Mriya Again Soars

The An-225 Mriya (Dream) unique superheavy cargo plane has recently made the first of ten test flights as part of its certification test program, following which the aircraft is to be awarded a worldwide cargo transport certificate. This long-range air giant is unique in that it can be used to carry large-size and superheavy stores both inside the fuselage and in a piggyback configuration. For instance, the cargo hold can admit up to 80 motor vehicles. At the same time, the plane can transport items up to 70 meters long on external storage stations.

The An-225 made its maiden flight in December 1988, but test flights were suspended six years later for lack of funds. Meanwhile, the Antonov Research and Production Association press service told The Day that it had been approached by heavy equipment producers requesting help to transport 190-200 ton cargoes. This is why the Mriya was refurbished: it has been equipped with an air and land collision early-warning system, new radio equipment, and had the floor of its cargo hold reinforced.