An-124 (Condor) Russian Heavy Transport Aircraft

The An-124 Russian Heavy Transport Aircraft is an outsize freighter. The prototype first flew on 24 December 1982 and the first production aircraft was exhibited at the 1985 Paris Air Show. Entered service in January 1986. The service life extension program was begun by Aviastar on the first of 17 Antonov Airlines and Volga-Dnepr aircraft in 2000. First, RA-82078 of Volga-Dnepr, redelivered on 14 March 2000. Life extension of military An-124s began on 6 October 2004 when RA-82032 was delivered to the Aviastar plant. The An-124 (Condor) Russian Heavy Transport Aircraft World's largest production aircraft; upward-hinged visor-type nose and rear fuselage ramp/door for simultaneous front and rear loading/unloading; titanium floor throughout constant-section main hold, which is lightly pressurized, with a fully pressurized cabin for passengers above; landing gear for operation from unprepared fields, hard packed snow and ice-covered swampland; steerable nosewheels and mainwheels permit turns on 45 m (148 ft) wide runway.