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The Antonov An-225 Mrya holds the record as the heaviest aircraft of all time, with a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tons. It was used to transport special sized cargo such as space shuttles and orbiters.
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The Airbus A380, known as the king of the skies, has a maximum takeoff weight of 560 tons. Despite its short production life, it remains a symbol of pushing the boundaries of aviation.
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The Boeing 747-8F is the largest freighter version of the Boeing 747 program, with a maximum takeoff weight of 447.7 tons. The airliner version, the Boeing 747-8, weighs slightly less at 443.6 tons.
Undoubtedly, aircraft of various shapes and sizes, a time-honoured engineering marvel, have managed to demonstrate the wonders of flight and have always amazed on a global scale. As creative innovation and modern engineering collide, aircraft manufacturers are constantly pushing the limits of how big, long and heavy new aircraft can be to redefine the wonders of air travel. .
From the smallest single-propeller engines to gigantic double-decker engines, everything has graced the skies of aviation, but perhaps more surprising is the heaviest airliner that constantly leaves people wondering how it can fly. It continues to exist. To give you a gauge of how heavy these aircraft are, here are the top five.
1 Antonov An-225 Mriya
With a maximum take-off weight of approximately 640 tons or 640,000 kilograms, the Antonov An-225 Mrya continues to hold the prestigious record of being the heaviest aircraft in history. Powered by six turbofan engines, this super-large aircraft was previously used to transport special-sized cargo such as space orbiters and the space shuttle.
After the Soviet space program was discontinued due to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Antonov An-225 Mrya was eventually used to transport large cargo for Antonov Airlines. Unfortunately, the only completed aircraft was destroyed last year after Russia invaded Ukraine, and despite Mr Antonov announcing a rebuilding plan last November, progress on the project remains stalled.
2 Airbus A380
Following a long way behind in second place is none other than the double-decker superjumbo jet, the Airbus A380. This four-engine aircraft of his is often praised as: king of the sky Due to its enormous size and incredible maximum carrying capacity of over 850 passengers, this aircraft is a true symbol of modern air travel, making it the world’s largest commercial airliner and also… ‘wonderful’ By the Federal Aviation Administration.
Photo: NYC Russ | Shutterstock
Given its enormous size, it’s no surprise that the Airbus A380 has a maximum takeoff weight of 560 tons or 560,000 kilograms. Despite such unique wonders, the superjumbo faced premature challenges that ultimately led to its premature discontinuation. But despite the aircraft’s incredibly short production life, the Airbus A380 remains a true symbol of pushing the limits of aviation.
3 Boeing 747-8F
as indisputable queen of the sky, the Boeing 747 jumbo jet certainly earned its place on this list, but rounding out the podium will be the last and largest cargo plane type ever designed. Known as the last expanded freighter version of the iconic Boeing 747 program, the 747-8F boasts a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 447.7 tons or approximately 447,700 kilograms.
Photo: Bradley Kathryn | Shutterstock
By comparison, the airliner version of the Boeing 747-8 has a slightly smaller maximum takeoff weight of approximately 443.6 tons or 443,600 kilograms and can carry more than 460 passengers in a typical three-class cabin configuration. Next, the Boeing 747-400ER is slightly behind with a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 412.7 tons or 412,770 kilograms.
Four Antonov An-124
The powerful fourth ranker is yet another Antonov aircraft, a four-engine cargo plane known as the Antonov An-124. In its early stages, this aircraft set several benchmarks for the Soviet Union during the Cold War by achieving world records such as the largest aircraft at the time and the heaviest commercial cargo transported by air.
Photo: George Photo | Shutterstock
And like the Boeing 747, this uniquely designed aircraft has gone through numerous versions, with the latest version, the AN-124-100M-150, boasting a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 402 tons or 402,000 kilograms, making it one of the world’s largest aircraft. It has become one. The world’s largest private cargo freighter.
Five Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy
Rounding out the final list of the top five heaviest airliners in the world is the giant military transport aircraft better known as the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. Considering the ability to transport oversized cargo, unlimited endurance with in-flight refueling, and other factors, this four-engine aircraft is extremely useful for heavy strategic airlift missions in the intercontinental range.
Through upgrades over the years, Lockheed Martin has modernized the C-5 Galaxy’s legacy and extended its service life beyond 2040 with the introduction of the C-5M Super Galaxy. The latest version, equipped with new engines and improved avionics, has increased its maximum takeoff weight to approximately 381.1 tons or approximately 381,100 kilograms, earning it a place on this list.
