Overview

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan and An-225 Mriya stand as milestones in aviation history-aircraft so vast they redefined the very limits of air transport. Born in the Cold War to meet strategic military and spaceflight demands, these Ukrainian-designed giants evolved into indispensable commercial and humanitarian lifelines. From carrying tanks and space shuttles to turbines and hospitals, their missions reshaped industries and expectations alike. This book traces their full story: from the engineering vision of Oleg Antonov and the test flights that broke over 200 world records, to the creation of international charter airlines, NATO's reliance on leased Ruslans, and the global outpouring of grief when Mriya was destroyed in 2022. Along the way, it examines the infrastructure, policies, and economies that grew around them, and the enduring shadow these giants cast on aviation and logistics. A definitive history, Antonov Giants combines narrative clarity with technical precision to show how a handful of aircraft came to carry the weight of nations and dreams alike.

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9781923593022

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