A Ukrainian soldier walks past the wreckage of a cargo plane at the military airport in the town of Hostomel, on the outskirts of Kyiv, April 3, 2022.
Narciso Contreras | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
New images show the destruction of what was once the world’s largest cargo plane, the Antonov An-225, following the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
At 84 meters long and weighing 175 tons without fuel and cargo, the aircraft was the longest and heaviest operational aircraft in the world. It had a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tons. The plane was incredibly popular with flight enthusiasts and people would often visit airports to see scheduled arrivals and departures. It was also a symbol of national pride for Ukraine.
The unique plane, which made its maiden flight in 1988, was destroyed after Russian missiles attacked Hostomel airfield on the outskirts of Kyiv. It was destroyed on or about February 27, 2022.
Ukrainian forces regained control of the airfield on April 2 after a large-scale Russian retreat along the Kiev axis. It is unclear what will happen to the wreck.
The huge aircraft had six turbofan engines and a cruising speed of 800 km/h
It used to be used to transport military vehicles
Daniel Mihailescu | AFP | Getty Images
The plane was destroyed in its hangar at Hostomel airfield near Kyiv
Metin Aktas | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Russian shelling wiped out the plane
Metin Aktas | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
In 1988 it was used as part of the Soviet space shuttle program
Metin Aktas | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
In the past, the Antonov received many parts from Russian suppliers
Metin Aktas | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Boeing stepped in when the supply chain dried up in 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea
Metin Aktas | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
The aircraft’s wingspan of 88.4 meters was also the largest wingspan of any aircraft in service
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The number “225” can still be seen on the nose of the damaged aircraft
Metin Aktas | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Tanks surround the plane after its destruction
Metin Aktas | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images