Antonov An-124 Ruslan

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The Antonov An-124 Ruslan (Template:Langx; Template:Langx; NATO reporting name: Condor) is a large, strategic airlift, four-engined aircraft that was designed in the 1980s by the Antonov design bureau in the Ukrainian SSR of the Soviet Union (USSR). The An-124 is the world's second heaviest gross weight production cargo airplane and heaviest operating cargo aircraft, behind the destroyed one-off Antonov An-225 Mriya (an enlarged derivative of the An-124).<ref>Although the enlarged An-124-100M-150 version has a 7% higher payload than the operational Boeing 747-8F, the 747-8F has over two times the range at Template:Cvt with a payload of Template:Cvt compared to the An-124-100M-150 at the same payload. The An-124-100M-150 is able to carry less than half the payload at the same range.<ref name= "100Perf">Template:Cite web</ref></ref> The An-124 remains the largest military transport aircraft in service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1971, design work commenced on the project, which was initially referred to as Izdeliye 400 (Product #400), at the Antonov Design Bureau in response to a shortage in heavy airlift capability within the Military Transport Aviation Command (Komandovaniye voyenno-transportnoy aviatsii or VTA) arm of the Soviet Air Forces. Two separate final assembly lines plants setup for the aircraft, one at Aviastar-SP (ex. Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex) in Ulyanovsk, Russia and the other was the Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT, in Ukraine. Assembly of the first aircraft begun in 1979; the An-124 (which was sometimes referred to as the An-40 in the West) performed its maiden flight on 24 December 1982. The type made its first appearance in the Western world at the 1985 Paris Air Show. Viktor Tolmachev was the Chief engineer of An-124 and An-225.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, commercial operations were quickly pursued for the An-124, leading to civil certification being obtained by Antonov on 30 December 1992. Various commercial operators opted to purchase the type, often acquiring refurbished ex-military airlifters or stored fuselages rather than new-build aircraft.

By July 2013, 26 An-124s were reportedly in commercial service while a further ten airlifters were on order.<ref name= "FI13">"World Airliner Census". Flight International, 16–22 August 2013.</ref> During 2008, it was announced that Russia and Ukraine were to jointly resume production of the type. At one point, it looked as if Russia would order 20 new-build airlifters. However, in August 2014, it was reported that the planned resumption of manufacturing had been shelved due to the political tensions between Russia and Ukraine.<ref name= janes_stop /> In 2019, there were 26 An-124s in commercial service.

Development

Background

During the 1970s, the Military Transport Aviation Command (Komandovaniye voyenno-transportnoy aviatsii or VTA) arm of the Soviet Air Forces had a shortfall in strategic heavy airlift capacity. Its largest aircraft consisted of about 50 Antonov An-22 turboprops, which were used heavily for tactical roles. A declassified 1975 CIA analysis concluded that the USSR did "...not match the US in ability to provide long-range heavy lift support."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Soviet officials sought not only additional airlifters, a substantial increase in payload capacity was also desirable so that the same task could be completed with fewer trips.<ref name="cia1986"/>

Polet Flight An-124 cockpit

In 1971, design work on the project commenced at the Antonov Design Bureau; the lead designer of the An-124 (and the enlarged An-225 derivative) was Viktor Tolmachev.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name= "helwing anniversary2021">Template:Cite web</ref> During development, it was known as Izdeliye 400 (Product #400) in house, and An-40 in the West. The design produced broadly resembled the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, an American strategic airlifter, but also incorporated numerous improvements, the greater use of carbon-fibre composites in its construction (comprising around 5% of the aircraft's total weight) and the more extensive use of titanium being amongst these benefits. Aluminium alloys make up the primary material used in its construction, limited use of steel and titanium alloys were also made.<ref name="cia1986"/> Unlike the C-5, it lacks a fully-pressurised cargo bay or the ability to receive fuel in-flight.<ref name= "Fricker 578">Fricker 1990, pp. 57-78.</ref>

In 1973, the construction of the necessary facilities to produce the new airlifter began. Two separate final assembly lines plants were established to produce the airlifter: the company Aviastar-SP (ex. Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex) in Ulyanovsk, Russia and by the Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT, in Ukraine. Furthermore, the programme used components, systems, and various other elements drawn from in excess of 100 factories across the Eastern world. In 1979, manufacturing activity on the first airframe began.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 24 December 1982, the type performed its maiden flight. Three years later, the An-124 made its first appearance in the Western world when an example was displayed at the 1985 Paris Air Show.<ref name="cia1986">Template:Cite web</ref> Following the fall of the Soviet Union, commercial operations of the An-124 became an increasingly important area of activity; to this end, civil certification was sought for the type by Antonov; this was issued on 30 December 1992.<ref>E. Gordon, Antonov's Heavy Transports, Midland Publishing. Template:Page needed</ref>

Post-Soviet developments

Sales of the An-124 to various commercial operators proceeded throughout the 1990s and into the mid 2000s; many of these were former military aircraft that were refurbished by Antonov prior to delivery, or unfinished fuselages that had been preserved, rather than producing new-build aircraft.<ref name= "kurapov costing">Template:Cite web</ref> During the early 2000s, the cargo operator Volga-Dnepr opted to upgrade its An-124 freighter fleet, these works included engine modifications to conform with chapter four noise regulations, various structural improvements that increased service life, and numerous avionics and systems changes to facilitate four person operations, reducing the crew needed from six or seven.<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 />

During April 2008, it was announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to resume the production of the An-124 in the third quarter of 2008.<ref name="to resume">Template:Cite news</ref> One month later, a new variant — the An-124-150 — was announced; it featured several improvements, including a maximum lift capacity of 150 tonnes.<ref name= "near">Template:Cite news</ref> However, in May 2009, Antonov's partner, the Russian United Aircraft Corporation announced it did not plan to produce any An-124s in the period 2009–2012.<ref name= "slash">Template:Cite news</ref> During late 2009, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered production of the aircraft resumed; at this point, Russia was expected to procure 20 new-build An-124s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In August 2014, Jane's reported that, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Yuri Slusar announced that production of the An-124 had been stopped as a consequence of the ongoing political tensions between Russia and Ukraine.<ref name= janes_stop>Template:Cite web</ref>

In late 2017, multiple An-124s were upgraded by the Aviastar-SP plant in Ulyanovsk, Russia, three of which were reportedly scheduled to return to flight during the following year.Template:Citation needed As Russia–Ukraine relations continued to sour, Antonov begun to source new suppliers while also pushing to westernize the An-124.<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 /> During 2018, the American engine manufacturer GE Aviation was studying reengining it with CF6s for CargoLogicAir, a Volga-Dnepr subsidiary. It was believed that this would likely provide a range increase; as Volga-Dnepr Group operated 12 aircraft, the change would imply purchasing between 50 and 60 engines with spares.<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018>Template:Cite news</ref> The Russian engine specialist Aviadvigatel also indicated that a further development of its PD-14, which was intended for use on an upgraded model of the Russian-manufactured An-124, designated PD-35, generated 50% more power than the present Ukrainian Progress D-18T engines.Template:Citation needed

During January 2019, Antonov revealed its plans to restart production of the An-124 without support from Russia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Russian replacement design

At MAKS Air Show in 2017, the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) announced its An-124-102 Slon (Elephant) design to replace the similar An-124-100. The design was detailed in January 2019 before wind tunnel testing scheduled for August–September. It is intended to be produced at the Aviastar-SP factory in Ulyanovsk. It should transport Template:Cvt over Template:Cvt (up from Template:Cvt), or Template:Cvt over Template:Cvt at Template:Cvt. The Russian MoD wants a range of Template:Cvt with five Sprut-SDM-1 light tanks and their 100 crew, or 300 armed soldiers.<ref name= AIN4feb2019 />

The planned An-124-102 is larger at 82.3 m (270 ft) long from Template:Cvt, with an Template:Cvt span versus Template:Cvt and Template:Cvt high compared with Template:Cvt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A new higher aspect ratio, composite wing and a Template:Cvt airframe would allow a Template:Cvt gross weight. It should be powered by Russian PD-35s developed for the CR929 widebody, producing Template:Cvt up from Template:Cvt. Two fuselages are planned, one for Volga-Dnepr with a width of Template:Cvt from the An-124's Template:Cvt, and one for the Russian MoD of Template:Cvt wide to carry vehicles in two lines.<ref name= AIN4feb2019>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 5 November 2019, the TsAGI released pictures of a Template:Cvt long and Template:Cvt wide model, ahead of windtunnel testing.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="thedrive2">Template:Cite web</ref> On 26 March 2020, TsAGI released new pictures of a wind tunnel model, announcing that the researchers of the Institute had completed the first cycle of aerodynamic testing; the results confirmed the characteristics laid down during preliminary studies.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Design

Template:Multiple image The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a large, strategic airlift, four-engined aircraft. An aircraft with a similar role, it externally bears numerous similarities to the American Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, having a double fuselage to allow for a rear cargo door (on the lower fuselage) that can open in flight without affecting structural integrity, as well as the arrangement of flight control surfaces, such as the slats, flaps, and spoilers, resembling the layout of the C-5.<ref name="radiobergen">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name= "Fricker 578"/> The An-124 has a slightly shorter fuselage, has a slightly greater wingspan, and is capable of carrying a 17 percent larger payload. In place of the C-5's T-tail, the An-124 is furnished with a conventional empennage, similar in design to that of the Boeing 747. The An-124 features a fly-by-wire control system.<ref name= "Fricker 58"/> This is a hybrid control system, as it also implements conventional mechanical controls for some aspects; these have been arranged in a manner that provides redundancy against the failure of a single hydraulic circuit.<ref name="cia1986"/>

A single An-124 is capable of carrying up to Template:Convert of cargo internally in a standard military configuration; it can also carry 88 passengers in an upper deck behind the wing centre section. The forward area of this upper deck is where the flight deck and the crew are accommodated; movement between the upper and lower decks is via a pair of foldable internal ladders.<ref name="cia1986"/> The cargo compartment of the An-124 is Template:Convert, ca. 20% larger than the main cargo compartment of the C-5 Galaxy, which is Template:Convert. Largely due to the limited pressurisation of its main cargo compartment (24.6 kPa, 3.57 psi),<ref>Antonov's Heavy Transports. Midland Publishing. Template:Page needed</ref><ref name= "Fricker 58">Fricker 1990, p. 78.</ref> the airlifter has seldom been used to deploy paratroopers or to carry passengers, as they would typically require oxygen masks and cold-weather clothing in such conditions.<ref name= "faslist">Template:Cite web</ref> In comparison, the upper deck is fully pressurised.<ref name="cia1986"/> The floor of the cargo deck is entirely composed of titanium, a measure that is usually prohibited by the material cost.<ref name= "Fricker 58"/> It is suitable for carrying almost any heavy vehicle, including multiple main battle tanks.<ref name="cia1986"/>

The An-124 is powered by four Lotarev D-18 turbofan engines, each capable of generating up to 238–250 kN of thrust. To reduce the landing distance required, thrust reversers are present.<ref name="cia1986"/> Pilots have stated that the airlifter is relatively light on the controls and is easy to handle for an aircraft of its size.<ref name= tsb1>Template:Cite web</ref> A pair of TA18-200-124 auxiliary power units (APUs) are accommodated within the main landing gear fairings.<ref name="cia1986"/> As a consequence of the heat and blast effects produced by these APUs, some airports require pavement protection to be deployed.<ref name= CPHapu>Template:Cite web</ref> The landing gear of the An-124 is outfitted with an oleo strut suspension system for its 24 wheels. This suspension has been calibrated to allow for landing on rough terrain and is able to kneel, which allows for easier loading and unloading via the front cargo door.<ref name= "radiobergen" /><ref name="cia1986"/> Other features intended to ease loading including an onboard overhead crane in the cargo deck, capable of lifting up to 30 tonnes, while items up to 120 tonnes can be winched on board.<ref name= "ruslantech">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="cia1986"/> Two separate radar units are typically present, one is intended for ground mapping and navigation purposes, while the other is for weather.<ref name="cia1986"/>

Operational history

An-124 during unloading of an Atlas V rocket main stage

During the 2000s, Germany headed an initiative to lease An-124s for NATO strategic airlift requirements. Two aircraft were leased from SALIS GmbH as a stopgap until the Airbus A400M became available.<ref name="nato">Template:Cite news</ref> Under NATO SALIS programme NAMSA is chartering six An-124-100 transport aircraft. According to the contract An-124-100s of Antonov Airlines and Volga-Dnepr are used within the limits of NATO SALIS programme to transport cargo by requests of 18 countries: Belgium, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Canada, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden. Two An-124-100s are constantly based on full-time charter in the Leipzig/Halle airport, but the contract specifies that if necessary, two more aircraft will be provided at six days' notice and another two at nine days' notice.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The aircraft proved extremely useful for NATO especially with operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mobile air traffic control tower loaded onto an An-124 to Haiti

United Launch Alliance (ULA) contracts the An-124 to transport the Atlas V launch vehicle from its facilities in Decatur, Alabama to Cape Canaveral. ULA also uses the An-124 to transport the Atlas V launch vehicle and Centaur upper stage from their manufacturing facility in Denver, Colorado to Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Base.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two flights are required to transfer each launch vehicle (one for the Atlas V main booster stage and another for the Centaur upper stage).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It is also contracted by Space Systems Loral to transport satellites from Palo Alto, CA to the Arianespace spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and by SpaceX to transport payload fairings between their factory in Hawthorne, California and Cape Canaveral.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

By 2013, the An-124 had reportedly visited 768 airports in over 100 countries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

By late 2020, three civil operators of the An-124 remained. Antonov Airlines with seven aircraft, Volga-Dnepr Airlines with 12, and Maximus Air Cargo with one. In November 2020, Volga-Dnepr reported that it was indefinitely grounding its fleet of An-124 aircraft to inspect the 60 engines (including spares) following the 13 November 2020 unconfined engine failure at Novosibirsk.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of 29 December 2020, the first Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 was back in service.<ref name= BackInService />

Significant activities

The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle "Mystic" being loaded at Naval Air Station North Island, California, United States

Variants

Volga-Dnepr Antonov An-124-100M-150 with nose door open at MAKS 2005, Moscow – Zhukovskiy; Cubana de Aviación Ilyushin Il-96 in background
An-124 Ruslan
Strategic heavy airlift transport aircraft
An-124-100
Commercial transport aircraft
An-124-100M-150
Version with a payload increased to 150 tonnes (maximum take-off weight 420 tonnes), with uprated Lotarev D-18T series 4 engines; one An-124-100 converted<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
An-124-102 Slon
Commercial transport version with an EFIS flight deck, developed by TsAGi
An-124-115M
Planned new variant with EFIS based on Rockwell Collins avionic parts
An-124-130
Proposed version
An-124-135
Variant with one seat in the rear and the rest of the cargo area (approx. 1,800 square feet) dedicated to freight
An-124-200
Proposed version with General Electric CF6-80C2 engines, each rated at 59,200 lbf (263 kN)
An-124-210
Joint proposal with Air Foyle to meet UK's Short Term Strategic Airlifter (STSA) requirement, with Rolls-Royce RB211-524H-T engines, each rated 60,600 lbf (264 kN) and Honeywell avionics—STSA competition abandoned in August 1999, reinstated, and won by the Boeing C-17A.
An-124-300
The -300 is planned variant with upgraded engines with higher thrust. Variant was ordered by the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
An-418
Proposed passenger version, to compete with Airbus A380, the project was canceled.

Operators

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224th Flight Unit An-124 inflight with two Sukhoi Su-27s of the Russian Falcons at the 2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade

Notable accidents

Template:As of, five accidents with An-124 hull losses have been recorded involving a total of 97 fatalities,<ref name= "ASN124-100">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name= ASN220619>Template:Cite web</ref> including:

Specifications (An-124-100M)

Three sides view
Payload–range diagram

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See also

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References

Citations

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Bibliography

Further reading

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