One year after being destroyed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Antonov AN-225, the largest cargo aircraft in the world, has taken to the skies once again in Microsoft’s flight simulation program.
Microsoft’s flight simulation program brings the historic aircraft back to life in a virtual sky, CNN reported on March 2. All proceeds from the program will be sent to Antonov Company to help rebuild the actual aircraft. This program was previously upgraded in 2020, featuring surreal landscapes that blend digital elements with satellite imagery.
Antonov AN-225 in Microsoft flight simulation program. (Photo: Xbox).
In this program, pilots can explore the world, flying over 1.5 billion buildings, 2 million cities, and landing at over 37,000 airports. The simulation also utilizes real-time weather data, including wind speed and direction, temperature, lightning, humidity, and precipitation. Personalized equipment guides help pilots test their skills with a variety of aircraft, from light planes to commercial jets.
Known as Mriya (“dream” in Ukrainian), this 6-engine aircraft spans 84 meters in length and was produced in the 1980s to transport Soviet space shuttles, making it the only completed aircraft of its kind. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Antonov AN-225 took on the role of the largest cargo aircraft in the world, with a capacity double that of the Boeing 747. The aircraft has a wingspan of 88.4 meters, the longest of any operational aircraft. With a maximum payload of 250 tons, it is also the heaviest aircraft ever produced.
The Antonov AN-225 was destroyed at its base in Hostomel, near Kyiv, in February 2022. However, last November, manufacturers confirmed that the project to rebuild the aircraft has begun. Antonov Company estimates that they will need more than 532 million USD to get the aircraft flying again.
“The reconstruction of ‘Mriya’ is seen as an international project involving aviation businesses from various countries around the world,” said Antonov Company. “We are considering attracting investment from different sources and exploring proposals for participation in the project from various organizations.”
