The Russians have landed!

 

Prestwick 2nd August 2020 

Today most certainly showed that Prestwick can accept any aircraft of any size. The mightiest flying machine ever created arrived on Scottish soil and it certainly attracted a huge crowd during lockdown when social distancing was meant to be adhered to. There was no reason whatsoever that this was an event to miss for any aviation enthusiast. 

The plane in question was the Soviet built, and one of a kind, Antonov Airlines Antonov An-225 Mriya ('Mriya' means dream in Ukrainian). This mega plane was built in 1988 with the purpose of carrying the 'Buran',  the Soviet Space Programs space shuttle. Today it is used on major cargo carrying missions. After a major refurbishment and complete overhaul in 2019, the An-225 has been very much alive during the Covid-19 pandemic delivering PPE and medical supplies from China and other cargo across the globe. 

Specifications:

Crew: 6

Length: 84m

Wingspan: 88.4m

Height: 18.1m

Max Take Off Weight: 640,000kg

Fuel Capacity: 300,000kg with a range of 15,400km

Powerplant: 6x Progress D-18T Turbofans (229.5 kN of thrust each) (max speed: 850kph)

Landing gear: 32 wheels

UR-82060 An225 arriving at Prestwick Airport

The front cockpit section. The front nose will raise and the front wheel will crouch down to allow cargo in and out.

The Progress D-18T Turbofans and complex landing gear system.

The unique twin-tail boom at the rear provides stability.

The mound on the South side of the runway proved to be a popular place for watching.