The largest fixed-wing aircrafts

May 21, 2023

MTOW stands for Maximum Takeoff Weight. It is the maximum weight at which an aircraft is certified to take off, including the aircraft’s structure, fuel, passengers, cargo, and any other items on board. Let’s take a look at the largest fixed-wing aircrafts by MTOW.

XB-70 - 246 t

The XB-70 Valkyrie is an experimental supersonic strategic bomber developed by the United States in the 1960s. It was designed to be a high-altitude, high-speed aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Although the XB-70 Valkyrie never entered operational service, it made significant contributions to supersonic flight research and technology development. Its advanced design and capabilities influenced subsequent aircraft designs, and it remains an iconic symbol of the Cold War-era aviation advancements.

Antonov An-22 - 250 t

The Antonov An-22 Antei is a heavy military transport aircraft developed by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It is the world’s largest turboprop-powered aircraft and has been in service since the 1960s. While the An-22 Antei is an impressive and capable aircraft, it has a relatively limited production run compared to other Antonov designs. Nonetheless, it has served as an important asset in heavy airlift operations and has demonstrated its ability to transport large and heavy cargo effectively.

Boeing Dreamlifter - 364 t

The Boeing Dreamlifter, officially known as the Boeing 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter (LCF), is a modified version of the Boeing 747-400 aircraft specifically designed to transport large and oversized cargo. It is operated by Boeing’s subsidiary, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and is used primarily for transporting major aircraft components, such as wings and fuselage sections, to Boeing assembly facilities.

Boeing 747 - 378 t

The Boeing 747, often referred to as the “Jumbo Jet,” is a wide-body commercial airliner that has been in service since the early 1970s. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable aircraft in aviation history. The Boeing 747 has been widely used by airlines around the world for long-haul flights and has played a significant role in shaping the aviation industry.

Antonov An-124 - 402 t

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a strategic airlift cargo aircraft designed by the Soviet Union’s Antonov Design Bureau. The An-124 Ruslan remains an important asset for heavy airlift operations globally, providing a critical capability for transporting oversized and heavy cargo. Its versatility, range, and cargo capacity make it a preferred choice for various challenging logistical requirements.

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy - 417 t

The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a large military transport aircraft built by Lockheed Martin. It is one of the largest military aircraft in the world and has been serving in the United States Air Force (USAF) since the late 1960s. The C-5 Galaxy has been a critical asset for the USAF, supporting a wide range of military operations, humanitarian missions, and strategic airlift needs.

Caspian Sea Monster - 544 t

The Caspian Sea Monster, also known as the Ekranoplan or the KM (Korabl Maket) aircraft, was an experimental Soviet ground effect vehicle (GEV) developed during the Cold War era. It was designed to fly at low altitudes over water, utilizing the ground effect, which is the aerodynamic phenomenon that occurs when an aircraft flies close to the surface, taking advantage of the increased lift and reduced drag.

Airbus A380 - 575 t

The Airbus A380 is a commercial passenger aircraft known for its distinctive double-deck design and immense size. It was developed by the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus and made its first flight in 2005. The A380 was designed to address the increasing demand for air travel and serve as a solution for congested airports.

Stratolaunch - 590 t

The Stratolaunch aircraft, officially known as the Stratolaunch Carrier Aircraft, is an impressive aircraft designed by Stratolaunch Systems Corporation. The Stratolaunch aircraft was designed to carry a rocket, positioned between its twin fuselages, to a designated launch point. Once reaching the desired altitude, the rocket would be released for ignition and further ascent into space.

Antonov An-225 Mriya - 640 t

The Antonov An-225 Mriya is a strategic airlift cargo aircraft designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in Ukraine. It is currently the largest operational aircraft in the world. The An-225 Mriya is a unique and specialized aircraft, and only one unit was ever built. It continues to be in service for specific heavy-lift transport requirements around the world.