Modernized Antonov An-124 transport aircraft to start trials

A modernized version of the Antonov An-124-100 heavy transport aircraft will soon start trails according to Russia’s Aviastar aircraft plant. Designed by the Antonov design bureau, the An-124 is currently the largest transport aircraft with the exception of the Antonov An-225, of which only one exists.

The modernized An-124-100M-150 features several improvements, including:

• payload increased from 120 tons to 150 tons
• maximum take-off weight increased from 392 tons to 402 tons
• range increased to 5400 km with 120 tons payload
• service life of the aircraft increased to 24000 flight hours
• crew reduced from 6 to 4
• various other improvements

Even more upgraded An-124-200 and An-124-300 are now under proposal.

Plans also exist to restart production of the An-124 Ruslan. The aircraft has been very useful and in demand in many parts of the world, including the United States, other members of NATO and China.

Last december, NATO decided to continue chartering Antonov An-124 Ruslan planes for at least 2 more years. The Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS) program began in 2006 and makes up to 6 An-124 aircraft available.


Specifications An-124-100
Crew: 6
Length: 68.96 m
Wingspan: 73.3 m
Height: 20.78 m
Max. Payload: 120000 kg
Max. Takeoff Weight: 392000 kg
Cruise Speed: 800 to 850 km/h
Cruise Altitude: 11.6 km
Range: 7500 km (Payload 80 tons), 4800 km (Payload 120 tons)
Powerplant: 4 Ivchenko Progress D-18T turbofans, 229 kN (23430 Kgf) each


http://en.rian.ru/business/20130207/179283281/Upgraded-Ruslan-Heavy-Lifter-to-Start-Testing-Soon.html

By Staci Miller, U.S. Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Malyszkz [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons