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Video confirms the Antonov An-225 was destroyed in Ukraine war

Antonov An-225 destroyed
Antonov An-225 destroyed. Still image from a news report posted on Twitter March 4, 2022.

A news organization posted a video report on Twitter which confirms that the Antonov An-225 six-engine transport plane was destroyed.

There had been multiple reports from reliable sources indicating that the largest plane in the world had been destroyed February 24, the first day the war in Ukraine, but imagery was not available. A grainy satellite photo showed flames and smoke coming from its damaged hangar and a piece of the tail was visible. The aircraft was undergoing maintenance near the Antonov facilities at Hostomel Airport near Kyiv. One of its six engines was dismantled at the time so it was not possible to relocate the huge plane When Russia invaded Ukraine.

According to Wikipedia the Antonov An-225 Mriya held multiple records which included the heaviest aircraft ever built, and largest wingspan of any aircraft in operational service. Other records were weight and length of cargo and the capability to carry up to 640 tons (705 short tons).

Antonov An-225
Antonov An-225. Photo by Eduardo Salvatierra Aliojin. Posted on Antonov’s Facebook page in 2018.

Antonov began the process of building a second An-225 but it was never finished. Reports indicate it was about 60 to 70 percent complete the last time it was worked on in 2009.

Partially built An-225
Partially built An-225.

 

Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Gerald.

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