The Antonov An-225 Mriya (Ukrainian for ‘dream’ or ‘inspiration’) was a strategic airlift cargo aircraft designed and produced by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was originally developed during the 1980s as an enlarged derivative of the Antonov An-124 airlifter for the express purpose of transporting Buran-class orbiters. On 21 December 1988, the An-225 performed its maiden flight; only a single example was ever completed. With a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tonnes (705 short

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