The world's favorite aircraft, the AN-225, destroyed by Russians?

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Fri Feb 25, 2022

As yet some unconfirmed reports are suggesting that the world's favorite aircraft, the AN-225, has been destroyed as part of the ruthless and unprovoked invasion of Russian forces into Ukraine. However, other reports say the giant is safe but in Russian hands. READ: Thousands watching US spy planes and tankers The ANTONOV Company tweeted on February 26 that "We don't have accurate information about #AN225 Mriya. Now in Gostomel (it is the region where airfield base @AntonovAirlines) still fighting continues. According to the latest information (24.02.2022) the plane was intact. Wherever she flies the six-engine AN-225 draws tens of thousands of admirers. When the AN225 visited Perth Australia in 2016 over 35,000 people turned out to see the giant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX_W_rR5J6w&t=284s Aeronews published a dramatic video of the giant AN-225 landing in fog at Rzeszow in Poland last month/ The video was taken by Maciej Skop. READ: New weather analysis supports revolutionary WSPRnet MH370 tracking  READ: Qantas reactivates Project Sunrise for ultra-long-range nonstops READ: Emirates threatens to cancel 777-9s SEE: Magnificent drone photos of the AN225. https://twitter.com/i/status/1480186494061056002 In 2019 the An225's smaller sister the AN-124 performed a spectacular take-off from Adelaide Airport in very strong crosswinds. As the AN124, lifts off you can see the wind from the west push the aircraft off the centreline before the pilot kicks in rudder to counter the impact and get the aircraft back on track. Video credit: ssesprit The airline was established in 1989 and has a fleet of 13 cargo aircraft including the AN225, the world’s largest aircraft. The AN225 “Mriya” – was designed and built-in Ukraine and is/was (?) now operated by Kyiv-based Antonov Airlines.    

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