Antonov An-124 Ruslan

2h ago · © Judge Dredd

Antonov An-124 Ruslan (UR-82007) of Antonov Airlines catching golden hour light during approach. One of the world’s largest and rarest cargo planes.

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Aircraft

An-124 Ruslan A124

Antonov Airlines (standard livery)

UR-82007

Registration

Airline

ADB

Antonov Design Bureau / Antonov Airlines

ADB / ADB

Manufacturer

Antonov

Gear

FUJIFILM X-S10 XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II

Achievements

Cargo King, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Golden Hour Glory, Airbus Aficionado

5 badges earned

Photo grade

Gold

Score: 91.0

Wonderful golden hour light on this Antonov; clean profile with dramatic clouds adds strong visual impact.

Location

Millstream Lookout

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport · SYD/YSSY

-33.9551, 151.1940

Open map

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport SYD

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Antonov An-124 is the world’s second largest production cargo aircraft and a vital heavy-lift transporter, used for outsized and humanitarian cargo globally. UR-82007 is one of few active An-124s still operated.

Fleet Rarity

Less than 30 An-124s are believed to be operational worldwide. Antonov Airlines operates a handful, making each one a rare sight.

Record Flights

The An-124 frequently breaks cargo records, including moving turbines, trains, and military equipment. While not as rare as the An-225, its services are reserved for unique missions.

Safety & Events

The An-124 fleet has had some notable incidents (engine failures, hard landings), but UR-82007 has not been involved in major accidents per public record.

Future Outlook

Active as of 2024, but fleet faces parts and maintenance challenges due to geopolitical issues and aging airframes.

Specifications

4 × Lotarev D-18T turbofan engines

Engine

73.3 meters

Wingspan

68.96 meters

Length

4,800 km (full payload), up to 15,000 km (ferry range)

Range

800 km/h

Speed

150,000 kg (cargo)

Capacity

405,000 kg

MTOW

20.78 meters

Height

229 kN (51,000 lbf) each

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3 (approx. 87–98 dB, varies by segment)

Noise