The Antonov AN-225 Mriya, the world's largest aircraft, was destroyed by Russian forces, Ukraine confirmed in a Tweet Saturday morning. The aircraft was parked on an airfield near Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, when it was attacked by the Russians. According to Ukroboronprom, the state defense company that manages Antonov, "One of the engines was dismantled for repairs and the plane wasn’t able to take off that day, although the appropriate commands were given." Although the aircraft was confirmed to be damaged by the Ukraine Minister of Foreign Affairs, the extent of the damage is currently unknown. However, satellite imagery and what appears to be drone footage circulating Twitter suggest that the aircraft was on fire, but this has not been verified.
In a separate statement, Ukroboronprom confirmed that the Antonov AN-225 Mriya will be restored, but stated that it will cost over three billion dollars and take over five years. The company plans to "Ensure that these costs are covered by the Russian Federation, which has caused intentional damage to Ukraine’s aviation and the air cargo sector."
The incident shocked the aviation community, as the AN-225 was very popular with aviation photographers and enthusiasts worldwide. Whenever the aircraft flew to an airport, there would always be groups of people waiting to see it, particularly because of how unique and rare it was. Aviation photographers and enthusiasts everywhere expressed their dismay at the destruction of the aircraft.
The AN-225 is the only aircraft of its type, powered by six turbofan engines and boasting a weight of over 600,000 pounds, as well as a 32-wheel landing gear. The Antonov aircraft also broke multiple records in the aviation world.
The loss of the Mriya will certainly hurt the aviation and transport industry, as the aircraft was able to transport cargo for 30 years through the air that no other airplane could ever carry. It helped deliver aid for relief efforts in various crises and events, most recently delivering supplies for COVID-19 related aid.
Jeju Air Black Box Flight Recorders Failed Minutes Before South Korean Plane Crash » Unruly Passenger Incident Leads to Operational Suspension, Potential Aircraft Seizure in Mozambique » Passengers Stuck for 4 Hours, Delayed, then Diverted in South Korean Pressurization Incident »
Comments (1)
Arnette
https://wixstats.com/?a=456&c=2366&s1=EN-support&ckmrdr=https://vinaligroup.hashnode.dev/enhancing-patient-care-through-integrated-practice-management-solutions Antonio Arias, Holistic Billing Services, 800-741-3655,
US
Add Your Comment
SHARE
TAGS
NEWS aviationukraineconflictukraine conflictantonovan225RECENTLY PUBLISHED
Jeju Air Black Box Flight Recorders Failed Minutes Before South Korean Plane Crash
The black boxes of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft that crashed several weeks ago in Muan, South Korea, stopped working during the last four minutes of the flight. The crash killed 179 of the 181 people onboard. Without the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, investigators now face a significant setback as they lack crucial information that promised to shed light on the incident.
NEWS
READ MORE »
4-Hour Flight Airborne for Nearly 8 Hours Following "Stabilizer Issues"
A Boeing 737-800 registered to UT Air made an emergency landing on January 7th. The flight, UT Air Flight 881, reportedly experienced "stabilizer issues" mid-flight, causing the aircraft to divert to Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO) 6 hours and 50 minutes after takeoff. None of the 173 passengers onboard were injured.
NEWS
READ MORE »
Unruly Passenger Incident Leads to Operational Suspension, Potential Aircraft Seizure in Mozambique
Airlink has suspended its flights to Nampula, Mozambique following a legal dispute initiated by two passengers who were removed from a flight for "unruly and threatening behavior." The claim by the passengers has led to an interim court order to seize three of Airlink’s aircraft, pending the outcome of the case.
NEWS
READ MORE »
