What is the biggest aircraft in the world?

[Theis]

The USAF do also have C-17s...

[Hagar]

And the USAF has the C-5...

I don't think you would get much of a paylod in this C-5.


PS. Sorry. I couldn't resist it.

[C]

good old Clive. Our first computer was a Sinclair QL - put us off computers for another ten years!!!

[Bombardier101]

And the USAF has the C-5...

I remember... the C-5 Galaxy!

[Saratoga]

I have flown the C-5, it's a good bird.

I don't see the US buying Russian equipment, despite the fact some of their models are superior. However, I would be happy to see the USAF flying AN-225s. Not much use for them really in the USAF, their short field performance is non-existant (love that damn C-17!) and fully loaded even those six engines have trouble climbing. But that's to be expected with any large airplane I guess.

NASA I can see actually having use for it. That old American 747 is getting worn out, and is banned from operating above 25,000 feet. The AN-225 could carry the shuttle and everything to operate it easy. Not a bad idea really. Though probably not one that NASA is considering.

[marick626]

the antonov

the spruce goose is big but since its not flightworthie I think you cant say it is the biggest "airplane in the world" anymore.

[Saratoga]

Where is the Spruce Goose anyways? Never really heard what happened to it...

[Woodlouse2002]

Where is the Spruce Goose anyways? Never really heard what happened to it...

Florida someplace I think. Near the Queen Mary.

[Hagar]

Florida someplace I think. Near the Queen Mary.

The Queen Mary was permanently berthed at Long Beach, California the last time I looked. The Spruce Goose was in a special air-conditioned hangar beside her for many years but 1 month before I went there to see it someone moved it without telling me.
It's now at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
http://www.sprucegoose.org/

[Saratoga]

Hmm...might have to see if any of my flights take me out there with an overnight. Always wanted to see it in person.

[GWSimulations]

Yup AN-225 Ruslan, 6 engine pure genius cargo plane designed to carry the Russian Space Shuttle is the biggest.

It's actually Myria (not sure about spelling).

"Ruslan" was the smaller, 4 engined AN-124 on which it was based.

[Saratoga]

Oops. I thought they were both called the Ruslan and that the AN-225 had been given the nickname Myria (Russian for "dream").

[Hai Perso Coyone?]

Oops. I thought they were both called the Ruslan and that the AN-225 had been given the nickname Myria (Russian for "dream").

Mriya=Ukrainian for "Dream", close enough

[Saratoga]

Well my aircraft book made an oops then!

Thanks for the correction, will pencil that one in.