Cargo Airplanes
Antonov An-70
ICAO: AN70
Overview
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is one of the largest cargo aircraft ever placed into production. Developed during the Cold War to transport oversized military equipment, it later became a vital tool for commercial heavy-lift missions around the globe, capable of carrying cargo that few other aircraft can handle.
Live Fleet Activity (A124)
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 4 × Ivchenko Progress D-18T turbofans
- Engine type
- Turbofan
- Thrust
- 4 × 51,600 lbf · 230 kN
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 88
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 21 ft 0 in · 6.40 m
- Cabin height
- 14 ft 5 in · 4.40 m
- Cabin length
- 118 ft 1 in · 36.00 m
- Exterior length
- 226 ft 8 in · 69.10 m
- Tail height
- 69 ft 2 in · 21.08 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 15 ft 5 in · 4.70 m
- Wing span
- 240 ft 6 in · 73.30 m
- Baggage volume
- 1,165 ft³ · 33.0 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 893,000 lb · 405,000 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 300,000 lb · 136,000 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 92,100 gal · 348,700 L · 279,000 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 467 kt · 537 mph · 865 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- 140 kt · 161 mph · 259 km/h
- Range
- 8,900 nm · 10,240 mi · 16,480 km
- Fuel burn
- 0.09 nm/gal · 0.04 km/L
- Ceiling
- 39,000 ft · 11,900 m
- Rate of climb
- 1,300 ft/min · 7 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- 9,850 ft · 3,000 m
- Landing distance
- 2,950 ft · 900 m
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Operational Context
Antonov An-124 Ruslan — the giant of strategic airlift
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan was developed in the Soviet Union during the 1970s as a strategic military transport designed to carry heavy and oversized cargo across intercontinental distances. First flown in 1982 and entering service in 1986, the aircraft was created to meet demanding airlift requirements, including the transport of armored vehicles, helicopters, and large industrial equipment.
Powered by four high-thrust turbofan engines, the An-124 features a high-mounted wing, a distinctive nose that can be raised for front loading, and a rear cargo ramp. Its spacious cargo hold and onboard crane systems allow it to load and unload large freight independently of ground equipment. With a maximum payload capacity of approximately 150 metric tons, it remains one of the most capable operational cargo aircraft in the world.
Following the end of the Cold War, the An-124 transitioned into commercial service, supporting global industries such as energy, aerospace, and heavy manufacturing. Operators have used it to transport satellites, aircraft components, generators, and humanitarian relief supplies to remote locations.
Although production numbers were limited, the Ruslan continues to serve in both military and civilian roles. Its combination of size, range, and lifting capability ensures that it remains a critical asset for missions that demand extreme airlift performance.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.