After the Ruslan aircraft in 1985 and 1986 were exhibited at the traditional international Paris air show, it became clear how far Soviet designers had advanced in creating super-heavy liners.
Serial versions of this high-wing aircraft have 405 tons of takeoff weight and cruising speed of up to 850 km/h.
Ruslan aircraft, which are considered the largest representatives of military transport aviation around the world, were developed in the OKB im. Antonov in Ukraine. The maximum range of their flights is sixteen and a half thousand kilometers.
To provide the An-124 with the highest possible speed, the designers for the first time created a fairly thick swept wing with a flatter upper "shackle". Aerodynamic perfection, which is considered one of the main characteristics of this aircraft, is obtained through careful development of the tail fuselage, landing gear fairings and wing fairings.
Long-range heavy military and transport aircraft "Ruslan" were originally intended to transport troops, standard armored vehicles and weapons, as well asfor parachute landing of cargoes. They can transport ballistic missiles, tanks and other heavy military equipment.
Ruslan aircraft are made using not only the most advanced technologies, but also composite materials. The complex of equipment, on-board automatic control systems for the technical condition of systems, two auxiliary power plants, electric generators and turbopumps are designed to ensure autonomy during the operation of a high-wing aircraft.
A few words about engines
The engines that Ruslan aircraft are equipped with can be launched both separately and, if necessary, simultaneously. In addition to manual control, each of them is equipped with an electronic system, using which the crew is able to land in both automatic and semi-automatic modes even in very bad weather.
To reduce the loss of aerodynamics during balancing, the An-124 "Ruslan" aircraft is arranged on the rear CG range. For this, all the possibilities of modern automation and electronics were used.
With the help of automated loading of the steering wheel, friction during the operation of the elevator was practically removed. This allows the crew to accurately fix its predetermined trim position and pilot the entire flight with one hand.
The developers have paid great attention and convenience when transporting goods. Aircraft "Ruslan" quickly and convenientlyare loading. They can carry bridge structures and long trusses, small river boats and drilling equipment.
The cargo compartment of the An-124 is thirty-six and a half long and almost seven meters wide.
Self-propelled vehicles enter the front and unload through the rear hatches. For stationary cargo, a ten-ton overhead crane is used, which is available on board. Interestingly, when using such a system, the Ruslan cargo plane, as it were, performs squats, which experts jokingly call the “elephant dance.”
According to the tradition already established in the Antonov Design Bureau, the flight safety of the An-124 has become the most important task. Therefore, Ruslan aircraft have such power structures and propulsion systems that they can continue taking off if one engine fails, horizontal flight - two engines, and landing - without engine.
