s were reportedly in commercial service while a further ten airlifters were on order.<ref name= "FI13">"World Airliner Census". [[Flight International]], 16–22 August 2013.</ref> During 2008, it was announced that Russia and Ukraine were to jointly resume production of the type. At one point, it looked as if Russia would order 20 new-build airlifters. However, in August 2014, it was reported that the planned resumption of manufacturing had been shelved due to the ongoing [[2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine|political tensions between Russia and Ukraine]].<ref name= janes_stop /> The sole remaining production facility is Russia's Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk.{{citation needed|date= November 2022}} The various operators of the An-124 are in discussions with respect to the continuing airworthiness certification of the individual An-124 planes. The original designer of the An-124 is responsible for managing the certification process for its own products, but the Russia-Ukraine conflicts are making this process difficult to manage.{{citation needed|date= November 2020}} In 2019, there were 26 An-124s in commercial service.<!-- Based on cited text in Operators section. -->


==Development==
==Development==
===Background===
During the 1970s, the [[Military Transport Aviation]] Command (''Komandovaniye voyenno-transportnoy aviatsii'' or VTA) arm of the [[Soviet Air Forces]] had a shortfall in strategic heavy airlift capacity. Its largest planes consisted of about 50 [[Antonov An-22]] turboprops, which were used heavily for tactical roles. A declassified 1975 CIA analysis concluded that the USSR did "...not match the US in ability to provide long-range heavy lift support."<ref>[http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000283806/DOC_0000283806.pdf Trends in Soviet Military Programs] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531114623/http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000283806/DOC_0000283806.pdf |date=31 May 2012}} (October 1976) (originally Top Secret), Central Intelligence Agency.</ref>
During the 1970s, the [[Military Transport Aviation]] Command (''Komandovaniye voyenno-transportnoy aviatsii'' or VTA) arm of the [[Soviet Air Forces]] had a shortfall in strategic heavy airlift capacity. Its largest aircraft consisted of about 50 [[Antonov An-22]] turboprops, which were used heavily for tactical roles. A declassified 1975 CIA analysis concluded that the USSR did "...not match the US in ability to provide long-range heavy lift support."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000283806/DOC_0000283806.pdf |title= Trends in Soviet Military Programs |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120531114623/http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000283806/DOC_0000283806.pdf |archive-date= 31 May 2012 |date= October 1976 |quote = originally Top Secret |publisher= [[Central Intelligence Agency]]}}</ref> Soviet officials sought not only additional airlifters, a substantial increase in payload capacity was also desirable so that the same task could be completed with fewer trips.<ref name="cia1986"/>


[[File:Polet Antonov An-124 cockpit Pashnin.jpg|thumb|[[Polet Airlines]] An-124 cockpit]]
[[File:Polet Antonov An-124 cockpit Pashnin.jpg|thumb|[[Polet Airlines]] An-124 cockpit]]
In 1971, design work on the project commenced at the [[Antonov|Antonov Design Bureau]]; the lead designer of the An-124 (and the enlarged [[Antonov An-225 Mriya|An-225]] derivative) was [[Viktor Tolmachev]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/press-center/news/3314/ |title= Volga-Dnepr Group Celebrates 80th Birthday of Legendary Chief Designer of the An-124 and An-225 Transport Aircraft |publisher= Volga-dnepr.com |date= 24 December 1982 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143257/http://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/press-center/news/3314/ |archive-date= 12 June 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref name= "helwing anniversary2021"/> During development, it was known as ''Izdeliye 400'' (''Product #400'') in house, and ''An-40'' in [[Western world#The Cold War|the West]]. The design produced broadly resembled the [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy]], an American strategic airlifter, but also incorporated numerous improvements, the greater use of [[carbon-fibre]] [[Composite material|composite]]s in its construction (comprising around 5% of the aircraft's total weight) and the more extensive use of [[titanium]] being amongst these benefits. [[Aluminium]] [[alloy]]s make up the primary material used in its construction, limited use of [[steel]] and titanium alloys were also made.<ref name="cia1986"/> Unlike the C-5, it lacks a fully-pressurised cargo bay or the ability to [[inflight refuelling|receive fuel in-flight]].<ref name= "Fricker 578">Fricker 1990, pp. 57-78.</ref>
The An-124 was manufactured in parallel by two plants: the company [[Aviastar-SP]] (ex. Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex) in [[Ulyanovsk]], [[Russia]] and by the [[Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT]], in Ukraine. Design work started in 1971 and construction of facilities began in 1973. Manufacturing on the first airframe began in 1979.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110806162132/http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?mask=200712 Era of Ruslan: 25 years]. Antonov, Accessed: 6 November 2011.</ref> Ultimately this project brought together over 100 factories contracted to produce systems and parts.


In 1973, the construction of the necessary facilities to produce the new airlifter began. Two separate final assembly lines plants were established to produce the airlifter: the company [[Aviastar-SP]] (ex. Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex) in [[Ulyanovsk]], [[Russia]] and by the [[Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT]], in Ukraine. Furthermore, the programme used components, systems, and various other elements drawn from in excess of 100 factories across the Eastern world. In 1979, manufacturing activity on the first airframe began.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?mask=200712 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110806162132/http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?mask=200712 |archive-date=2011-08-06|title= Era of Ruslan: 25 years |publisher= Antonov |access-date= 6 November 2011}}</ref>
The type's [[maiden flight]] took place in December 1982; the first exposure of the An-124 to the West occurred during 1985 when it appeared at the [[Paris Air Show]].<ref name="cia1986">[http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000499612/DOC_0000499612.pdf The Condor: A New Soviet Heavy Transport] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531114701/http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000499612/DOC_0000499612.pdf |date=31 May 2012}} (originally classified Secret), 1986, Central Intelligence Agency.</ref>


On 24 December 1982, the type performed its [[maiden flight]]. Three years later, the An-124 made its first appearance in the Western world when an example was displayed at the 1985 [[Paris Air Show]].<ref name="cia1986">{{cite web |url= http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000499612/DOC_0000499612.pdf |title= The Condor: A New Soviet Heavy Transport |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120531114701/http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000499612/DOC_0000499612.pdf |archive-date= 31 May 2012 |quote= originally classified Secret |date= 1986 |publisher= Central Intelligence Agency}}</ref> Following the fall of the [[Soviet Union]], commercial operations of the An-124 became an increasingly important area of activity; to this end, civil certification was sought for the type by Antonov; this was issued on 30 December 1992.<ref>E. Gordon, ''Antonov's Heavy Transports'', Midland Publishing. {{page needed|date=November 2022}}</ref>
In the early 2000s, [[Volga-Dnepr]] upgraded its freighters with engine improvements to meet Chapter 4 [[aircraft noise|noise]] regulations, structural improvements to increase service life, and avionics and systems changes for four persons operations down from six or seven.<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 />


===Post-Soviet developments===
Russia and Ukraine agreed to resume the production in the third quarter of 2008.<ref name="to resume">{{cite news |title=Ukraine, Russia to resume production of giant cargo planes |url=https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/28/afx4941659.html |access-date=28 April 2008 |work=[[Forbes]] |agency=[[Thomson Financial]] |date=28 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830060946/http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/28/afx4941659.html |archive-date=30 August 2008 |location=Kyiv}}</ref> In May 2008, a new variant—the An-124-150—was announced; it featured several improvements, including a maximum lift capacity of 150 [[tonne]]s.<ref name="near">{{cite news |last1=Taverna |first1=Michael A. |title=Russia, Ukraine Near Deal on Relaunch of Modernized An-124 |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_airshow.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/AN05298.xml&show=ila08b |access-date=16 August 2008 |publisher=[[Aviation Week]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521061729/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_airshow.jsp?channel=busav&id=news%2FAN05298.xml&show=ila08b |archive-date=21 May 2011 |location=Berlin |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, in May 2009, Antonov's partner, the Russian [[United Aircraft Corporation]] announced it did not plan production of An-124s in the period 2009–2012.<ref name="slash">{{cite news |last=Kingsley-Jones |first=Max |title=Superjet the biggest casualty as Russia slashes airliner output plans |publisher=[[Flightglobal]] |date=7 May 2009 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/05/07/326086/superjet-the-biggest-casualty-as-russia-slashes-airliner-output.html |access-date=9 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510012447/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/05/07/326086/superjet-the-biggest-casualty-as-russia-slashes-airliner-output.html |archive-date=10 May 2009}}</ref> In late 2009, Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] ordered production of the aircraft resumed. At the time Russia was expected to procure 20 new aircraft.<ref>Maternovsky, Dennis (2009). [https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0f9JETD2xHw "Russia to Resume Making World's Largest Plane, Kommersant Says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019042528/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0f9JETD2xHw |date=19 October 2015}}. Bloomberg.com. 24 December 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ruaviation.com/docs/3/2011/3/18/26/print/ |title= (Archived copy) |access-date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923081205/http://www.ruaviation.com/docs/3/2011/3/18/26/print |archive-date=23 September 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2014, [[Jane's]] reported that, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Yuri Slusar announced that Antonov An-124 production was stopped due to ongoing [[Russo-Ukrainian War|political tensions between Russia and Ukraine]].<ref name=janes_stop>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150528061607/http://www.janes.com/article/42194/update-time-called-on-an-124-production-re-start ''UPDATE: Time called on An-124 production re-start''] IHS Jane's Defence Industry. Retrieved 5 May 2015.</ref>
Sales of the An-124 to various commercial operators proceeded throughout the 1990s and into the mid 2000s; many of these were former military aircraft that were refurbished by Antonov prior to delivery, or unfinished fuselages that had been preserved, rather than producing new-build aircraft.<ref name= "kurapov costing">{{cite web |url= http://www.casr.ca/id-antonov-costs.htm |title= Strategic Airlifters: a Comprehensive Comparison between the Boeing C-17 and the Antonov An-124-100 |first= Herman A. |last= Kurapov |publisher= casr.ca |date= April 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090111014326/http://www.casr.ca/id-antonov-costs.htm |archive-date= 11 January 2009}}</ref> During the early 2000s, the cargo operator [[Volga-Dnepr]] opted to upgrade its An-124 freighter fleet, these works included engine modifications to conform with chapter four [[aircraft noise|noise]] regulations, various structural improvements that increased service life, and numerous avionics and systems changes to facilitate four person operations, reducing the crew needed from six or seven.<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 />


During April 2008, it was announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to resume the production of the An-124 in the third quarter of 2008.<ref name="to resume">{{cite news |title= Ukraine, Russia to resume production of giant cargo planes |url= https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/28/afx4941659.html |access-date= 28 April 2008 |work= [[Forbes]] |agency= [[Thomson Financial]] |date= 28 April 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080830060946/http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/28/afx4941659.html |archive-date= 30 August 2008 |location= Kyiv}}</ref> One month later, a new variant — the An-124-150 — was announced; it featured several improvements, including a maximum lift capacity of 150 [[tonne]]s.<ref name= "near">{{cite news |last1= Taverna |first1= Michael A. |title= Russia, Ukraine Near Deal on Relaunch of Modernized An-124 |url= http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_airshow.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/AN05298.xml&show=ila08b |access-date= 16 August 2008 |publisher= [[Aviation Week]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110521061729/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_airshow.jsp?channel=busav&id=news%2FAN05298.xml&show=ila08b |archive-date= 21 May 2011 |location= Berlin, Germany |url-status= dead}}</ref> However, in May 2009, Antonov's partner, the Russian [[United Aircraft Corporation]] announced it did not plan to produce any An-124s in the period 2009–2012.<ref name= "slash">{{cite news |last= Kingsley-Jones |first= Max |title= Superjet the biggest casualty as Russia slashes airliner output plans |publisher= [[Flightglobal]] |date= 7 May 2009 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/05/07/326086/superjet-the-biggest-casualty-as-russia-slashes-airliner-output.html |access-date= 9 May 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090510012447/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/05/07/326086/superjet-the-biggest-casualty-as-russia-slashes-airliner-output.html |archive-date= 10 May 2009}}</ref> During late 2009, Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] ordered production of the aircraft resumed; at this point, Russia was expected to procure 20 new-build An-124s.<ref>{{cite web |last= Maternovsky |first= Dennis |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0f9JETD2xHw |title= Russia to Resume Making World's Largest Plane, Kommersant Says |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151019042528/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0f9JETD2xHw |archive-date= 19 October 2015 |publisher= Bloomberg |date= 24 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ruaviation.com/docs/3/2011/3/18/26/print/ |title = (Archived copy) |access-date= 6 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140923081205/http://www.ruaviation.com/docs/3/2011/3/18/26/print |archive-date= 23 September 2014 |url-status= live}}</ref> In August 2014, [[Jane's]] reported that, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Yuri Slusar announced that production of the An-124 had been stopped as a consequence of the ongoing [[Russo-Ukrainian War|political tensions between Russia and Ukraine]].<ref name= janes_stop>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150528061607/http://www.janes.com/article/42194/update-time-called-on-an-124-production-re-start |url= http://www.janes.com/article/42194/update-time-called-on-an-124-production-re-start |archive-date=2015-05-28|title= UPDATE: Time called on An-124 production re-start |publisher= IHS Jane's Defence Industry |access-date= 5 May 2015}}</ref>
As of late 2017, An-124s are being upgraded by the [[Aviastar-SP]] plant in [[Ulyanovsk]], Russia, with three upgraded planes due to be ready by 2018.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} After [[Russia–Ukraine relations]] soured, Antonov had to source new suppliers and pushes to [[westernize]] the An-124.<!--<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 />--> In 2018, [[GE Aviation]] was studying [[Re-engine|reengining]] it with [[CF6]]s for [[CargoLogicAir]], a Volga-Dnepr subsidiary.<!--<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 />--> This would likely provide a [[range (aeronautics)|range]] increase, and Volga-Dnepr Group operates 12 aircraft, implying a 50-60 engines with [[spare part|spares]] program.<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/propulsion/freighter-growth-and-possible-124-reengining-boost-cf6-prospects#comment-1081811 |title= Freighter Growth And Possible An-124 Reengining Boost CF6 Prospects |date= 10 October 2018 |first= Guy |last= Norris |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology }}</ref>


In late 2017, multiple An-124s were upgraded by the [[Aviastar-SP]] plant in [[Ulyanovsk]], Russia, three of which were reportedly scheduled to return to flight during the following year.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} As [[Russia–Ukraine relations]] continued to sour, Antonov begun to source new suppliers while also pushing to [[westernize]] the An-124.<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 /> During 2018, the American engine manufacturer [[GE Aviation]] was studying [[Re-engine|reengining]] it with [[CF6]]s for [[CargoLogicAir]], a Volga-Dnepr subsidiary.<!--<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 />--> It was believed that this would likely provide a [[range (aeronautics)|range]] increase; as Volga-Dnepr Group operated 12 aircraft, the change would imply purchasing between 50 and 60 engines with [[spare part|spares]].<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/propulsion/freighter-growth-and-possible-124-reengining-boost-cf6-prospects#comment-1081811 |title= Freighter Growth And Possible An-124 Reengining Boost CF6 Prospects |date= 10 October 2018 |first= Guy |last= Norris |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref> The Russian engine specialist [[Aviadvigatel PD-14|Aviadvigatel]] also indicated that a further development of its PD-14, which was intended for use on an upgraded model of the Russian-manufactured An-124, designated PD-35, generated 50% more power than the present Ukrainian [[Progress D-18T]] engines.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
In January 2019, Antonov revealed its plans to restart the An-124 production without support from Russia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://airlinerwatch.com/antonov-resumes-the-production-of-an-124-ruslan-without-russia/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118162536/https://airlinerwatch.com/antonov-resumes-the-production-of-an-124-ruslan-without-russia/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 November 2019 |title=Antonov resumes the production of An-124 Ruslan without Russia |date=16 January 2019 |website=Airlinerwatch |access-date=2019-01-16}}</ref>


During January 2019, Antonov revealed its plans to restart production of the An-124 without support from Russia.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://airlinerwatch.com/antonov-resumes-the-production-of-an-124-ruslan-without-russia/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191118162536/https://airlinerwatch.com/antonov-resumes-the-production-of-an-124-ruslan-without-russia/ |url-status= dead |archive-date= 18 November 2019 |title=Antonov resumes the production of An-124 Ruslan without Russia |date= 16 January 2019 |website= Airlinerwatch |access-date= 16 January 2019}}</ref>
[[Aviadvigatel PD-14|Aviadvigatel]] indicates a further development of its PD-14 for an upgraded version of the Russian-manufactured An-124, titled PD-35, with 50% more power than the present Ukrainian [[Progress D-18T]] engines.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


===Russian replacement design===
===Russian replacement design===
At [[MAKS Air Show]] in 2017, the [[Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute]] (TsAGI) announced its An-124-102 [[Slon (aircraft)|Slon]] (Elephant) design to replace the similar An-124-100. The design was detailed in January 2019 before [[wind tunnel]] testing scheduled for August–September.<!--ref name=AIN4feb2019--> It is intended to be produced at the [[Aviastar-SP]] factory in Ulyanovsk.<!--ref name=AIN4feb2019--> It should transport {{cvt|150|t|lb}} over {{cvt|3,800|nmi|km}} (up from {{cvt|1,675|nmi|km||disp=comma}}), or {{cvt|180|t|lb}} over {{cvt|2,650|nmi|km}} at {{cvt|460|kn|km/h}}.<!--ref name=AIN4feb2019--> The [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Russian MoD]] wants a range of {{cvt|4,100|nmi|km}} with five [[2S25 Sprut-SD|Sprut-SDM-1]] light tanks, their 100 crew and 300 armed soldiers.<ref name=AIN4feb2019 />
At [[MAKS Air Show]] in 2017, the [[Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute]] (TsAGI) announced its An-124-102 [[Slon (aircraft)|Slon]] (Elephant) design to replace the similar An-124-100. The design was detailed in January 2019 before [[wind tunnel]] testing scheduled for August–September.<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> It is intended to be produced at the [[Aviastar-SP]] factory in Ulyanovsk.<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> It should transport {{cvt|150|t|lb}} over {{cvt|3,800|nmi|km}} (up from {{cvt|1,675|nmi|km||disp=comma}}), or {{cvt|180|t|lb}} over {{cvt|2,650|nmi|km}} at {{cvt|460|kn|km/h}}.<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> The [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Russian MoD]] wants a range of {{cvt|4,100|nmi|km}} with five [[2S25 Sprut-SD|Sprut-SDM-1]] light tanks, their 100 crew{{clarification needed|date=December 2023}} and 300 armed soldiers.<ref name= AIN4feb2019 />


The planned An-124-102 is larger at 82.3&nbsp;m (270&nbsp;ft) long from {{cvt|227|ft|order=flip}}, with a {{cvt|286-290|ft|order=flip}} span versus {{cvt|240.5|ft|order=flip}} and {{cvt|78.7|ft|order=flip}} high compared with {{cvt|68.9|ft|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2018/05/13/an-124-ruslan-condor-large-cargo-aircraft/|title=An-124 Ruslan (Condor) Large Cargo Aircraft|date=12 May 2018}}</ref> A new higher [[aspect ratio (wing)|aspect ratio]], composite wing and a {{cvt|214-222|t|lb}} airframe would allow a {{cvt|490-500|t|lb}} [[Maximum takeoff weight|gross weight]].<!--ref name=AIN4feb2019--> It should be powered by Russian [[Aviadvigatel PD-35|PD-35s]] developed for the [[CR929]] widebody, producing {{cvt|35|tf|lbf}} up from {{cvt|23|tf|lbf}}.<!--ref name=AIN4feb2019--> Two fuselages are planned, one for Volga-Dnepr with a width of {{cvt|17.4|ft|m|order=flip}} from the An-124's {{cvt|14.4|ft|m|order=flip}}, and one for the Russian MoD of {{cvt|21|ft|m|order=flip}} wide to carry vehicles in two lines.<ref name=AIN4feb2019>{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-02-04/124-ruslan-replacement-takes-shape |title= An-124 Ruslan Replacement Takes Shape |first= Vladimir |last= Karnozov |date= 4 February 2019 |work= AIN online |access-date= 5 February 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190206131830/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-02-04/124-ruslan-replacement-takes-shape |archive-date= 6 February 2019 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>
The planned An-124-102 is larger at 82.3&nbsp;m (270&nbsp;ft) long from {{cvt|227|ft|order=flip}}, with an {{cvt|286-290|ft|order=flip}} span versus {{cvt|240.5|ft|order=flip}} and {{cvt|78.7|ft|order=flip}} high compared with {{cvt|68.9|ft|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2018/05/13/an-124-ruslan-condor-large-cargo-aircraft/ |title= An-124 Ruslan (Condor) Large Cargo Aircraft |date= 12 May 2018}}</ref> A new higher [[aspect ratio (wing)|aspect ratio]], composite wing and a {{cvt|214-222|t|lb}} airframe would allow a {{cvt|490-500|t|lb}} [[Maximum takeoff weight|gross weight]].<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> It should be powered by Russian [[Aviadvigatel PD-35|PD-35s]] developed for the [[CR929]] widebody, producing {{cvt|35|tf|lbf}} up from {{cvt|23|tf|lbf}}.<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> Two fuselages are planned, one for Volga-Dnepr with a width of {{cvt|17.4|ft|m|order=flip}} from the An-124's {{cvt|14.4|ft|m|order=flip}}, and one for the Russian MoD of {{cvt|21|ft|m|order=flip}} wide to carry vehicles in two lines.<ref name= AIN4feb2019>{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-02-04/124-ruslan-replacement-takes-shape |title= An-124 Ruslan Replacement Takes Shape |first= Vladimir |last= Karnozov |date= 4 February 2019 |work= AIN online |access-date= 5 February 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190206131830/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-02-04/124-ruslan-replacement-takes-shape |archive-date= 6 February 2019 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>


On 5 November 2019, the TsAGI released pictures of a {{cvt|1.63|m}} long and {{cvt|1.75|m}} wide model, ahead of [[windtunnel]] testing.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-windtunnel-beckons-for-an-124-successor-462006/ |title= Windtunnel beckons for An-124 successor |date= 5 Nov 2019 |first= David |last= Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 6 November 2019 |archive-date= 6 November 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191106162457/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-windtunnel-beckons-for-an-124-successor-462006/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsagi.ru/pressroom/news/4582/|title=В ЦАГИ изготовлена аэродинамическая модель большегрузного транспортного самолета "Слон"|publisher=[[Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute]]|date=5 November 2019|access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="thedrive2">{{cite web|last=Rogoway|first=Tyler|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/30852/russia-shows-wind-tunnel-model-of-an-elephant-airlifter-replacement-for-the-an-124|title=Russia Shows Wind Tunnel Model Of An "Elephant" Airlifter Replacement For The An-124|website=The Drive|date=5 November 2019|access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref> On 26 March 2020, TsAGI released new pictures of a wind tunnel model, announcing that the researchers of the Institute had completed the first cycle of aerodynamic testing; the results confirmed the characteristics laid down during preliminary studies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsagi.ru/pressroom/news/4781/|title = В ЦАГИ прошли испытания модели самолета "Слон" - Новости - Пресс-центр - ЦАГИ}}</ref>
On 5 November 2019, the TsAGI released pictures of a {{cvt|1.63|m}} long and {{cvt|1.75|m}} wide model, ahead of [[windtunnel]] testing.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-windtunnel-beckons-for-an-124-successor-462006/ |title= Windtunnel beckons for An-124 successor |date= 5 November 2019 |first= David |last= Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 6 November 2019 |archive-date= 6 November 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191106162457/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-windtunnel-beckons-for-an-124-successor-462006/ |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tsagi.ru/pressroom/news/4582/ |title= В ЦАГИ изготовлена аэродинамическая модель большегрузного транспортного самолета "Слон" |publisher= [[Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute]] |date= 5 November 2019 |access-date= 6 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="thedrive2">{{cite web |last= Rogoway |first= Tyler |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/30852/russia-shows-wind-tunnel-model-of-an-elephant-airlifter-replacement-for-the-an-124 |title= Russia Shows Wind Tunnel Model Of An "Elephant" Airlifter Replacement For The An-124 |website= The Drive |date= 5 November 2019|access-date= 6 November 2019}}</ref> On 26 March 2020, TsAGI released new pictures of a wind tunnel model, announcing that the researchers of the Institute had completed the first cycle of aerodynamic testing; the results confirmed the characteristics laid down during preliminary studies.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tsagi.ru/pressroom/news/4781/ |title= В ЦАГИ прошли испытания модели самолета "Слон" - Новости - Пресс-центр - ЦАГИ}}</ref>


==Design==
==Design==
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
| align = right
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| direction= vertical
| image1 = AN124RampDown.JPG
| image1 = AN124RampDown.JPG
| width1 = 200
| width1 = 200
| caption1 = An-124-100 kneeling with front ramp down (nose undercarriage retracted)
| caption1 = An-124-100 kneeling with front ramp down (nose undercarriage retracted)
| image2 = Forward ramp.jpg
| image2 = Forward ramp.jpg
| width2 = 200
| width2 = 200
| caption2 = Kneeling detail
| caption2 = Kneeling detail
| image3 = Nose gear up.jpg
| image3 = Nose gear up.jpg
| width3 = 200
| width3 = 200
| caption3 = Not kneeling – nose gear extended
| caption3 = Not kneeling – nose gear extended
}}
}}
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a large, [[strategic airlift]], [[Four-engined jet aircraft|four-engined aircraft]]. Externally, it bears numerous similarities to the American [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy]], having a double fuselage to allow for a rear cargo door (on the lower fuselage) that can open in flight without affecting [[structural integrity]].<ref name="radiobergen">{{cite web|url=http://www.radiobergen.org/russia/antonov.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207032458/http://www.radiobergen.org/russia/antonov.htm |archive-date=7 February 2015 }}</ref> The An-124 is a slightly shorter fuselage, has a slightly greater wingspan, and is capable of carrying a 17 percent larger payload. Instead of the Galaxy's [[T-tail]], the An-124 is furnished with a conventional [[empennage]], similar in design to that of the [[Boeing 747]]. The An-124 is powered by four [[Lotarev D-18]] [[turbofan]] engines, each capable of generating up to 238–250&nbsp;kN of thrust. Pilots have stated that the An-124 is light on the controls and easy to handle for an aircraft of its size.<ref name=tsb1>[http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2000/a00o0279/a00o0279.asp "AVIATION Reports – 2000 – A00O0279"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017093317/http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2000/a00o0279/a00o0279.asp |date=17 October 2013}}. ''[[Transportation Safety Board of Canada]]'', 31 July 2008. Retrieved 24 April 2012. Quote: "The AN124 has been described by training personnel and pilots as being very easy to handle for an aircraft of its size. The AN124 tends to be very light on the controls."</ref>
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a large, [[strategic airlift]], [[Four-engined jet aircraft|four-engined aircraft]]. An aircraft with a similar role, it externally bears numerous similarities to the American [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy]], having a double fuselage to allow for a rear cargo door (on the lower fuselage) that can open in flight without affecting [[structural integrity]], as well as the arrangement of flight control surfaces, such as the [[Leading-edge slat|slat]]s, [[Flap (aeronautics)|flaps]], and [[Spoiler (aeronautics)|spoilers]], resembling the layout of the C-5.<ref name="radiobergen">{{cite web |url= http://www.radiobergen.org/russia/antonov.htm |title= Air Force Technology - Air Force Technology - An-124 Condor - Long Range Heavy Transport Aircraft |access-date= 6 February 2015 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150207032458/http://www.radiobergen.org/russia/antonov.htm |archive-date= 7 February 2015}}</ref><ref name= "Fricker 578"/> The An-124 has a slightly shorter fuselage, has a slightly greater wingspan, and is capable of carrying a 17 percent larger payload. In place of the C-5's [[T-tail]], the An-124 is furnished with a conventional [[empennage]], similar in design to that of the [[Boeing 747]]. The An-124 features a [[fly-by-wire]] control system.<ref name= "Fricker 58"/> This is a hybrid control system, as it also implements conventional mechanical controls for some aspects; these have been arranged in a manner that provides redundancy against the failure of a single [[hydraulics|hydraulic]] circuit.<ref name="cia1986"/>

A single An-124 is capable of carrying up to {{convert|150|t}} of cargo internally in a standard military configuration; it can also carry 88 passengers in an upper deck behind the wing centre section. The forward area of this upper deck is where the flight deck and the crew area accommodated; movement between the upper and lower decks is via a pair of foldable internal ladders.<ref name="cia1986"/> The cargo compartment of the An-124 is {{convert|36|*|6.4|*|4.4|m|abbr=on}}, ca. 20% larger than the main cargo compartment of the C-5 Galaxy, which is {{convert|36.91|*|5.79|*|4.09|m|abbr=on}}. Largely due to the limited pressurisation of its main cargo compartment (24.6 kPa, 3.57 psi),<ref>''Antonov's Heavy Transports''. Midland Publishing. {{page needed|date=November 2022}}</ref><ref name= "Fricker 58">Fricker 1990, p. 78.</ref> the airlifter has seldom been used to deploy [[paratrooper]]s or to carry passengers, as they would typically require oxygen masks and cold-weather clothing in such conditions.<ref name= "faslist">{{cite web |url= http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/fwair.htm |title= Fixed-Wing Aircraft |work= Federation of American Scientists Military Analysis Network |last= Phillips |first= W. Scott |date= 31 August 1999 |access-date= 22 February 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060227045642/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/fwair.htm |archive-date= 27 February 2006 |url-status= live}}</ref> In comparison, the upper deck is fully pressurised.<ref name="cia1986"/> The floor of the cargo deck is entirely composed of [[titanium]], a measure that is usually prohibited by the material cost.<ref name= "Fricker 58"/> It is suitable for carrying almost any heavy vehicle, including multiple [[main battle tank]]s.<ref name="cia1986"/>


The An-124 is powered by four [[Lotarev D-18]] [[turbofan]] engines, each capable of generating up to 238–250&nbsp;kN of thrust. To reduce the landing distance required, [[thrust reverser]]s are present.<ref name="cia1986"/> Pilots have stated that the airlifter is relatively light on the controls and is easy to handle for an aircraft of its size.<ref name= tsb1>{{cite web |url= http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2000/a00o0279/a00o0279.asp |title= AVIATION Reports – 2000 – A00O0279 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131017093317/http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2000/a00o0279/a00o0279.asp |archive-date= 17 October 2013 |publisher= [[Transportation Safety Board of Canada]] |date = 31 July 2008 |access-date= 24 April 2012 |quote= The AN124 has been described by training personnel and pilots as being very easy to handle for an aircraft of its size. The AN124 tends to be very light on the controls}}</ref> A pair of TA18-200-124 [[auxiliary power unit]]s (APUs) are accommodated within the main landing gear fairings.<ref name="cia1986"/> As a consequence of the heat and blast effects produced by these APUs, some airports require pavement protection to be deployed.<ref name= CPHapu>{{cite web |last= Nielsen |first= Erik |title= Copenhagen Airport, Use of auxiliary power unit (APU) |url= http://www.boeing.com/commercial/noise/copenhagen.html#apu |publisher= [[Copenhagen Airport]] / [[Boeing]] |access-date= 22 January 2013 |page= 6.5 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130509130529/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/noise/copenhagen.html |archive-date= 9 May 2013}}</ref> The [[landing gear]] of the An-124 is outfitted with an [[oleo strut]] suspension system for its 24 wheels. This suspension has been calibrated to allow for landing on rough terrain and is able to kneel, which allows for easier loading and unloading via the front cargo door.<ref name= "radiobergen" /><ref name="cia1986"/> Other features intended to ease loading including an onboard [[overhead crane]] in the cargo deck, capable of lifting up to 30 tonnes, while items up to 120 tonnes can be [[winch]]ed on board.<ref name= "ruslantech">{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090511184037/http://www.ruslanint.com/Technical?ID=58 |archive-date=2009-05-11|url= http://www.ruslanint.com/Technical?ID=58 |title= An124-100 technical specification |publisher= Ruslan International |access-date = 24 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="cia1986"/> Two separate [[radar]] units are typically present, one is intended for ground mapping and navigation purposes, while the other is for [[weather radar|weather]].<ref name="cia1986"/>
The [[landing gear]] of the An-124 is outfitted with a [[oleo strut]] suspension system for its 24 wheels. This suspension has been calibrated to allow for landing on rough terrain and is able to kneel, which allows for easier loading and unloading via the front cargo door.<ref name="radiobergen" /> The aircraft is equipped with an onboard [[overhead crane]], capable of lifting up to 30 tonnes of cargo, while items up to 120 tonnes can be winched on board.<ref name="ruslantech">[https://web.archive.org/web/20090511184037/http://www.ruslanint.com/Technical?ID=58 An124-100 technical specification] ''Ruslan International''. Retrieved: 24 July 2010.</ref> Up to {{convert|150|t}} of cargo can be carried within a single An-124 configured for military purposes; it can also carry 88 passengers in an upper deck behind the wing centre section. The cargo compartment of the An-124 is {{convert|36|*|6.4|*|4.4|m|abbr=on}}, ca. 20% larger than the main cargo compartment of the C-5 Galaxy, which is {{convert|36.91|*|5.79|*|4.09|m|abbr=on}}. Due to limited pressurisation in the main cargo compartment (24.6 kPa, 3.57 psi),<ref>''Antonov's Heavy Transports''. Midland Publishing</ref> it has seldom been used to carry [[paratrooper]]s.<ref name="faslist">{{cite web |url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/fwair.htm |title=Fixed-Wing Aircraft |work=Federation of American Scientists Military Analysis Network |last=Phillips |first= W. Scott |date=31 August 1999 |access-date=22 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060227045642/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/fwair.htm |archive-date=27 February 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to the heat and blast effects of the aircraft's two TA18-200-124 [[auxiliary power unit]]s, some airports require pavement protection to be deployed.<ref name=CPHapu>{{cite web|last=Nielsen |first=Erik |title=Copenhagen Airport, Use of auxiliary power unit (APU) |url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/noise/copenhagen.html#apu |publisher=[[Copenhagen Airport]] / [[Boeing]] |access-date=22 January 2013 |page=6.5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509130529/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/noise/copenhagen.html |archive-date=9 May 2013 }}</ref>


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
[[File:KSC-20200519-PH-KLS01 0051~orig.jpg|thumb|An-124 during unloading of an [[Atlas V]] rocket main stage]]
[[File:KSC-20200519-PH-KLS01 0051~orig.jpg|thumb|An-124 during unloading of an [[Atlas V]] rocket main stage]]


During the 2000s, Germany headed an initiative to lease An-124s for [[NATO]] [[strategic airlift]] requirements. Two aircraft were leased from SALIS GmbH as a stopgap until the [[Airbus A400M Atlas|Airbus A400M]] became available.<ref name="nato">{{cite news |title=Strategic airlift agreement enters into force |work=NATO Update |date=23 March 2006 |url=http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2006/03-march/e0323a.htm |access-date=7 April 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060407102615/http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2006/03-march/e0323a.htm |archive-date=7 April 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> Under NATO [[NATO Strategic Airlift Capability|SALIS]] programme [[NAMSA]] is chartering six An-124-100 transport aircraft. According to the contract An-124-100s of [[Antonov Airlines]] and [[Volga-Dnepr]] are used within the limits of NATO SALIS programme to transport cargo by requests of 18 countries: Belgium, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Canada, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden. Two An-124-100s are constantly based on full-time charter in the [[Leipzig/Halle Airport|Leipzig/Halle airport]], but the contract specifies that if necessary, two more aircraft will be provided at six days' notice and another two at nine days' notice.<ref>[http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air/index.html Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509120747/http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air/index.html |date=9 May 2009}}</ref> The aircraft proved extremely useful for NATO especially with ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/Antonov-An-124-NATO-SALIS-Program-Extended-Through-End-of-2010_n000005519.aspx Antonov An-124 NATO SALIS Program Extended Through End of 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923040037/http://www.deagel.com/news/Antonov-An-124-NATO-SALIS-Program-Extended-Through-End-of-2010_n000005519.aspx |date=23 September 2012}}. deagel.com</ref>
During the 2000s, Germany headed an initiative to lease An-124s for [[NATO]] [[strategic airlift]] requirements. Two aircraft were leased from SALIS GmbH as a stopgap until the [[Airbus A400M Atlas|Airbus A400M]] became available.<ref name="nato">{{cite news |title= Strategic airlift agreement enters into force |work= NATO Update |date= 23 March 2006 |url= http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2006/03-march/e0323a.htm |access-date= 7 April 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060407102615/http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2006/03-march/e0323a.htm |archive-date= 7 April 2006 |url-status= live}}</ref> Under NATO [[NATO Strategic Airlift Capability|SALIS]] programme [[NAMSA]] is chartering six An-124-100 transport aircraft. According to the contract An-124-100s of [[Antonov Airlines]] and [[Volga-Dnepr]] are used within the limits of NATO SALIS programme to transport cargo by requests of 18 countries: Belgium, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Canada, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden. Two An-124-100s are constantly based on full-time charter in the [[Leipzig/Halle Airport|Leipzig/Halle airport]], but the contract specifies that if necessary, two more aircraft will be provided at six days' notice and another two at nine days' notice.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air/index.html |title= Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS) |publisher= [[NATO]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090509120747/http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air/index.html |archive-date=9 May 2009}}</ref> The aircraft proved extremely useful for NATO especially with operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.deagel.com/news/Antonov-An-124-NATO-SALIS-Program-Extended-Through-End-of-2010_n000005519.aspx |title= Antonov An-124 NATO SALIS Program Extended Through End of 2010 |publisher= deagel.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120923040037/http://www.deagel.com/news/Antonov-An-124-NATO-SALIS-Program-Extended-Through-End-of-2010_n000005519.aspx |archive-date= 23 September 2012}}</ref>


[[File:Loading ramp of an An-124.jpg|thumb|left|Mobile air traffic control tower loaded onto an An-124 to Haiti]]
[[File:Loading ramp of an An-124.jpg|thumb|left|Mobile air traffic control tower loaded onto an An-124 to Haiti]]
[[United Launch Alliance]] (ULA) contracts the An-124 to transport the [[Atlas V]] launch vehicle from its facilities in [[Decatur, Alabama|Decatur]], Alabama to [[Cape Canaveral]]. ULA also uses the An-124 to transport the Atlas V launch vehicle and [[Centaur (rocket stage)|Centaur]] upper stage from their manufacturing facility in Denver, Colorado to Cape Canaveral and [[Vandenberg Air Force Base]].<ref>[http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0606/26megamovers Lockheed Martin Atlas rocket on The History Channel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416001322/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0606/26megamovers/ |date=16 April 2010}}</ref> Two flights are required to transfer each launch vehicle (one for the Atlas V main booster stage and another for the Centaur upper stage).<ref>[http://www.ilslaunch.com/node/518 Lockheed Martin Delivers Atlas V to Cape Canaveral for NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425204447/http://www.ilslaunch.com/node/518 |date=25 April 2017}}. Ilslaunch, 4 April 2005.</ref> It is also contracted by [[Space Systems Loral]] to transport satellites from Palo Alto, CA to the Arianespace spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana<ref>[http://www.loral.com/inthenews/050609.html Space Systems/Loral Delivers World'S Largest Satellite To Launch Base] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309203801/http://www.loral.com/inthenews/050609.html |date=9 March 2008}}</ref> and by [[SpaceX]] to transport payload fairings between their factory in [[Hawthorne, California]] and Cape Canaveral.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine's Antonov helps SpaceX transport rocket hardware|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/2380337-ukraines-antonov-helps-spacex-transport-rocket-hardware.html|access-date=11 January 2018|publisher=Ukrinform|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112042542/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/2380337-ukraines-antonov-helps-spacex-transport-rocket-hardware.html|archive-date=12 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[United Launch Alliance]] (ULA) contracts the An-124 to transport the [[Atlas V]] launch vehicle from its facilities in [[Decatur, Alabama|Decatur]], Alabama to [[Cape Canaveral]]. ULA also uses the An-124 to transport the Atlas V launch vehicle and [[Centaur (rocket stage)|Centaur]] upper stage from their manufacturing facility in Denver, Colorado to Cape Canaveral and [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0606/26megamovers |title= Lockheed Martin Atlas rocket |publisher= The History Channel |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100416001322/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0606/26megamovers/ |archive-date= 16 April 2010}}</ref> Two flights are required to transfer each launch vehicle (one for the Atlas V main booster stage and another for the Centaur upper stage).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ilslaunch.com/node/518 |title= Lockheed Martin Delivers Atlas V to Cape Canaveral for NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170425204447/http://www.ilslaunch.com/node/518 |archive-date= 25 April 2017 |publisher= Ilslaunch |date= 4 April 2005}}</ref> It is also contracted by [[Space Systems Loral]] to transport satellites from Palo Alto, CA to the Arianespace spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.loral.com/inthenews/050609.html |title= Space Systems/Loral Delivers World'S Largest Satellite To Launch Base |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080309203801/http://www.loral.com/inthenews/050609.html |archive-date= 9 March 2008}}</ref> and by [[SpaceX]] to transport payload fairings between their factory in [[Hawthorne, California]] and Cape Canaveral.<ref>{{cite news |title= Ukraine's Antonov helps SpaceX transport rocket hardware |url= https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/2380337-ukraines-antonov-helps-spacex-transport-rocket-hardware.html |access-date= 11 January 2018 |publisher= Ukrinform |language= en |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180112042542/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/2380337-ukraines-antonov-helps-spacex-transport-rocket-hardware.html |archive-date= 12 January 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref>


By 2013, the An-124 had reportedly visited 768 airports in over 100 countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/30-years-since-the-an-124-ruslan?lang=en |title=30 years since the AN-124 Ruslan maiden take-of |publisher=Antonov.com |access-date=21 June 2013 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/30-years-since-the-an-124-ruslan?lang=en |archive-date=22 January 2018 }}</ref>
By 2013, the An-124 had reportedly visited 768 airports in over 100 countries.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/30-years-since-the-an-124-ruslan?lang=en |title= 30 years since the AN-124 Ruslan maiden take-of |publisher= Antonov.com |access-date= 21 June 2013 |url-status= bot: unknown |archive-url= https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/30-years-since-the-an-124-ruslan?lang=en |archive-date= 22 January 2018}}</ref>


By late 2020, three civil operators of the An-124 remained. [[Antonov Airlines]] with seven aircraft, [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]] with 12, and [[Maximus Air Cargo]] with one. In November 2020, Volga-Dnepr reported that it was indefinitely grounding its fleet of An-124 aircraft to inspect the 60 engines (including spares) following the 13 November 2020 unconfined engine failure at [[Novosibirsk]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Lennane|first=Alex|date=25 November 2020|title='Safety first' as Volga-Dnepr grounds its AN-124 fleet indefinitely|url=https://theloadstar.com/exclusive-safety-first-as-volga-dnepr-grounds-its-an-124-fleet-indefinitely/|access-date=26 November 2020|website=The Loadstar}}</ref> As of 29 December 2020, the first Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 was back in service.<ref name=BackInService />
By late 2020, three civil operators of the An-124 remained. [[Antonov Airlines]] with seven aircraft, [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]] with 12, and [[Maximus Air Cargo]] with one. In November 2020, Volga-Dnepr reported that it was indefinitely grounding its fleet of An-124 aircraft to inspect the 60 engines (including spares) following the 13 November 2020 unconfined engine failure at [[Novosibirsk]].<ref>{{cite web |last= Lennane |first= Alex |date= 25 November 2020|title= 'Safety first' as Volga-Dnepr grounds its AN-124 fleet indefinitely |url= https://theloadstar.com/exclusive-safety-first-as-volga-dnepr-grounds-its-an-124-fleet-indefinitely/ |access-date= 26 November 2020 |website= The Loadstar}}</ref> As of 29 December 2020, the first Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 was back in service.<ref name= BackInService />


===Significant activities===
===Significant activities===
[[File:US Navy 040429-N-7949W-001 The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle Mystic (DSRV 1) is carefully loaded onto a Russian-built An-124 Condor (Antonov).jpg|thumb|The [[Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle]] "[[DSRV-1 Mystic|Mystic]]" being loaded at [[Naval Air Station North Island]], California, United States]]
[[File:US Navy 040429-N-7949W-001 The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle Mystic (DSRV 1) is carefully loaded onto a Russian-built An-124 Condor (Antonov).jpg|thumb|The [[Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle]] "[[DSRV-1 Mystic|Mystic]]" being loaded at [[Naval Air Station North Island]], California, United States]]


* In May 1987, an Antonov An-124 set a world record, covering the distance of {{convert|20151|km|nmi|0|abbr=on}} without refuelling.<ref>[http://www.arms-expo.ru/site.xp/049049056057124050049049054.html ''Оружие России''; Ан-124 "Руслан" (Condor), дальний тяжелый военно-транспортный самолет] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603123311/http://www.arms-expo.ru/site.xp/049049056057124050049049054.html |date=3 June 2009}}</ref> The flight took 25 hours and 30 minutes; the takeoff weight was 455,000&nbsp;kg.{{Citation needed|date=November 2013}}
* In May 1987, an An-124 set a world record, covering the distance of {{convert|20151|km|nmi|0|abbr=on}} without refuelling.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.arms-expo.ru/site.xp/049049056057124050049049054.html |title= Оружие России; Ан-124 "Руслан" (Condor), дальний тяжелый военно-транспортный самолет |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090603123311/http://www.arms-expo.ru/site.xp/049049056057124050049049054.html |archive-date= 3 June 2009}}</ref> The flight took 25 hours and 30 minutes; the takeoff weight was 455,000&nbsp;kg.{{Citation needed|date=November 2013}}
* In July 1985, an An-124 carried 171,219&nbsp;kg (377,473&nbsp;lb) of cargo to an altitude of {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}} and 170,000&nbsp;kg to an altitude of 10,750&nbsp;m (35,270&nbsp;ft).<ref>[http://www.nkau.gov.ua/gateway/news.nsf/NewsALLR/005BFF2F07D47EF4C3256B7200284D01!open ''Аэрокосмическое общество Украины''; Международная авиационная федерация зарегистрировала 124 мировых рекорда, установленных на самолёте Ан-225] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220131222/http://www.nkau.gov.ua/gateway/news.nsf/NewsALLR/005BFF2F07D47EF4C3256B7200284D01%21open |date=20 February 2012}}</ref>
* In July 1985, an An-124 carried 171,219&nbsp;kg (377,473&nbsp;lb) of cargo to an altitude of {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}} and 170,000&nbsp;kg to an altitude of 10,750&nbsp;m (35,270&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nkau.gov.ua/gateway/news.nsf/NewsALLR/005BFF2F07D47EF4C3256B7200284D01!open |title= Аэрокосмическое общество Украины; Международная авиационная федерация зарегистрировала 124 мировых рекорда, установленных на самолёте Ан-225 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120220131222/http://www.nkau.gov.ua/gateway/news.nsf/NewsALLR/005BFF2F07D47EF4C3256B7200284D01%21open |archive-date= 20 February 2012}}</ref>
* In June 1994, an An-124 flew the first [[IE 201 Class]] [[diesel-electric locomotive]] from the [[General Motors Diesel]] works in [[London, Ontario]], Canada to [[Dublin, Ireland]] for clearance testing and crew training, before subsequent units were delivered by ship.<ref name=JOC>{{Cite news |title=Locomotive Makes Aviation History |url=https://www.joc.com/economy-watch/locomotive-makes-aviation-history_19940731.html |magazine=[[Journal of Commerce]] |date=1994-07-31 |accessdate=2022-02-15}}</ref>
* In June 1994, an An-124 flew the first [[IE 201 Class]] [[diesel-electric locomotive]] from the [[General Motors Diesel]] works in [[London, Ontario]], Canada to [[Dublin, Ireland]] for clearance testing and crew training, before subsequent units were delivered by ship.<ref name= JOC>{{Cite news |title= Locomotive Makes Aviation History |url= https://www.joc.com/economy-watch/locomotive-makes-aviation-history_19940731.html |magazine= [[Journal of Commerce]] |date= 31 July 1994 |access-date= 15 February 2022 |archive-date= 20 June 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210620220331/https://www.joc.com/economy-watch/locomotive-makes-aviation-history_19940731.html |url-status= dead}}</ref>
* An An-124 was used to transport the [[Obelisk of Axum]] back to its native homeland of Ethiopia from Rome in April 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4458105.stm |title=''BBC News''; Obelisk arrives back in Ethiopia |date=19 April 2005 |access-date=2 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930122131/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4458105.stm |archive-date=30 September 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* An An-124 was used to transport the [[Obelisk of Axum]] back to its native homeland of Ethiopia from Rome in April 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4458105.stm |publisher= BBC News |title= Obelisk arrives back in Ethiopia |date= 19 April 2005 |access-date= 2 September 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090930122131/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4458105.stm |archive-date= 30 September 2009 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* An An-124 was used to transport an [[EP-3E Aries II]] [[ELINT|electronic intelligence]] aircraft from Hainan Island, China on 4 July 2001 following the [[Hainan Island incident]].{{cn|date=April 2022}}
* An An-124 was used to transport an [[EP-3E Aries II]] [[ELINT|electronic intelligence]] aircraft from Hainan Island, China on 4 July 2001 following the [[Hainan Island incident]].{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}
* An An-124 Ruslan was used to transport the first [[Bombardier Movia]]-series [[railcar]] for the [[Delhi Metro]] on 26 February 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Delhi Metro's first rake to be airlifted was carried on a Ukraine-made aircraft |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/story/delhi-metros-first-rake-to-be-airlifted-was-carried-on-a-ukraine-made-aircraft-323581-2022-02-23 |website=Business Today |access-date=2022-03-01 |language=en}}</ref>
* An An-124 was used to transport the first [[Bombardier Movia]]-series [[railcar]] for the [[Delhi Metro]] on 26 February 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title= Delhi Metro's first rake to be airlifted was carried on a Ukraine-made aircraft |url= https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/story/delhi-metros-first-rake-to-be-airlifted-was-carried-on-a-ukraine-made-aircraft-323581-2022-02-23 |website= Business Today |date= 23 February 2022 |access-date= 1 March 2022 |language= en}}</ref>
* In July 2010, an An-124 was used to transport four 35-foot and three 21-foot skimmer boats from France to the US to assist with the clean-up of the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eft.com/freight-transport/chapman-freeborn-delivers-skimmer-boats-gulf-mexico |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-04-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407061612/http://www.eft.com/freight-transport/chapman-freeborn-delivers-skimmer-boats-gulf-mexico |archive-date=2014-04-07 }}</ref>
* In July 2010, an An-124 was used to transport four 35-foot and three 21-foot skimmer boats from France to the US to assist with the clean-up of the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.eft.com/freight-transport/chapman-freeborn-delivers-skimmer-boats-gulf-mexico |title= Chapman Freeborn delivers skimmer boats to Gulf of Mexico &#124; eft - Supply Chain & Logistics Business Intelligence |access-date= 2 April 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140407061612/http://www.eft.com/freight-transport/chapman-freeborn-delivers-skimmer-boats-gulf-mexico |archive-date= 7 April 2014}}</ref>
* An An-124 was used in April 2011 to airlift a large [[Putzmeister]] [[concrete pump]] from Germany to Japan to help cool reactors damaged in the [[Fukushima nuclear accident]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20130129063748/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1629892.php Germany sends giant pump to help cool Fukushima reactor]</ref> The [[An-225]] was used to transport an even larger Putzmeister concrete pump to Japan from the US.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2011-03-31/srs-concrete-pump-heading-japan-nuclear-site |title=SRS pump will head to Japan |access-date=2011-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720193714/http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2011-03-31/srs-concrete-pump-heading-japan-nuclear-site |archive-date=2011-07-20 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* An An-124 was used in April 2011 to airlift a large [[Putzmeister]] [[concrete pump]] from Germany to Japan to help cool reactors damaged in the [[Fukushima nuclear accident]].<ref>{{cite web |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130129063748/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1629892.php |archive-date=2013-01-29|url= http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1629892.php |title= Germany sends giant pump to help cool Fukushima reactor |publisher= monstersandcritics.com}}</ref> The [[An-225]] was used to transport an even larger Putzmeister concrete pump to Japan from the US.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2011-03-31/srs-concrete-pump-heading-japan-nuclear-site |title= SRS pump will head to Japan |access-date= 2 April 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110720193714/http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2011-03-31/srs-concrete-pump-heading-japan-nuclear-site |archive-date= 20 July 2011 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* An An-124 was used in May 2018 to transport an 87,000&nbsp;lb die tools from Eaton Rapids, Michigan, US to Nottingham, England to restart Ford F-150 production after a fire in the Eaton Rapids Magnesium Casting Facility.<ref>[https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2018/05/16/ford-launched-international-airlift-restart-f-150/617196002/ Ford's plan to rescue F-150: Drama worthy of a James Bond script] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082210/https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2018/05/16/ford-launched-international-airlift-restart-f-150/617196002/ |date=17 May 2018}}. ''Detroit Free Press''</ref>
* An An-124 was used in May 2018 to transport an 87,000&nbsp;lb die tool from Eaton Rapids, Michigan, US to Nottingham, England to restart Ford F-150 production after a fire in the Eaton Rapids Magnesium Casting Facility.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2018/05/16/ford-launched-international-airlift-restart-f-150/617196002/ |title= Ford's plan to rescue F-150: Drama worthy of a James Bond script |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082210/https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2018/05/16/ford-launched-international-airlift-restart-f-150/617196002/ |archive-date= 17 May 2018 |publisher= Detroit Free Press}}</ref>
*Several An-124s were used by the German [[Bundeswehr]] to airlift military equipment from [[Mazar-i-Sharif]] to [[Leipzig]] during the 2021 German troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among the equipment were two [[NHIndustries NH90|NH-90]] helicopters.<ref>{{cite web|date=2021-05-18|title=Bundeswehrabzug kommt in Schwung: An-124 holt NH90 aus Afghanistan|url=https://www.flugrevue.de/bundeswehrabzug-kommt-in-schwung-an-124-holt-nh90-aus-afghanistan/|access-date=2021-05-20|website=www.flugrevue.de|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Abzug aus Afghanistan – Die heiße Phase hat begonnen I Bundeswehr|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3pXMYLJlR0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/-3pXMYLJlR0| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-05-20}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* Several An-124s were used by the German [[Bundeswehr]] to airlift military equipment from [[Mazar-i-Sharif]] to [[Leipzig]] during the 2021 German troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among the equipment were two [[NHIndustries NH90|NH-90]] helicopters.<ref>{{cite web|date= 2021-05-18|title= Bundeswehrabzug kommt in Schwung: An-124 holt NH90 aus Afghanistan|url= https://www.flugrevue.de/bundeswehrabzug-kommt-in-schwung-an-124-holt-nh90-aus-afghanistan/|access-date= 2021-05-20|website= www.flugrevue.de|language= de}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title= Abzug aus Afghanistan – Die heiße Phase hat begonnen I Bundeswehr | date=19 May 2021 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3pXMYLJlR0 |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/-3pXMYLJlR0 |archive-date= 12 December 2021 |url-status= live |language= en |access-date= 20 May 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], several An-124s were used to cargo masks and other medical equipment from [[China]] to foreign countries. For example, Terio International Inc. dispatched their first one on June 7th 2020 between [[Nanjing]] and [[Montréal]], which was done as a direct flight.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Élise |first1=Paradis |last2=Thériault |first2=Vincent |last3=Thériault |first3=François |date=November 2021 |title=Made-To-Deliver: An inspiring entrepreneurial story of boldness and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic |edition=1st |publisher=Self-Published |location=Quebec,Canada |isbn=979-8-4824-0659-5 |pages=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Gagné|first= Louis|date=2021-11-16 |title= « Tailler sa place » : récit d’une réussite entrepreneuriale en contexte pandémique|url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1840110/tailler-sa-place-surmesure-equipements-protection-individuelle-pandemie |work= [[Radio Canada]] |access-date=2022-04-03}}</ref>
* During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], several An-124s were used to cargo masks and other medical equipment from [[China]] to foreign countries. For example, Terio International Inc. dispatched their first one on June 7, 2020 between [[Nanjing]] and [[Montréal]], which was done as a direct flight.<ref>{{cite book |last1= Élise |first1= Paradis |last2= Thériault |first2= Vincent |last3= Thériault |first3= François |date= November 2021 |title= Made-To-Deliver: An inspiring entrepreneurial story of boldness and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic |edition= 1st |publisher= Self-Published |location= Quebec, Canada |isbn= 979-8-4824-0659-5 |pages =}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Gagné |first= Louis|date= 16 November 2021 |title= " Tailler sa place " : récit d'une réussite entrepreneuriale en contexte pandémique|url= https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1840110/tailler-sa-place-surmesure-equipements-protection-individuelle-pandemie |work= [[Ici Radio-Canada Télé|Radio Canada]] |access-date= 3 April 2022}}</ref>
* On 24 February 2022, an An-124 with registration number ''UR-82009'' was confirmed to be destroyed by Russian artillery during the [[Battle of Antonov Airport]], Kyiv.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 February 2022 |title=Antonov's sources claim that the world’s largest aircraft An-225 Mriya was destroyed |url=https://www.sproutwired.com/antonovs-sources-claim-that-the-worlds-largest-aircraft-an-225-mriya-was-destroyed/ |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> Five other Ukrainian An-124s were diverted to Leipzig at the conclusion of their commercial flights.<ref name="Ponomarenko">{{cite web |last1=Ponomarenko |first1=Illia |title=Chief pilot of destroyed An-225: ‘We must complete the second Mriya’ |url=https://kyivindependent.com/national/chief-pilot-of-destroyed-an-225-we-must-complete-the-second-mriya/ |website=The Kyiv Independent |access-date=15 April 2022 |date=15 April 2022}}</ref>
* On 24 February 2022, an An-124 with registration number ''UR-82009'' was confirmed to be destroyed by Russian artillery during the [[Battle of Antonov Airport]], Kyiv.<ref>{{cite web |date= 27 February 2022 |title= Antonov's sources claim that the world's largest aircraft An-225 Mriya was destroyed |url= https://www.sproutwired.com/antonovs-sources-claim-that-the-worlds-largest-aircraft-an-225-mriya-was-destroyed/ |website= sproutwired.com |access-date= 25 March 2022}}</ref> Five other Ukrainian An-124s were diverted to Leipzig at the conclusion of their commercial flights.<ref name= "Ponomarenko">{{cite web |last1= Ponomarenko |first1= Illia |author-link=Illia Ponomarenko |title= Chief pilot of destroyed An-225: 'We must complete the second Mriya' |url= https://kyivindependent.com/national/chief-pilot-of-destroyed-an-225-we-must-complete-the-second-mriya/ |website= The Kyiv Independent |access-date= 15 April 2022 |date= 15 April 2022}}</ref>
* On 3 March 2023, an An-124 delivered 101 tons of humanitarian aid for [[2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake|earthquake]] victims in Turkey and Syria.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://global.espreso.tv/ukrainian-aircraft-delivers-101-tons-of-humanitarian-aid-to-turkey-for-earthquake-victims |title=Ukrainian aircraft delivers 101 tons of humanitarian aid to Turkey for earthquake victims |last= |first= |publisher=Espreso TV |date= 3 March 2023 |access-date= 22 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Antonov An-124 delivered 101 tons of humanitarian aid to earthquake-raged Türkiye |url=https://twitter.com/39_ABW/status/1631600955920719873 |author=[[39th Air Base Wing]] |website=twitter.com |language=|date=3 Mar 2023 |access-date=22 April 2023}}</ref>
* On 9 June 2023, an An-124 was seized by Canadian government authorities at [[Toronto Pearson Airport]]. It had been stranded following closure of Canadian [[airspace]] to Russian air navigation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2023/06/government-of-canada-orders-seizure-of-russian-registered-cargo-aircraft-at-toronto-pearson-airport.html |title=Government of Canada orders seizure of Russian-registered cargo aircraft at Toronto Pearson Airport |date=10 June 2023 |publisher=Global Affairs Canada}}</ref>


==Variants==
==Variants==
Line 111: Line 116:
:Commercial transport aircraft
:Commercial transport aircraft
;An-124-100M-150
;An-124-100M-150
:Version with a payload increased to 150 tonnes (maximum take-off weight 420 tonnes), with uprated [[Lotarev D-18T]] series 4 engines; one An-124-100 converted<ref>{{cite web |title= [Actu] Les Antonov An-124-100 en Russie |url= https://redsamovar.com/2020/04/04/actu-les-an-124-100-en-russie/ |website= Red Samovar |date= 4 April 2020}}</ref>
:Commercial transport version fitted with Western avionics
;An-124-102 Slon
;An-124-102 Slon
:Commercial transport version with an [[Electronic flight instrument system|EFIS]] flight deck, [[#Russian replacement design|developed by TsAGi]]
:Commercial transport version with an [[Electronic flight instrument system|EFIS]] flight deck, [[#Russian replacement design|developed by TsAGi]]
Line 120: Line 125:
;An-124-135
;An-124-135
:Variant with one seat in the rear and the rest of the cargo area (approx. 1,800 square feet) dedicated to freight
:Variant with one seat in the rear and the rest of the cargo area (approx. 1,800 square feet) dedicated to freight
;An-124-150
:New variant with increased payload (150 tonnes)
;An-124-200
;An-124-200
:Proposed version with [[General Electric CF6#CF6-80C2|General Electric CF6-80C2]] engines, each rated at 59,200 lbf (263 kN)
:Proposed version with [[General Electric CF6#CF6-80C2|General Electric CF6-80C2]] engines, each rated at 59,200 lbf (263 kN)
Line 127: Line 130:
:Joint proposal with [[Air Foyle]] to meet UK's Short Term Strategic Airlifter (STSA) requirement, with [[Rolls-Royce RB211#RB211-524 series 2|Rolls-Royce RB211-524H-T]] engines, each rated 60,600 lbf (264 kN) and [[Honeywell]] avionics—STSA competition abandoned in August 1999, reinstated, and won by the [[C-17 Globemaster III|Boeing C-17A]].
:Joint proposal with [[Air Foyle]] to meet UK's Short Term Strategic Airlifter (STSA) requirement, with [[Rolls-Royce RB211#RB211-524 series 2|Rolls-Royce RB211-524H-T]] engines, each rated 60,600 lbf (264 kN) and [[Honeywell]] avionics—STSA competition abandoned in August 1999, reinstated, and won by the [[C-17 Globemaster III|Boeing C-17A]].
;An-124-300
;An-124-300
:The -300 is planned variant with upgraded engines with higher thrust. Variant was ordered by the [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] in 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://zvezdaweekly.ru/news/202011161330-mKqdi.html | title=Возвращение "Руслана" с "гражданки" }}</ref>
:Variant ordered by the [[Russian Air Force]] with new avionics, a new improved braking system and a payload of 150 tonnes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20120517/173502516.html |title=Russian Air Force Gets First Modernized An-124s |publisher=RIA Novosti |date=17 May 2012 |access-date=21 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512005915/http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20120517/173502516.html |archive-date=12 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Operators==
==Operators==
[[File:An-124 RA-82028 in formation with Su-27 09-May-2010.jpg|thumb|[[224th Flight Unit]] An-124 inflight with 2 [[Sukhoi Su-27]]s of the [[Falcons of Russia]] at the [[2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade]]]]
[[File:An-124 RA-82028 in formation with Su-27 09-May-2010.jpg|thumb|[[224th Flight Unit]] An-124 inflight with two [[Sukhoi Su-27]]s of the [[Falcons of Russia]] at the [[2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade]]]]


===Military===
===Military===
; {{RUS}}
; {{RUS}}
* [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] – 12 in service, 14 in reserve.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-124 |title= Антонов Ан-124 |website= russianplanes.net |access-date= 13 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190326051849/https://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-124 |archive-date= 26 March 2019 |url-status= live}}</ref> In 2008, a contract was signed with [[Aviastar-SP]] for modernization of 10 aircraft by 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://bmpd.livejournal.com/516420.html |title= Петр Бутовски об Ан-124 "Руслан" |trans-title= Peter Butovskaya about AN-124 "Ruslan" |publisher= bmpd.livejournal.com |date= 9 May 2013 |language= ru |access-date= 14 January 2019 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131116032614/http://bmpd.livejournal.com/516420.html |archive-date= 16 November 2013}}</ref> As of December 2019, at least 11 aircraft were modernized. 2 on order.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2014/1124/135026738/detail.shtml |title= "Авиастар-СП" успешно выполнил гособоронзаказ на модернизацию шести самолетов Ан-124-100 "Руслан" |website= armstrade.org |date= 24 November 2014 |access-date= 14 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150105132925/http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2014/1124/135026738/detail.shtml|archive-date= 5 January 2015|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://engineeringrussia.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/modernization-of-another-an-124-100-ruslan-completed/ |title= Modernization of another An-124-100 "Ruslan" completed |website= engineeringrussia.wordpress.com |date= 13 July 2015 |access-date= 14 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044609/https://engineeringrussia.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/modernization-of-another-an-124-100-ruslan-completed/ |archive-date= 14 January 2019 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1221/102044709/detail.shtml|title= Именной Ан-124-100 "Руслан" "Олег Антонов" совершил ознакомительный полет после модернизации |publisher= armstrade.org |date= 21 December 2017 |access-date= 14 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220332/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1221/102044709/detail.shtml |archive-date= 24 November 2018 |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0614/102552843/detail.shtml |title= ЦАМТО / Новости / "Авиастар-СП" продлил ресурс летной годности и передал в эксплуатацию самолет Ан-124-100 "Руслан" |access-date= 16 June 2019 |archive-date= 16 June 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190616093752/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0614/102552843/detail.shtml |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0909/092554324/detail.shtml |title= ЦАМТО / Новости / "Авиастар-СП" продлил ресурс летной годности очередному самолету Ан-124-100 "Руслан" |access-date= 10 September 2019 |archive-date= 10 September 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190910180054/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0909/092554324/detail.shtml |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/1217/145555868/detail.shtml |title= ЦАМТО / Новости / Продлен ресурс летной годности очередного самолета Ан-124-100 "Руслан" |access-date= 8 January 2020 |archive-date= 21 December 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191221075056/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/1217/145555868/detail.shtml |url-status= live}}</ref>
* [[Russian Aerospace Forces]]
** [[12th Military Transport Aviation Division]]
** [[Russian Air Force]] – 12 in service, 14 in reserve.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-124|title=Антонов Ан-124|website=russianplanes.net|access-date=13 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326051849/https://russianplanes.net/planelist/Antonov/An-124|archive-date=26 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, a contract was signed with [[Aviastar-SP]] for modernization of 10 aircraft by 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bmpd.livejournal.com/516420.html|title=Петр Бутовски об Ан-124 "Руслан" |trans-title=Peter Butovskaya about AN-124 "Ruslan"|publisher=bmpd.livejournal.com|date=9 May 2013|language=ru|access-date=14 January 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116032614/http://bmpd.livejournal.com/516420.html|archive-date=16 November 2013}}</ref> As of December 2019, at least 11 aircraft were modernized. 2 on order.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2014/1124/135026738/detail.shtml|title="Авиастар-СП" успешно выполнил гособоронзаказ на модернизацию шести самолетов Ан-124-100 "Руслан"|website=[[Armstrade.org]] |date=24 November 2014|access-date=14 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105132925/http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2014/1124/135026738/detail.shtml|archive-date=5 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://engineeringrussia.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/modernization-of-another-an-124-100-ruslan-completed/|title=Modernization of another An-124-100 "Ruslan" completed|website=engineeringrussia.wordpress.com|date=13 July 2015|access-date=14 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044609/https://engineeringrussia.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/modernization-of-another-an-124-100-ruslan-completed/|archive-date=14 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1221/102044709/detail.shtml|title=Именной Ан-124-100 "Руслан" "Олег Антонов" совершил ознакомительный полет после модернизации|publisher=armstrade.org|date=21 December 2017|access-date=14 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220332/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1221/102044709/detail.shtml|archive-date=24 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0614/102552843/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / "Авиастар-СП" продлил ресурс летной годности и передал в эксплуатацию самолет Ан-124-100 "Руслан" |access-date=16 June 2019 |archive-date=16 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616093752/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0614/102552843/detail.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0909/092554324/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / "Авиастар-СП" продлил ресурс летной годности очередному самолету Ан-124-100 "Руслан" |access-date=10 September 2019 |archive-date=10 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910180054/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0909/092554324/detail.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/1217/145555868/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Продлен ресурс летной годности очередного самолета Ан-124-100 "Руслан" |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221075056/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/1217/145555868/detail.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
*** 566th Military Transport Aviation Regiment – [[Seshcha (air base)|Seshcha air base]], [[Bryansk Oblast]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/tap/566vtap.htm|title= 566th Solnechnogorskiy Red Banner order of Kutuzov Military-Transport Aviation Regiment |website= ww2.dk |access-date= 14 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180604160333/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/tap/566vtap.htm |archive-date= 4 June 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref>
*** [[12th Military Transport Aviation Division]]
** 18th Military Transport Aviation Division<ref>{{cite web |url= https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2980287.html |title= В ВКС России восстановлена 18-я военно-транспортная авиационная дивизия |website= bmpd.livejournal.com |date= 1 December 2017 |access-date= 14 January 2019}}</ref>
**** 566th Military Transport Aviation Regiment – [[Seshcha (air base)|Seshcha air base]], [[Bryansk Oblast]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/tap/566vtap.htm|title=566th Solnechnogorskiy Red Banner order of Kutuzov Military-Transport Aviation Regiment|website=ww2.dk|access-date=14 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604160333/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/tap/566vtap.htm|archive-date=4 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
*** 18th Military Transport Aviation Division<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2980287.html|title=В ВКС России восстановлена 18-я военно-транспортная авиационная дивизия|website=bmpd.livejournal.com|date=1 December 2017|access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref>
*** 235th Military Transport Aviation Regiment – [[Ulyanovsk Vostochny Airport]], [[Ulyanovsk Oblast]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2984111.html |title= В Ульяновске восстановлен 235-й военно-транспортный авиационный полк |website= bmpd.livejournal.com |date= 3 December 2017 |access-date= 14 January 2019}}</ref>
** 224th Air Detachment of Military Transport Aviation – [[Migalovo (air base)|Migalovo]], [[Tver Oblast]]
**** 235th Military Transport Aviation Regiment – [[Ulyanovsk Vostochny Airport]], [[Ulyanovsk Oblast]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2984111.html|title=В Ульяновске восстановлен 235-й военно-транспортный авиационный полк|website=bmpd.livejournal.com|date=3 December 2017|access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref>
*** 224th Air Detachment of Military Transport Aviation – [[Migalovo (air base)|Migalovo]], [[Tver Oblast]]


====Former military operators====
====Former military operators====
Line 150: Line 152:
[[File:AN-124 (4136422564) (2).jpg|thumb|AN-124 of [[Antonov Airlines]] at [[Long Beach Airport]]. Cargo: composite parts for [[Airbus A350 XWB]].]]
[[File:AN-124 (4136422564) (2).jpg|thumb|AN-124 of [[Antonov Airlines]] at [[Long Beach Airport]]. Cargo: composite parts for [[Airbus A350 XWB]].]]


As of Late 2020, 20 An-124s were in commercial service.<ref>{{cite web |last=Villamizar |first=Helwing |date=2021-12-26 |title=Today in Aviation: Maiden Flight of the Antonov An-124 |url=https://airwaysmag.com/today-in-aviation/maiden-flight-antonov-an-124/ |access-date=2022-02-28 |website=Airways Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><!-- Only lists 20 below? Update? -->
As of late 2020, 20 An-124s were in commercial service.<ref name= "helwing anniversary2021">{{cite web |last= Villamizar |first= Helwing |date= 26 December 2021 |title= Today in Aviation: Maiden Flight of the Antonov An-124 |url= https://airwaysmag.com/today-in-aviation/maiden-flight-antonov-an-124/ |access-date= 28 February 2022 |website= Airways Magazine |language= en-US}}</ref><!-- Only lists 20 below? Update? -->


; {{RUS}}
; {{RUS}}
* [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines|Volga-Dnepr]] (12, with 3 on order)<ref name=FI13 /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/volga-dnepr-airlines-vi-vda |title=Fleet in Flight Radar |access-date=24 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925035239/https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/volga-dnepr-airlines-vi-vda |archive-date=25 September 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines|Volga-Dnepr]] (12, with 3 on order)<ref name= FI13 /><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/volga-dnepr-airlines-vi-vda |title= Fleet in Flight Radar |access-date= 24 September 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170925035239/https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/volga-dnepr-airlines-vi-vda |archive-date= 25 September 2017 |url-status= live}}</ref>
; {{UKR}}
; {{UKR}}
* [[Antonov Airlines]] (7)<ref name=FI13 /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thegoaspotlight.com/some-of-the-biggest-planes-in-the-world-were-in-kiev-at-the-time-of-the-invasion-see-what-they-are/ |title=Some of the biggest planes in the world were in Kiev at the time of the invasion, see what they are |publisher=The Goa Spotlight |date= |accessdate=2022-03-08}}</ref>
* [[Antonov Airlines]] (7)<ref name= FI13 /><ref>{{cite web |url= https://thegoaspotlight.com/some-of-the-biggest-planes-in-the-world-were-in-kiev-at-the-time-of-the-invasion-see-what-they-are/ |title= Some of the biggest planes in the world were in Kiev at the time of the invasion, see what they are |publisher= The Goa Spotlight |date = |access-date= 8 March 2022 |archive-date= 2 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220302060256/https://thegoaspotlight.com/some-of-the-biggest-planes-in-the-world-were-in-kiev-at-the-time-of-the-invasion-see-what-they-are/ |url-status= dead}}</ref>
[[File:Maximus Air Cargo Antonov An-124-100 Vanzura.jpg|thumb|An-124 of [[Maximus Air Cargo]] at [[Brno–Tuřany Airport]]]]
[[File:Maximus Air Cargo Antonov An-124-100 Vanzura.jpg|thumb|An-124 of [[Maximus Air Cargo]] at [[Brno–Tuřany Airport]]]]
;{{UAE}}
;{{UAE}}
* [[Maximus Air Cargo]] (1)<ref name=FI13 />
* [[Maximus Air Cargo]] (1), An-124-100 variant built in 2003<ref name= FI13 />


====Former civil operators====
====Former civil operators====
;{{flag|Libya|2011}}
;{{flag|Libya|2011}}
* [[Libyan Arab Air Cargo]] – had 2 aircraft in service as of 2013;<ref name=FI13 /> 1 seized by Ukraine in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/454747.html |title=Ukraine to auction Libya's An-124 Ruslan if Libya fails to pay $1.2 mln of debt for aircraft servicing |website=en.interfax.com.ua |date=13 October 2017 |access-date=23 June 2019 |archive-date=23 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623182006/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/454747.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and 1 destroyed on ground by shelling at [[Mitiga International Airport]] in June 2019.<ref name=ASN220619>{{cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20190529-0 |title=5A-DKN hull-loss incident |publisher=Aviation Safety Network |access-date= 16 Sep 2020}}</ref>
* [[Libyan Arab Air Cargo]] – had 2 aircraft in service as of 2013;<ref name=FI13 /> 1 seized by Ukraine in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/454747.html |title= Ukraine to auction Libya's An-124 Ruslan if Libya fails to pay $1.2 million of debt for aircraft servicing |website= en.interfax.com.ua |date= 13 October 2017 |access-date= 23 June 2019 |archive-date= 23 June 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190623182006/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/454747.html |url-status= live}}</ref> and 1 destroyed on ground by shelling at [[Mitiga International Airport]] in June 2019.<ref name= ASN220619>{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20190529-0 |title= 5A-DKN hull-loss incident |publisher= Aviation Safety Network |access-date = 16 September 2020}}</ref>
;{{RUS}}
;{{RUS}}
* [[Aeroflot]] Russian International Airlines – retired from fleet in 2000
* [[Aeroflot]] Russian International Airlines – retired from fleet in 2000
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==Notable accidents==
==Notable accidents==
{{As of|2019|06}}, five accidents with An-124 [[hull-loss]]es have been recorded involving a total of 97 fatalities,<ref name="ASN124-100">{{cite web|title=ASN Aviation Safety Database: Antonov 124-100|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?field=typecode&var=04C%&cat=%1&sorteer=datekey&page=1|website=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=23 June 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085252/http://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?field=typecode&var=04C%&cat=%1&sorteer=datekey&page=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ASN220619" /> including:
{{As of|2019|06}}, five accidents with An-124 [[hull-loss|hull loss]]es have been recorded involving a total of 97 fatalities,<ref name= "ASN124-100">{{cite web |title= ASN Aviation Safety Database: Antonov 124-100 |url= http://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?field=typecode&var=04C%&cat=%1&sorteer=datekey&page=1 |website= Aviation Safety Network |access-date= 23 June 2016 |archive-date= 4 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085252/http://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?field=typecode&var=04C%&cat=%1&sorteer=datekey&page=1 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref name= "ASN220619" /> including:
* On 13 October 1992, CCCP-82002, operated by [[Antonov Airlines]] crashed near [[Kyiv]], Ukraine during flight testing, suffering nose cargo door failure during high-speed descent (part of test program) resulting in total loss of control. The airplane came down in a forest near Kyiv, killing eight of the nine crew on board.<ref name="ASN13Oct1992">{{cite web|title=Accident Description, Anotonov 124-100, Tuesday 13 October 1992|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19921013-1|website=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=14 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015010602/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19921013-1|archive-date=15 October 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
* On 13 October 1992, CCCP-82002, operated by [[Antonov Airlines]] crashed near [[Kyiv]], Ukraine during flight testing, suffering nose cargo door failure during high-speed descent (part of test program) resulting in total loss of control. The airplane came down in a forest near Kyiv, killing eight of the nine crew on board.<ref name= "ASN13Oct1992">{{cite web |title= Accident Description, Anotonov 124-100, Tuesday 13 October 1992 |url= http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19921013-1 |website= Aviation Safety Network |access-date= 14 August 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101015010602/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19921013-1 |archive-date= 15 October 2010 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* On 15 November 1993, RA-82071, operated by [[Aviastar Airlines]] crashed into a mountain at {{convert|11000|ft|m}} while in a holding pattern at [[Kerman]], Iran. There were 17 fatalities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Accident Description, Antonov 124-100, Monday 15 November 1993|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19931115-0|website=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=14 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118083621/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19931115-0|archive-date=18 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
* On 15 November 1993, RA-82071, operated by [[Aviastar Airlines]] crashed into a mountain at {{convert|11000|ft|m}} while in a holding pattern at [[Kerman]], Iran. There were 17 fatalities.<ref>{{cite web |title= Accident Description, Antonov 124-100, Monday 15 November 1993 |url= http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19931115-0|website= Aviation Safety Network |access-date= 14 August 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120118083621/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19931115-0 |archive-date= 18 January 2012 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* On 8 October 1996, RA-82069, owned by [[Aeroflot]] but operated by [[Ayaks Cargo]], crashed at [[San Francesco al Campo]], Italy, while initiating a go-around after a low visibility approach on [[Turin Caselle airport]]'s runway 36. There were four fatalities.<ref name="ASN8Oct1996">{{cite web|title=Accident Description, Antonov 124-100, Tuesday 8 October 1996|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19961008-0|website=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=22 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607073249/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19961008-0|archive-date=7 June 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
* On 8 October 1996, RA-82069, owned by [[Aeroflot]] but operated by [[Ayaks Cargo]], Operating as [[Aeroflot Flight 9981]]. crashed at [[San Francesco al Campo]], Italy, while initiating a go-around after a low visibility approach on [[Turin Caselle airport]]'s runway 36. There were four fatalities.<ref name="ASN8Oct1996">{{cite web |title= Accident Description, Antonov 124-100, Tuesday 8 October 1996 |url= http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19961008-0 |website= Aviation Safety Network |access-date= 22 April 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110607073249/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19961008-0 |archive-date= 7 June 2011 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* On 6 December 1997, [[1997 Irkutsk Antonov An-124 crash|RA-82005]], operated by the [[Russian Air Force]], crashed in a [[residential area]] after take-off in [[Irkutsk]], Russia. All 23 people on board and 49 people on the ground were killed.<ref name="mult">{{cite news|last1=Velovich|first1=Alexander|title=Multiple engine failure blamed for An-124 Irkutsk accident|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/multiple-engine-failure-blamed-for-an-124-irkutsk-ac-30764/|access-date=2 December 2010|publisher=[[Flightglobal]]|date=17 December 1997|location=Moscow|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129024011/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/multiple-engine-failure-blamed-for-an-124-irkutsk-ac-30764/|archive-date=29 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* On 6 December 1997, [[1997 Irkutsk Antonov An-124 crash|RA-82005]], operated by the [[Russian Air Force]], crashed in a [[residential area]] after take-off in [[Irkutsk]], Russia. All 23 people on board and 49 people on the ground were killed.<ref name= "mult">{{cite news|last1= Velovich|first1= Alexander|title= Multiple engine failure blamed for An-124 Irkutsk accident|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/multiple-engine-failure-blamed-for-an-124-irkutsk-ac-30764/|access-date= 2 December 2010|publisher= [[Flightglobal]]|date= 17 December 1997|location= Moscow, Russia |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161129024011/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/multiple-engine-failure-blamed-for-an-124-irkutsk-ac-30764/|archive-date= 29 November 2016|url-status= live}}</ref>
* On 13 November 2020, the second engine of [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines Flight 4066|RA-82042]], operated by [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]], suffered an [[uncontained engine failure]] after takeoff from [[Novosibirsk]], Russia. Subsequently, after landing there, the aircraft suffered a runway excursion and the nose landing gear collapsed.<ref name= "ASN13Nov2020">{{cite web|title= Accident Description, Anotonov 124-100, Friday 13 November 2020|url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20201113-0|website= Aviation Safety Network|access-date= 13 November 2020}}</ref> On 25 November, the airline voluntarily grounded its entire fleet of An-124 aircraft.<ref name= Grounded>{{cite web |url= https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/volga-dnepr-grounds-antonov-an-124-fleet-indefinitely/ |title= Volga-Dnepr Grounds Antonov An-124 Fleet Indefinitely |first= James |last= Field |publisher= Airways Magazine |date= 25 November 2020 |access-date= 26 November 2020 |archive-date= 25 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201125191300/https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/volga-dnepr-grounds-antonov-an-124-fleet-indefinitely/ |url-status= dead}}</ref> By 29 December, the first Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 was back in service.<ref name= BackInService>{{cite web |url= https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/first-volga-dnepr-an-124-back-in-the-air/ |title= First Volga-Dnepr AN-124 back in the air |first= Damian |last= Brett |publisher= Aircargo News |date= 30 December 2020 |access-date= 10 January 2021}}</ref>

Other notable accident involving an An-124:
* On 13 November 2020, the second engine of [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines Flight 4066|RA-82042]], operated by [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]], suffered an [[uncontained engine failure]] after takeoff from [[Novosibirsk]], Russia. Subsequently, after landing there, the aircraft suffered a runway excursion and the nose landing gear collapsed.<ref name="ASN13Nov2020">{{cite web|title=Accident Description, Anotonov 124-100, Friday 13 November 2020|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20201113-0|website=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=13 November 2020}}</ref> On 25 November, the airline voluntarily grounded its entire fleet of An-124 aircraft.<ref name=Grounded>{{cite web |url=https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/volga-dnepr-grounds-antonov-an-124-fleet-indefinitely/ |title=Volga-Dnepr Grounds Antonov An-124 Fleet Indefinitely |first=James |last=Field |publisher=Airways Magazine |date=25 November 2020 |access-date=26 November 2020}}</ref> By 29 December, the first Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 was back in service.<ref name=BackInService>{{cite web |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/first-volga-dnepr-an-124-back-in-the-air/ |title=First Volga-Dnepr AN-124 back in the air |first=Damian |last=Brett |publisher=Aircargo News |date=30 December 2020 |access-date=10 January 2021}}</ref>


==Specifications (An-124-100M)==
==Specifications (An-124-100M)==
[[File:Antonov An-124 3-view.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Three sides view]]
[[File:Antonov An-124 3-view.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Three sides view]]
[[File:An-124 payload-range.png|thumb|upright=1.5|[[Payload-range]] diagram]]
[[File:An-124 PL-R.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|[[Payload-range|Payload&ndash;range]] diagram]]


{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2006-07<ref name=JAWA2006-07>{{cite book |title=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2006-07 |editor1-last=Jackson |editor1-first=Paul|year=2005 |publisher=Jane's Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-0-7106-2745-2 |edition=97th |pages=569–571}}</ref>
|ref= ''Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2006-07'',<ref name=JAWA2006-07>Jackson 2005, pp. 569–571.</ref> Volga-Dnepr<ref>{{Cite web |work= Volga-Dnepr |title= An-124 Specs |url= https://www.volga-dnepr.com/files/booklet/an-124e_final.pdf}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
|prime units?= met
<!-- General characteristics
<!-- General characteristics
-->
-->
|crew=6 (pilot, copilot, navigator, chief flight engineer, electrical flight engineer, radio operator) + 2 loadmasters
|crew= Eight (pilot, copilot, navigator, chief flight engineer, electrical flight engineer, radio operator, two loadmasters)
|capacity=88 passengers in upper aft fuselage, or the hold can take an additional 350 pax on a palletised seating system / {{cvt|150000|kg|0}}
|capacity= 88 passengers in upper aft fuselage, or the hold can take an additional 350 pax on a palletised seating system / {{cvt|150000|kg|0}}
|length m=69.1
|length m= 69.1
|length note=
|length note=
|span m=73.3
|span m= 73.3
|span note=
|span note=
|height m=21.08
|height m= 21.08
|height note=
|height note=
|wing area sqm=628
|wing area sqm= 628
|wing area note=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=8.6
|aspect ratio= 8.6
|airfoil=TsAGI Supercritical<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|airfoil= TsAGI Supercritical<ref name= "Selig">{{cite web |last1= Lednicer |first1= David |title= The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url= https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website= m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date= 16 April 2019 |archive-date= 26 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |url-status= live}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=181000
|empty weight kg= 181,000
|empty weight note=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=214000
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=maximum fuel weight
|gross weight note=<!-- maximum fuel weight -->
|max takeoff weight kg=402000
|max takeoff weight kg= 402,000
|max takeoff weight note=
|max takeoff weight note=
*'''Maximum landing weight:''' {{cvt|330000|kg|0}}
* '''Maximum landing weight:''' {{cvt|330000|kg|0}}
|fuel capacity={{cvt|348740|l|USgal impgal}}
|fuel capacity= 210,172 kg 463,343 lb {{cvt|262715.15|L|USgal impgal}}
|more general=
|more general=
<!-- Powerplant
<!-- Powerplant
-->
-->
|eng1 number=4
|eng1 number= 4
|eng1 name=[[Progress D-18T]]
|eng1 name= [[Progress D-18T]] (D-18 Series 4 on -150 models)
|eng1 type=high-bypass [[turbofan]] engines
|eng1 type= high-bypass [[turbofan]] engines
|eng1 kn=229
|eng1 kn= 229
|eng1 note=
|eng1 note=
<!-- Performance
<!-- Performance
-->
-->
|max speed kmh=
|max speed kmh=
|max speed note=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kmh=865
|cruise speed kmh= 865
|cruise speed note=max
|cruise speed note= max
:::{{cvt|800|-|850|km/h|mph kn}} at FL 328-394 ({{cvt|32800|-|39400|ft|0}} at regional pressure setting)
:::{{cvt|800|-|850|km/h|mph kn}} at FL 328-394 ({{cvt|32800|-|39400|ft|0}} at regional pressure setting)
*'''Approach speed:''' {{cvt|230|-|260|km/h|mph kn}}
*'''Approach speed:''' {{cvt|230|-|260|km/h|mph kn}}
Line 241: Line 241:
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=3700
|range km= 3,700
|range note=with max payload
|range note= with max payload
::::{{cvt|8400|km|mi nmi}} with {{cvt|80000|kg|0}} payload
::::{{cvt|8400|km|mi nmi}} with {{cvt|80000|kg|0}} payload
::::{{cvt|11500|km|mi nmi}} with {{cvt|40000|kg|0}} payload
::::{{cvt|11500|km|mi nmi}} with {{cvt|40000|kg|0}} payload
|combat range km=
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=14000
|ferry range km=14,000
|ferry range note=with max fuel and minimum payload
|ferry range note= with max fuel and minimum payload
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=12000
|ceiling m= 12,000
|ceiling note=max certified altitude
|ceiling note= max certified altitude
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
Line 257: Line 257:
|climb rate note=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=640.1
|wing loading kg/m2= 640.1
|wing loading note=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|thrust/weight=0.23
|thrust/weight= 0.23


|more performance=
|more performance=
Line 274: Line 274:
|related=
|related=
* [[Antonov An-225 Mriya]]
* [[Antonov An-225 Mriya]]
* [[Antonov AKS]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability as this design: -->
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability as this design: -->
* [[Airbus Beluga]]
* [[Airbus Beluga]]
Line 287: Line 286:


==References==
==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=5eMDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Antonov+An-225+Mriya&pg=RA1-PA58 |title= Heavy Lifters |publisher= Hearst Magazines |magazine= [[Popular Mechanics]] |first= John |last= Fricker |date= February 1990 |volume= 167 |number= 2 |issn= 0032-4558}}
* {{cite book |title= Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2006-07 |editor1-last= Jackson |editor1-first= Paul|year= 2005 |publisher= [[Janes Information Services|Jane's Publishing Group]] |location= London |isbn= 978-0-7106-2745-2 |edition= 97th |url=https://archive.org/details/janesallworldsai0000unse_y3n5/page/569 |url-access=registration |oclc=70112997}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* {{cite book|last=Yeltsov |first=Gennady |title=Antonov AN-124: A Tale of Air Supremacy|publisher=JustplanesUK |year=2011|isbn = 978-0-9569328-0-8}}
* {{cite book |last= Yeltsov |first= Gennady |title= Antonov AN-124: A Tale of Air Supremacy |publisher= JustplanesUK |year= 2011 |isbn= 978-0-9569328-0-8}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{external media
{{external media
|align=right
|float=right
|video1 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8K3s7Rgxu8&feature=player_embedded Company documentary video]
|video1 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8K3s7Rgxu8&feature=player_embedded Company documentary video]
}}
}}
{{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Official website|http://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-124-100-ruslan}}
* {{Official website|http://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-124-100-ruslan}}



Latest revision as of 11:27, 24 December 2024

An-124 Ruslan
An Antonov An-124 Ruslan in landing configuration
General information
TypeHeavy transport aircraft
National originSoviet Union
ManufacturerAntonov
DesignerAntonov
Built byAntonov Serial Production Plant
Aviastar-SP
StatusIn service
Primary usersRussian Aerospace Forces
Number built55[1]
History
Manufactured1982–2004
Introduction date1986
First flight24 December 1982[2]
Developed intoAntonov An-225

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan (Russian: Антонов Ан-124 Руслан; Ukrainian: Ан-124 Руслан, lit.'Ruslan'; NATO reporting name: Condor) is a large, strategic airlift, four-engined aircraft that was designed in the 1980s by the Antonov design bureau in the Ukrainian SSR of the Soviet Union (USSR). The An-124 is the world's second heaviest gross weight production cargo airplane and heaviest operating cargo aircraft, behind the destroyed one-off Antonov An-225 Mriya (a greatly enlarged design based on the An-124).[4] The An-124 remains the largest military transport aircraft in service.[5]

In 1971, design work commenced on the project, which was initially referred to as Izdeliye 400 (Product #400), at the Antonov Design Bureau in response to a shortage in heavy airlift capability within the Military Transport Aviation Command (Komandovaniye voyenno-transportnoy aviatsii or VTA) arm of the Soviet Air Forces. Two separate final assembly lines plants setup for the aircraft, one at Aviastar-SP (ex. Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex) in Ulyanovsk, Russia and the other was the Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT, in Ukraine. Assembly of the first aircraft begun in 1979; the An-124 (which was sometimes referred to as the An-40 in the West) performed its maiden flight on 24 December 1982. The type made its first appearance in the Western world at the 1985 Paris Air Show. Viktor Tolmachev was the Chief engineer of An-124 and An-225.[6] After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, commercial operations were quickly pursued for the An-124, leading to civil certification being obtained by Antonov on 30 December 1992. Various commercial operators opted to purchase the type, often acquiring refurbished ex-military airlifters or stored fuselages rather than new-build aircraft.

By July 2013, 26 An-124s were reportedly in commercial service while a further ten airlifters were on order.[7] During 2008, it was announced that Russia and Ukraine were to jointly resume production of the type. At one point, it looked as if Russia would order 20 new-build airlifters. However, in August 2014, it was reported that the planned resumption of manufacturing had been shelved due to the ongoing political tensions between Russia and Ukraine.[8] The sole remaining production facility is Russia's Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk.[citation needed] The various operators of the An-124 are in discussions with respect to the continuing airworthiness certification of the individual An-124 planes. The original designer of the An-124 is responsible for managing the certification process for its own products, but the Russia-Ukraine conflicts are making this process difficult to manage.[citation needed] In 2019, there were 26 An-124s in commercial service.

Development

[edit]

Background

[edit]

During the 1970s, the Military Transport Aviation Command (Komandovaniye voyenno-transportnoy aviatsii or VTA) arm of the Soviet Air Forces had a shortfall in strategic heavy airlift capacity. Its largest aircraft consisted of about 50 Antonov An-22 turboprops, which were used heavily for tactical roles. A declassified 1975 CIA analysis concluded that the USSR did "...not match the US in ability to provide long-range heavy lift support."[9] Soviet officials sought not only additional airlifters, a substantial increase in payload capacity was also desirable so that the same task could be completed with fewer trips.[10]

Polet Airlines An-124 cockpit

In 1971, design work on the project commenced at the Antonov Design Bureau; the lead designer of the An-124 (and the enlarged An-225 derivative) was Viktor Tolmachev.[11][12] During development, it was known as Izdeliye 400 (Product #400) in house, and An-40 in the West. The design produced broadly resembled the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, an American strategic airlifter, but also incorporated numerous improvements, the greater use of carbon-fibre composites in its construction (comprising around 5% of the aircraft's total weight) and the more extensive use of titanium being amongst these benefits. Aluminium alloys make up the primary material used in its construction, limited use of steel and titanium alloys were also made.[10] Unlike the C-5, it lacks a fully-pressurised cargo bay or the ability to receive fuel in-flight.[13]

In 1973, the construction of the necessary facilities to produce the new airlifter began. Two separate final assembly lines plants were established to produce the airlifter: the company Aviastar-SP (ex. Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex) in Ulyanovsk, Russia and by the Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT, in Ukraine. Furthermore, the programme used components, systems, and various other elements drawn from in excess of 100 factories across the Eastern world. In 1979, manufacturing activity on the first airframe began.[14]

On 24 December 1982, the type performed its maiden flight. Three years later, the An-124 made its first appearance in the Western world when an example was displayed at the 1985 Paris Air Show.[10] Following the fall of the Soviet Union, commercial operations of the An-124 became an increasingly important area of activity; to this end, civil certification was sought for the type by Antonov; this was issued on 30 December 1992.[15]

Post-Soviet developments

[edit]

Sales of the An-124 to various commercial operators proceeded throughout the 1990s and into the mid 2000s; many of these were former military aircraft that were refurbished by Antonov prior to delivery, or unfinished fuselages that had been preserved, rather than producing new-build aircraft.[16] During the early 2000s, the cargo operator Volga-Dnepr opted to upgrade its An-124 freighter fleet, these works included engine modifications to conform with chapter four noise regulations, various structural improvements that increased service life, and numerous avionics and systems changes to facilitate four person operations, reducing the crew needed from six or seven.[17]

During April 2008, it was announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to resume the production of the An-124 in the third quarter of 2008.[18] One month later, a new variant — the An-124-150 — was announced; it featured several improvements, including a maximum lift capacity of 150 tonnes.[19] However, in May 2009, Antonov's partner, the Russian United Aircraft Corporation announced it did not plan to produce any An-124s in the period 2009–2012.[20] During late 2009, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered production of the aircraft resumed; at this point, Russia was expected to procure 20 new-build An-124s.[21][22] In August 2014, Jane's reported that, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Yuri Slusar announced that production of the An-124 had been stopped as a consequence of the ongoing political tensions between Russia and Ukraine.[8]

In late 2017, multiple An-124s were upgraded by the Aviastar-SP plant in Ulyanovsk, Russia, three of which were reportedly scheduled to return to flight during the following year.[citation needed] As Russia–Ukraine relations continued to sour, Antonov begun to source new suppliers while also pushing to westernize the An-124.[17] During 2018, the American engine manufacturer GE Aviation was studying reengining it with CF6s for CargoLogicAir, a Volga-Dnepr subsidiary. It was believed that this would likely provide a range increase; as Volga-Dnepr Group operated 12 aircraft, the change would imply purchasing between 50 and 60 engines with spares.[17] The Russian engine specialist Aviadvigatel also indicated that a further development of its PD-14, which was intended for use on an upgraded model of the Russian-manufactured An-124, designated PD-35, generated 50% more power than the present Ukrainian Progress D-18T engines.[citation needed]

During January 2019, Antonov revealed its plans to restart production of the An-124 without support from Russia.[23]

Russian replacement design

[edit]

At MAKS Air Show in 2017, the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) announced its An-124-102 Slon (Elephant) design to replace the similar An-124-100. The design was detailed in January 2019 before wind tunnel testing scheduled for August–September. It is intended to be produced at the Aviastar-SP factory in Ulyanovsk. It should transport 150 t (330,000 lb) over 3,800 nmi (7,000 km) (up from 1,675 nmi, 3,102 km), or 180 t (400,000 lb) over 2,650 nmi (4,910 km) at 460 kn (850 km/h). The Russian MoD wants a range of 4,100 nmi (7,600 km) with five Sprut-SDM-1 light tanks, their 100 crew[clarification needed] and 300 armed soldiers.[24]

The planned An-124-102 is larger at 82.3 m (270 ft) long from 69 m (227 ft), with an 87–88 m (286–290 ft) span versus 73.3 m (240.5 ft) and 24.0 m (78.7 ft) high compared with 21.0 m (68.9 ft).[25] A new higher aspect ratio, composite wing and a 214–222 t (472,000–489,000 lb) airframe would allow a 490–500 t (1,080,000–1,100,000 lb) gross weight. It should be powered by Russian PD-35s developed for the CR929 widebody, producing 35 tf (77,000 lbf) up from 23 tf (51,000 lbf). Two fuselages are planned, one for Volga-Dnepr with a width of 5.3 m (17.4 ft) from the An-124's 4.4 m (14.4 ft), and one for the Russian MoD of 6.4 m (21 ft) wide to carry vehicles in two lines.[24]

On 5 November 2019, the TsAGI released pictures of a 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) long and 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) wide model, ahead of windtunnel testing.[26][27][28] On 26 March 2020, TsAGI released new pictures of a wind tunnel model, announcing that the researchers of the Institute had completed the first cycle of aerodynamic testing; the results confirmed the characteristics laid down during preliminary studies.[29]

Design

[edit]
An-124-100 kneeling with front ramp down (nose undercarriage retracted)
Kneeling detail
Not kneeling – nose gear extended

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a large, strategic airlift, four-engined aircraft. An aircraft with a similar role, it externally bears numerous similarities to the American Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, having a double fuselage to allow for a rear cargo door (on the lower fuselage) that can open in flight without affecting structural integrity, as well as the arrangement of flight control surfaces, such as the slats, flaps, and spoilers, resembling the layout of the C-5.[30][13] The An-124 has a slightly shorter fuselage, has a slightly greater wingspan, and is capable of carrying a 17 percent larger payload. In place of the C-5's T-tail, the An-124 is furnished with a conventional empennage, similar in design to that of the Boeing 747. The An-124 features a fly-by-wire control system.[31] This is a hybrid control system, as it also implements conventional mechanical controls for some aspects; these have been arranged in a manner that provides redundancy against the failure of a single hydraulic circuit.[10]

A single An-124 is capable of carrying up to 150 tonnes (150 long tons; 170 short tons) of cargo internally in a standard military configuration; it can also carry 88 passengers in an upper deck behind the wing centre section. The forward area of this upper deck is where the flight deck and the crew area accommodated; movement between the upper and lower decks is via a pair of foldable internal ladders.[10] The cargo compartment of the An-124 is 36×6.4×4.4 m (118×21×14 ft), ca. 20% larger than the main cargo compartment of the C-5 Galaxy, which is 36.91×5.79×4.09 m (121.1×19.0×13.4 ft). Largely due to the limited pressurisation of its main cargo compartment (24.6 kPa, 3.57 psi),[32][31] the airlifter has seldom been used to deploy paratroopers or to carry passengers, as they would typically require oxygen masks and cold-weather clothing in such conditions.[33] In comparison, the upper deck is fully pressurised.[10] The floor of the cargo deck is entirely composed of titanium, a measure that is usually prohibited by the material cost.[31] It is suitable for carrying almost any heavy vehicle, including multiple main battle tanks.[10]

The An-124 is powered by four Lotarev D-18 turbofan engines, each capable of generating up to 238–250 kN of thrust. To reduce the landing distance required, thrust reversers are present.[10] Pilots have stated that the airlifter is relatively light on the controls and is easy to handle for an aircraft of its size.[34] A pair of TA18-200-124 auxiliary power units (APUs) are accommodated within the main landing gear fairings.[10] As a consequence of the heat and blast effects produced by these APUs, some airports require pavement protection to be deployed.[35] The landing gear of the An-124 is outfitted with an oleo strut suspension system for its 24 wheels. This suspension has been calibrated to allow for landing on rough terrain and is able to kneel, which allows for easier loading and unloading via the front cargo door.[30][10] Other features intended to ease loading including an onboard overhead crane in the cargo deck, capable of lifting up to 30 tonnes, while items up to 120 tonnes can be winched on board.[36][10] Two separate radar units are typically present, one is intended for ground mapping and navigation purposes, while the other is for weather.[10]

Operational history

[edit]
An-124 during unloading of an Atlas V rocket main stage

During the 2000s, Germany headed an initiative to lease An-124s for NATO strategic airlift requirements. Two aircraft were leased from SALIS GmbH as a stopgap until the Airbus A400M became available.[37] Under NATO SALIS programme NAMSA is chartering six An-124-100 transport aircraft. According to the contract An-124-100s of Antonov Airlines and Volga-Dnepr are used within the limits of NATO SALIS programme to transport cargo by requests of 18 countries: Belgium, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Canada, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden. Two An-124-100s are constantly based on full-time charter in the Leipzig/Halle airport, but the contract specifies that if necessary, two more aircraft will be provided at six days' notice and another two at nine days' notice.[38] The aircraft proved extremely useful for NATO especially with operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.[39]

Mobile air traffic control tower loaded onto an An-124 to Haiti

United Launch Alliance (ULA) contracts the An-124 to transport the Atlas V launch vehicle from its facilities in Decatur, Alabama to Cape Canaveral. ULA also uses the An-124 to transport the Atlas V launch vehicle and Centaur upper stage from their manufacturing facility in Denver, Colorado to Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Base.[40] Two flights are required to transfer each launch vehicle (one for the Atlas V main booster stage and another for the Centaur upper stage).[41] It is also contracted by Space Systems Loral to transport satellites from Palo Alto, CA to the Arianespace spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana[42] and by SpaceX to transport payload fairings between their factory in Hawthorne, California and Cape Canaveral.[43]

By 2013, the An-124 had reportedly visited 768 airports in over 100 countries.[44]

By late 2020, three civil operators of the An-124 remained. Antonov Airlines with seven aircraft, Volga-Dnepr Airlines with 12, and Maximus Air Cargo with one. In November 2020, Volga-Dnepr reported that it was indefinitely grounding its fleet of An-124 aircraft to inspect the 60 engines (including spares) following the 13 November 2020 unconfined engine failure at Novosibirsk.[45] As of 29 December 2020, the first Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 was back in service.[46]

Significant activities

[edit]
The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle "Mystic" being loaded at Naval Air Station North Island, California, United States
  • In May 1987, an An-124 set a world record, covering the distance of 20,151 km (10,881 nmi) without refuelling.[47] The flight took 25 hours and 30 minutes; the takeoff weight was 455,000 kg.[citation needed]
  • In July 1985, an An-124 carried 171,219 kg (377,473 lb) of cargo to an altitude of 2,000 m (6,600 ft) and 170,000 kg to an altitude of 10,750 m (35,270 ft).[48]
  • In June 1994, an An-124 flew the first IE 201 Class diesel-electric locomotive from the General Motors Diesel works in London, Ontario, Canada to Dublin, Ireland for clearance testing and crew training, before subsequent units were delivered by ship.[49]
  • An An-124 was used to transport the Obelisk of Axum back to its native homeland of Ethiopia from Rome in April 2005.[50]
  • An An-124 was used to transport an EP-3E Aries II electronic intelligence aircraft from Hainan Island, China on 4 July 2001 following the Hainan Island incident.[citation needed]
  • An An-124 was used to transport the first Bombardier Movia-series railcar for the Delhi Metro on 26 February 2009.[51]
  • In July 2010, an An-124 was used to transport four 35-foot and three 21-foot skimmer boats from France to the US to assist with the clean-up of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.[52]
  • An An-124 was used in April 2011 to airlift a large Putzmeister concrete pump from Germany to Japan to help cool reactors damaged in the Fukushima nuclear accident.[53] The An-225 was used to transport an even larger Putzmeister concrete pump to Japan from the US.[54]
  • An An-124 was used in May 2018 to transport an 87,000 lb die tool from Eaton Rapids, Michigan, US to Nottingham, England to restart Ford F-150 production after a fire in the Eaton Rapids Magnesium Casting Facility.[55]
  • Several An-124s were used by the German Bundeswehr to airlift military equipment from Mazar-i-Sharif to Leipzig during the 2021 German troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among the equipment were two NH-90 helicopters.[56][57]
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, several An-124s were used to cargo masks and other medical equipment from China to foreign countries. For example, Terio International Inc. dispatched their first one on June 7, 2020 between Nanjing and Montréal, which was done as a direct flight.[58][59]
  • On 24 February 2022, an An-124 with registration number UR-82009 was confirmed to be destroyed by Russian artillery during the Battle of Antonov Airport, Kyiv.[60] Five other Ukrainian An-124s were diverted to Leipzig at the conclusion of their commercial flights.[61]
  • On 3 March 2023, an An-124 delivered 101 tons of humanitarian aid for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.[62][63]
  • On 9 June 2023, an An-124 was seized by Canadian government authorities at Toronto Pearson Airport. It had been stranded following closure of Canadian airspace to Russian air navigation.[64]

Variants

[edit]
Volga-Dnepr Antonov An-124-100M-150 with nose door open at MAKS 2005, Moscow – Zhukovskiy; Cubana de Aviación Ilyushin Il-96 in background
An-124 Ruslan
Strategic heavy airlift transport aircraft
An-124-100
Commercial transport aircraft
An-124-100M-150
Version with a payload increased to 150 tonnes (maximum take-off weight 420 tonnes), with uprated Lotarev D-18T series 4 engines; one An-124-100 converted[65]
An-124-102 Slon
Commercial transport version with an EFIS flight deck, developed by TsAGi
An-124-115M
Planned new variant with EFIS based on Rockwell Collins avionic parts
An-124-130
Proposed version
An-124-135
Variant with one seat in the rear and the rest of the cargo area (approx. 1,800 square feet) dedicated to freight
An-124-200
Proposed version with General Electric CF6-80C2 engines, each rated at 59,200 lbf (263 kN)
An-124-210
Joint proposal with Air Foyle to meet UK's Short Term Strategic Airlifter (STSA) requirement, with Rolls-Royce RB211-524H-T engines, each rated 60,600 lbf (264 kN) and Honeywell avionics—STSA competition abandoned in August 1999, reinstated, and won by the Boeing C-17A.
An-124-300
The -300 is planned variant with upgraded engines with higher thrust. Variant was ordered by the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2020.[66]

Operators

[edit]
224th Flight Unit An-124 inflight with two Sukhoi Su-27s of the Falcons of Russia at the 2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade

Military

[edit]
 Russia

Former military operators

[edit]
 Soviet Union

Civil

[edit]
A Volga-Dnepr An-124-100
AN-124 of Antonov Airlines at Long Beach Airport. Cargo: composite parts for Airbus A350 XWB.

As of late 2020, 20 An-124s were in commercial service.[12]

 Russia
 Ukraine
An-124 of Maximus Air Cargo at Brno–Tuřany Airport
 United Arab Emirates

Former civil operators

[edit]
 Libya
 Russia
 Soviet Union
  • Aeroflot Soviet Airlines – transferred to the Russian Aeroflot fleet
 United Kingdom
  • Air Foyle (in partnership with Antonov Design Bureau) – joint venture dissolved 2006
  • HeavyLift Cargo Airlines (in partnership with Volga-Dnepr Airlines) – ceased operations 2006
 Ukraine

Notable accidents

[edit]

As of June 2019, five accidents with An-124 hull losses have been recorded involving a total of 97 fatalities,[82][81] including:

  • On 13 October 1992, CCCP-82002, operated by Antonov Airlines crashed near Kyiv, Ukraine during flight testing, suffering nose cargo door failure during high-speed descent (part of test program) resulting in total loss of control. The airplane came down in a forest near Kyiv, killing eight of the nine crew on board.[83]
  • On 15 November 1993, RA-82071, operated by Aviastar Airlines crashed into a mountain at 11,000 feet (3,400 m) while in a holding pattern at Kerman, Iran. There were 17 fatalities.[84]
  • On 8 October 1996, RA-82069, owned by Aeroflot but operated by Ayaks Cargo, Operating as Aeroflot Flight 9981. crashed at San Francesco al Campo, Italy, while initiating a go-around after a low visibility approach on Turin Caselle airport's runway 36. There were four fatalities.[85]
  • On 6 December 1997, RA-82005, operated by the Russian Air Force, crashed in a residential area after take-off in Irkutsk, Russia. All 23 people on board and 49 people on the ground were killed.[86]
  • On 13 November 2020, the second engine of RA-82042, operated by Volga-Dnepr Airlines, suffered an uncontained engine failure after takeoff from Novosibirsk, Russia. Subsequently, after landing there, the aircraft suffered a runway excursion and the nose landing gear collapsed.[87] On 25 November, the airline voluntarily grounded its entire fleet of An-124 aircraft.[88] By 29 December, the first Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 was back in service.[46]

Specifications (An-124-100M)

[edit]
Three sides view
Payload–range diagram

Data from Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2006-07,[89] Volga-Dnepr[90]

General characteristics

  • Crew: Eight (pilot, copilot, navigator, chief flight engineer, electrical flight engineer, radio operator, two loadmasters)
  • Capacity: 88 passengers in upper aft fuselage, or the hold can take an additional 350 pax on a palletised seating system / 150,000 kg (330,693 lb)
  • Length: 69.1 m (226 ft 8 in)
  • Wingspan: 73.3 m (240 ft 6 in)
  • Height: 21.08 m (69 ft 2 in)
  • Wing area: 628 m2 (6,760 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 8.6
  • Airfoil: TsAGI Supercritical[91]
  • Empty weight: 181,000 kg (399,037 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 402,000 kg (886,258 lb) * Maximum landing weight: 330,000 kg (727,525 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 210,172 kg 463,343 lb 262,715.15 L (69,402.00 US gal; 57,789.25 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 4 × Progress D-18T (D-18 Series 4 on -150 models) high-bypass turbofan engines, 229 kN (51,000 lbf) thrust each

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 865 km/h (537 mph, 467 kn) max
800–850 km/h (500–530 mph; 430–460 kn) at FL 328-394 (32,800–39,400 ft (9,997–12,009 m) at regional pressure setting)
  • Approach speed: 230–260 km/h (140–160 mph; 120–140 kn)
  • Range: 3,700 km (2,300 mi, 2,000 nmi) with max payload
8,400 km (5,200 mi; 4,500 nmi) with 80,000 kg (176,370 lb) payload
11,500 km (7,100 mi; 6,200 nmi) with 40,000 kg (88,185 lb) payload
  • Ferry range: 14,000 km (8,700 mi, 7,600 nmi) with max fuel and minimum payload
  • Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,000 ft) max certified altitude
  • Wing loading: 640.1 kg/m2 (131.1 lb/sq ft)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.23
  • Take-off run (maximum take-off weight): 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
  • Landing roll (maximum landing weight): 900 m (3,000 ft)

See also

[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ "An-124 Production List". russianplanes.net (in Russian). Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2014.
  2. ^ "Era of Ruslan: 25 years" (Press release). Antonov. 24 December 2007. Archived from the original on 22 January 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2008.
  3. ^ "AN-124-100 Performance". Antonov. Archived from the original on 22 January 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  4. ^ Although the enlarged An-124-100M-150 version has a 7% higher payload than the operational Boeing 747-8F, the 747-8F has over two times the range at 5,050 mi (8,130 km) with a payload of 295,800 lb (134,200 kg) compared to the An-124-100M-150 at the same payload. The An-124-100M-150 is able to carry less than half the payload at the same range.[3]
  5. ^ Novichkov, Nikolai (2 December 2014). "Russia completes initial An-124 upgrade programme". janes.com. Archived from the original on 19 October 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
  6. ^ "Academician A. L. Kursanov celebrates his 80th birthday". Biologia Plantarum. 24 (4): 319–320. July 1982. doi:10.1007/bf02879473. ISSN 0006-3134. S2CID 13228733.
  7. ^ a b c d e "World Airliner Census". Flight International, 16–22 August 2013.
  8. ^ a b "UPDATE: Time called on An-124 production re-start". IHS Jane's Defence Industry. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  9. ^ "Trends in Soviet Military Programs" (PDF). Central Intelligence Agency. October 1976. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 May 2012. originally Top Secret
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "The Condor: A New Soviet Heavy Transport" (PDF). Central Intelligence Agency. 1986. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 May 2012. originally classified Secret
  11. ^ "Volga-Dnepr Group Celebrates 80th Birthday of Legendary Chief Designer of the An-124 and An-225 Transport Aircraft". Volga-dnepr.com. 24 December 1982. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018.
  12. ^ a b Villamizar, Helwing (26 December 2021). "Today in Aviation: Maiden Flight of the Antonov An-124". Airways Magazine. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  13. ^ a b Fricker 1990, pp. 57-78.
  14. ^ "Era of Ruslan: 25 years". Antonov. Archived from the original on 6 August 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  15. ^ E. Gordon, Antonov's Heavy Transports, Midland Publishing. [page needed]
  16. ^ Kurapov, Herman A. (April 2006). "Strategic Airlifters: a Comprehensive Comparison between the Boeing C-17 and the Antonov An-124-100". casr.ca. Archived from the original on 11 January 2009.
  17. ^ a b c Norris, Guy (10 October 2018). "Freighter Growth And Possible An-124 Reengining Boost CF6 Prospects". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  18. ^ "Ukraine, Russia to resume production of giant cargo planes". Forbes. Kyiv. Thomson Financial. 28 April 2008. Archived from the original on 30 August 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  19. ^ Taverna, Michael A. "Russia, Ukraine Near Deal on Relaunch of Modernized An-124". Berlin, Germany: Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 21 May 2011. Retrieved 16 August 2008.
  20. ^ Kingsley-Jones, Max (7 May 2009). "Superjet the biggest casualty as Russia slashes airliner output plans". Flightglobal. Archived from the original on 10 May 2009. Retrieved 9 May 2009.
  21. ^ Maternovsky, Dennis (24 December 2009). "Russia to Resume Making World's Largest Plane, Kommersant Says". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 19 October 2015.
  22. ^ "(Archived copy)". Archived from the original on 23 September 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  23. ^ "Antonov resumes the production of An-124 Ruslan without Russia". Airlinerwatch. 16 January 2019. Archived from the original on 18 November 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  24. ^ a b Karnozov, Vladimir (4 February 2019). "An-124 Ruslan Replacement Takes Shape". AIN online. Archived from the original on 6 February 2019. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  25. ^ "An-124 Ruslan (Condor) Large Cargo Aircraft". 12 May 2018.
  26. ^ Kaminski-Morrow, David (5 November 2019). "Windtunnel beckons for An-124 successor". Flightglobal. Archived from the original on 6 November 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  27. ^ "В ЦАГИ изготовлена аэродинамическая модель большегрузного транспортного самолета "Слон"". Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute. 5 November 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  28. ^ Rogoway, Tyler (5 November 2019). "Russia Shows Wind Tunnel Model Of An "Elephant" Airlifter Replacement For The An-124". The Drive. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  29. ^ "В ЦАГИ прошли испытания модели самолета "Слон" - Новости - Пресс-центр - ЦАГИ".
  30. ^ a b "Air Force Technology - Air Force Technology - An-124 Condor - Long Range Heavy Transport Aircraft". Archived from the original on 7 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  31. ^ a b c Fricker 1990, p. 78.
  32. ^ Antonov's Heavy Transports. Midland Publishing. [page needed]
  33. ^ Phillips, W. Scott (31 August 1999). "Fixed-Wing Aircraft". Federation of American Scientists Military Analysis Network. Archived from the original on 27 February 2006. Retrieved 22 February 2006.
  34. ^ "AVIATION Reports – 2000 – A00O0279". Transportation Safety Board of Canada. 31 July 2008. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 24 April 2012. The AN124 has been described by training personnel and pilots as being very easy to handle for an aircraft of its size. The AN124 tends to be very light on the controls
  35. ^ Nielsen, Erik. "Copenhagen Airport, Use of auxiliary power unit (APU)". Copenhagen Airport / Boeing. p. 6.5. Archived from the original on 9 May 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
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Bibliography

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Further reading

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