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The AN-225 Mriya, developed by Antonov Design Bureau, is considered the largest aircraft in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1.3 million pounds and a wingspan of 290 feet. The Hughes H-4 Hercules has a larger wingspan at 319 feet but a lower maximum takeoff weight. The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger aircraft, carrying up to 550 passengers. The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is the largest military aircraft with a wingspan of 222 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 840,000 pounds.
There are several ways in which the largest aircraft can be determined. Most registration agencies agree that the AN-225 Mriya, an aircraft developed by the Antonov Design Bureau, is the largest aircraft in the world. However, a few other craft are vying for the title, including the infamous Spruce Goose and the Airbus A380. It’s a bit difficult to trace an AN-225, since the aircraft was not mass-produced and is only used for special cargo, but the aircraft is still in active use, so most authorities consider giving it credit as the largest aircraft in the world.
The AN-225’s maximum takeoff weight is 1.3 million pounds (600,000 kilograms) and the aircraft has a wingspan of 290 feet (88 meters). The aircraft can be configured to carry a variety of cargo, including cargo mounted on the aircraft’s superstructure, as was the case with the space shuttles that were carried by the AN-225. As of 2008, only one AN-225 was in operation, although there were plans to refurbish a second aircraft.
In terms of wingspan, however, the AN-225 is overshadowed by the Spruce Goose, formally known as the Hughes H-4 Hercules, which measures 319 feet (97 meters). The Hughes H-4 Hercules is also the tallest aircraft on record, standing 79 feet (24 meters) high, and holds the records for largest wooden aircraft and largest seaplane. Maximum takeoff weight for this aircraft is significantly less than that of the AN-225, with the Spruce Goose exceeding 400,000 pounds (180,000 kilograms).
The Airbus A380, launched in 2005 by the Airbus company, is the largest passenger aircraft. It can carry 550 passengers, 50 more than the Boeing 747, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 1.23 million pounds (560,000 kilograms). In contrast, the Boeing 747 can take off with just 900,000 pounds (405,000 kilograms) and up to 500 passengers, depending on how the aircraft is configured. The 747 dominated passenger traffic for 30 years and was nicknamed the “Jumbo Jet” due to its formidable size and fame.
Militaries around the world also use very large aircraft to transport troops, cargo and equipment. The US-operated Lockheed C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft is the largest aircraft for military use, with a wingspan of 222 feet (67 meters) and a maximum takeoff weight of 840,000 pounds (381,000 kilograms).
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