The story
The Antonov An-124 is the largest serially produced cargo aircraft ever built. Its nose swings up, its tail opens wide, and its landing gear kneels so locomotives, satellites, and 100-tonne generators can roll straight through. Fifty-seven were built, and the survivors still haul outsize cargo that nothing smaller can take.
In May 1987 an An-124 flew 20,151 km without refuelling, a world distance record at the time.
Quick answers
How do you identify a An-124 Ruslan?
High drooped wing, four engines, and 24 wheels under an immense fuselage. NATO calls it Condor. If the nose is tilted open and something huge is rolling out, you found it.
What does a An-124 Ruslan sound like?
Four D-18T high-bypass turbofans — a deep, oceanic rumble that arrives long before the airframe does.
How fast is the An-124 Ruslan?
Top speed is 467 kts.
How many passengers does the An-124 Ruslan carry?
Up to 88. A typical layout is 8 crew + up to 88 upper-deck passengers.
How far can the An-124 Ruslan fly?
Range is about 2,000 nmi (max payload).
How big is the An-124 Ruslan?
It is 226 ft 8 in long and 240 ft 6 in across the wings.
When did the An-124 Ruslan first fly?
Its first flight was in 1982.
How many An-124 Ruslans have been built?
57 built.
What do crews call the An-124 Ruslan?
Ruslan.
How rare is a An-124 Ruslan in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first An-124 Ruslan catch is worth 1,000 points.
