Intro
Explore the giants of the skies! Discover the 5 largest planes ever built, featuring massive cargo aircraft like the Antonov An-225 Mriya and the Airbus A380, along with historic behemoths like the Hughes H-4 Hercules and the Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter. Learn about their impressive specs, capabilities, and records.
The world of aviation has seen its fair share of innovations and record-breakers over the years. From the tiny, single-engine planes of the early 20th century to the massive, wide-body jets of today, aircraft design has evolved significantly to meet the demands of a growing global population. Among these, there are a select few that stand out for their sheer size and scale. In this article, we will take a look at the 5 largest planes ever built, each with its unique characteristics and features.
1. Antonov An-225 Mriya
The Antonov An-225 Mriya, also known as the "Dream," is the largest plane ever built, with a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tons and a wingspan of 290 feet. Designed by the Soviet Union's Antonov Design Bureau, the An-225 was created to transport large and heavy cargo, such as spacecraft and rocket boosters. Its six turbofan engines produce a combined 229,000 pounds of thrust, making it one of the most powerful aircraft in the world.
Key Features of the Antonov An-225 Mriya
- Length: 275 feet 7 inches (84 meters)
- Wingspan: 290 feet 0 inches (88 meters)
- Height: 59 feet 1 inch (18 meters)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 640 tons
- Engines: 6 x ZMKB Progress D-18T turbofans
2. Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is the largest commercial airliner in service, with a maximum takeoff weight of 590 tons and a wingspan of 262 feet. Designed to carry up to 853 passengers in an all-economy class configuration, the A380 is a double-deck, wide-body jet that features a unique flying wing design. Its four Engine Alliance GP7200 or Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines produce a combined 240,000 pounds of thrust.
Key Features of the Airbus A380
- Length: 238 feet 7 inches (73 meters)
- Wingspan: 262 feet 0 inches (80 meters)
- Height: 79 feet 1 inch (24 meters)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 590 tons
- Engines: 4 x Engine Alliance GP7200 or Rolls-Royce Trent 900 turbofans
3. Boeing 747-8
The Boeing 747-8 is a wide-body commercial jet that is the latest variant of the iconic 747 Jumbo Jet. With a maximum takeoff weight of 440 tons and a wingspan of 195 feet, the 747-8 is designed to carry up to 660 passengers in a typical three-class configuration. Its four General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines produce a combined 134,000 pounds of thrust.
Key Features of the Boeing 747-8
- Length: 250 feet 2 inches (76 meters)
- Wingspan: 195 feet 8 inches (60 meters)
- Height: 63 feet 5 inches (19 meters)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 440 tons
- Engines: 4 x General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 turbofans
4. Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy
The Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy is a military transport aircraft that is designed to carry large and heavy cargo over long distances. With a maximum takeoff weight of 837,000 pounds and a wingspan of 222 feet, the C-5M is one of the largest military aircraft in the world. Its four General Electric TF39-GE-1C turbofans produce a combined 43,000 pounds of thrust.
Key Features of the Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy
- Length: 247 feet 10 inches (75 meters)
- Wingspan: 222 feet 9 inches (68 meters)
- Height: 65 feet 1 inch (20 meters)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 837,000 pounds
- Engines: 4 x General Electric TF39-GE-1C turbofans
5. Antonov An-124 Ruslan
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a large cargo aircraft that is designed to transport heavy and oversized cargo. With a maximum takeoff weight of 882,000 pounds and a wingspan of 226 feet, the An-124 is one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world. Its four ZMKB Progress D-18T turbofans produce a combined 229,000 pounds of thrust.
Key Features of the Antonov An-124 Ruslan
- Length: 226 feet 0 inches (69 meters)
- Wingspan: 226 feet 0 inches (69 meters)
- Height: 59 feet 1 inch (18 meters)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 882,000 pounds
- Engines: 4 x ZMKB Progress D-18T turbofans
Largest Planes Ever Built Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a fascinating look at the 5 largest planes ever built. Each of these aircraft has its unique features and capabilities, and they have all played important roles in shaping the aviation industry into what it is today. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the wonder of flight, these planes are sure to inspire and awe.