World's Largest Plane, Antonov AN-225, Compared to Other Aircraft After Russia Destroys It

The world's largest plane has been destroyed in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, officials from the latter have confirmed.

The revelation of the destruction of Antonov AN-225, a plane that enjoyed almost cult status amongst aviation fans and professionals, has sparked sadness and alarm, CNN reported.

The plane, also called "Mriya," Ukrainian for "dream," was destroyed at the Hostomel airfield by Kyiv, Ukraine's capital city.

On Twitter, Ukraine's official profile said: "The biggest plane in the world 'Mriya' (The Dream) was destroyed by Russian occupants on an airfield near Kyiv. We will rebuild the plane. We will fulfill our dream of a strong, free, and democratic Ukraine."

In reaction to the destruction of the plane, aviation and military aircraft enthusiast Laura, from the United Kingdom, took to Twitter to share an image of the plane taken at Manchester Airport.

In her image, the Antonov AN-225 sits next to a Ford van, showing the tremendous scale of the plane.

Antonov AN-225 was the only plane of its type in flight, though a second unit has been partially built.

It had the widest wingspan of any operational craft and held the record for heaviest aircraft, according to Simple Flying. But how did it compare to other aircraft?

How Did Antonov AN-225 Measure Up to Other Planes?

The six-engine Antonov AN-225 had a wingspan of 290 feet, longer than the Statue of Liberty is tall, and a length of 275 feet. It weighed 285 tonnes when empty, making it the world's largest cargo plane, according to Antonov.

Aircraft can be measured by a few different characteristics, including length wingspan, and weight. Currently, the largest passenger jet is the Airbus A380, which has a wingspan of almost 262 feet and a length of just under 240 feet.

When used in a single-class configuration, the largest passenger plane is capable of holding 840 passengers. But it is used in a three-class configuration, meaning it holds 555 passengers.

The Airbus A380, which has an empty weight of around 277 tonnes, has now been discontinued after just over 250 units were produced.

Airbus believes that this model of plane will remain in operation for the next two decades. According to Insider this is because of its high price tag of $445.6 million which has resulted in airlines being less than willing to put it into service.

In terms of length, the Boeing 747-8 actually tops the Airbus A380, measuring just over 250 feet. Its wingspan is smaller than that of the Airbus, however, at just under 225 feet.

In 2023, the Boeing 777X will enter service, coming in two versions: the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter of which is larger. This plane is longer than both the Boeing 747-8 and the Airbus A380, with a length of just under 252 feet, making it the longest passenger jet. It has a wingspan between the two earlier passenger jets, measuring 235 feet.

In terms of cargo planes, one of Antonov AN-225's nearest competitors in terms of size is Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.

The U.S. Air Force's largest airlifter, creators Lockheed Martin say that it can carry payloads greater distances than any other aircraft. The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is still more diminutive than the Antonov AN-225, having a wingspan of just under 223 feet and a length of around 248 feet.

Twitter user Muhammad Waseem also posted a picture of Ukraine's Antonov AN-225 showing how it dwarfed other aircraft.

Newsweek has contacted Antonov Company for comment.