Antonov 225

[Dawdler]

Spotted over Rugby 15 mins ago. heading ESE, but turning to port. First time for me.

[Torque Tonight]

I've seen it in the flesh once at Basrah airport several years ago. A truly impressive and in my opinion quite good looking aircraft. Absolutely unique - only one example built.

[NutLoose]

Out of East Mids carrying engines for RR apparently to Toulouse


http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff321/taylortony/EMA/AN225_zps89ba373c.jpg
http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff321/taylortony/EMA/AN225rear_zps27d95237.jpg
http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff321/taylortony/EMA/AN225retract_zpsb25e3c4f.jpg
http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff321/taylortony/EMA/AN225retractsmall_zps5103456d.jpg

[VP8]

Was going to Tolouse but did not pick up cargo. Only visited for refule and crewrest :cool:

[SpringHeeledJack]

VP8, how many (approx) are certified to fly said beast ? I'm assuming that the AN124 drivers etc are familiar with the cockpit, but perhaps not with the handling performance characteristics.


SHJ

[mog745x]

Surprised the old antonovs are permitted to fly over Europe with todays spotlight on the environment. Impresive aircraft but must be amongst the worst polluters of any aircraft!

[VP8]

IIRC there are only a few on the 225

Mog there are no probs with the Antonovs enviromentally, they are up to scratch with all noise and emissions regulations:suspect:

[Mechta]

Given that they don't need to carry Buran around any more, you would think there might be a considerable drag and weight saving achievable by removing the overwing pylons.

[M-ONGO]

Could be another one flying soon.

NEW Aircraft an-225 Mriya N2 looking for an Investor or Buyer (http://www.tampers.eu/NEW-Aircraft-an-225-Mriya-N2-looking-for-an-Investor-or-Buyer.html)

Seen her in Baku, nice aircraft.

[Burnie5204]

You'll probably be waiting some time - iirc they're still trying to find the money to restart the AN124 production line.

[John Farley]

Mechta

You are right of course about Buran but I guess it is not impossible for another outsize load to pop up.

[VP8]

2nd 225 deffo not for sale!!

Still in Gostomel hanger.............

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l288/ANTONOVMAN/GML%20AVIASVIT%2027SEP12/KIEVAVIASVITSEP12221_zps6813a00b.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/ANTONOVMAN/media/GML%20AVIASVIT%2027SEP12/KIEVAVIASVITSEP12221_zps6813a00b.jpg.html)

Guarded by ferocious security Cat!!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l288/ANTONOVMAN/GML%20AVIASVIT%2027SEP12/KIEVAVIASVITSEP12224.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/ANTONOVMAN/media/GML%20AVIASVIT%2027SEP12/KIEVAVIASVITSEP12224.jpg.html)

[M-ONGO]

Antonov AN-225 Mriya N2 for sale by Aircraft.tampers.eu from 2013 (http://www.aviatorsale.com/aix10231/)

https://www.globalplanesearch.com/warbirds/transport/?sort=price

Looks like they are looking for investment still.

[The Flying Pram]

As I recall reading, the AN225 was never intended for commercial use, and was only designed for transporting the Buran shuttle. The biggest problem (and expense) in making it a viable heavy hauler was getting the original military specification upgraded to meet international civil aviation requirements. Presumably, now this process has been done once, it would make it much easier to do the same with the other airframe linked above. However if money is tight (and considering the political situation in Ukraine at the moment), this could be a long way off!

[VP8]

Trust me MONGO the second 225 will never be built it's not a viable project and it definitely NOT for sale

That advert is fishing they are even trying to get bidders for that Caspian Sea Monster Ekranoplan!!!