View source for Antonov An-124 Ruslan

{{Short description|Soviet large military transport aircraft}}
{{distinguish|Antonov An-24}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name= An-124 Ruslan
| image= Антонов Ан-124 9773054055093, Москва - Домодедово RP2297.jpg
| caption= A [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]] An-124 landing at [[Moscow Domodedovo Airport]]
| type= [[Military transport aircraft|Heavy transport aircraft]]
| national_origin= [[Soviet Union]]
| manufacturer= [[Antonov]]
| design_group= [[Antonov]]
| builder= [[Antonov Serial Production Plant]] <br />[[Aviastar-SP]]
| first_flight= 24 December 1982<ref name="Antonov24Dec2007">{{cite press release |date= 24 December 2007 |title= Era of Ruslan: 25 years |url= http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?news=antk-main%2Fnews_200712241.xml |url-status= dead |publisher= [[Antonov]] |archive-url= https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?news=antk-main/news_200712241.xml |archive-date= 22 January 2018 |access-date= 25 February 2008}}</ref>
| introduction= 1986
| retired= 
| status= In service
| primary_user= [[Russian Aerospace Forces]]
| more_users= [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]] <br />[[Antonov Airlines]]<!--limited to three "more users"! please don't add more-->
| produced= 1982–2004
| number_built= 57<ref name="list">{{cite web |title= An-124 Production List |url= https://www.airhistory.net/files/st/antonov_all_except_an2_an3.pdf |website= airhistory.net |access-date= 31 January 2025}}</ref>
| unit cost= US$70–100&nbsp;million<ref name= "kurapov costing"/>
| variants= 
| developed_into= [[Antonov An-225]]
}}

The '''Antonov An-124 Ruslan''' ({{Langx|ru|Антонов Ан-124 Руслан}}; {{langx|uk|Ан-124 Руслан||[[Ruslan (given name)|Ruslan]]}}; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''Condor''') is a large, [[strategic airlift]], [[Four-engined jet aircraft|four-engined aircraft]] that was designed in the 1980s by the [[Antonov]] design bureau in the [[Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic|Ukrainian SSR]] of the [[Soviet Union]] (USSR). The An-124 is the world's second heaviest [[aircraft gross weight|gross weight]] production cargo airplane and heaviest operating [[cargo aircraft]], behind the destroyed one-off [[Antonov An-225 Mriya]] (a greatly enlarged design based on the An-124).{{#tag:ref|Although the enlarged An-124-100M-150 version has a 7% higher payload than the operational [[Boeing 747-8F]], the 747-8F has over two times the range at {{cvt|5,050|mi}} with a payload of {{cvt|295,800|lb}} compared to the An-124-100M-150 at the same payload. The An-124-100M-150 is able to carry less than half the payload at the same range.<ref name= "100Perf">{{cite web|title= AN-124-100 Performance |url= http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-124-100-ruslan/an-124-100-performance|publisher= [[Antonov]]|access-date= 10 August 2013|url-status= bot: unknown|archive-url= https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-124-100-ruslan/an-124-100-performance|archive-date= 22 January 2018}}</ref>}} The An-124 remains the largest military transport aircraft in service.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.janes.com/article/46548/russia-completes-initial-an-124-upgrade-programme |title= Russia completes initial An-124 upgrade programme |last= Novichkov |first= Nikolai |work= janes.com |date= 2 December 2014 |access-date= 5 July 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151019042528/http://www.janes.com/article/46548/russia-completes-initial-an-124-upgrade-programme |archive-date = 19 October 2015}}</ref>

In 1971, design work commenced on the project, which was initially referred to as ''Izdeliye 400'' (''Product #400''), at the [[Antonov|Antonov Design Bureau]] in response to a shortage in heavy airlift capability within the [[Military Transport Aviation]] Command (''Komandovaniye voyenno-transportnoy aviatsii'' or VTA) arm of the [[Soviet Air Forces]]. Two separate final assembly lines plants setup for the aircraft, one at [[Aviastar-SP]] (ex. Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex) in [[Ulyanovsk]], [[Russia]] and the other was the [[Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT]], in Ukraine. Assembly of the first aircraft begun in 1979; the An-124 (which was sometimes referred to as the ''An-40'' in [[Western world#The Cold War|the West]]) performed its [[maiden flight]] on 24 December 1982. The type made its first appearance in the Western world at the 1985 [[Paris Air Show]]. Viktor Tolmachev was the Chief engineer of An-124 and An-225.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=July 1982 |title=Academician A. L. Kursanov celebrates his 80th birthday |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf02879473 |journal=Biologia Plantarum |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=319–320 |doi=10.1007/bf02879473 |s2cid=13228733 |issn=0006-3134|url-access=subscription }}</ref> After the dissolution of the [[Soviet Union]], commercial operations were quickly pursued for the An-124, leading to civil certification being obtained by Antonov on 30 December 1992. Various commercial operators opted to purchase the type, often acquiring refurbished ex-military airlifters or stored fuselages rather than new-build aircraft.

By July 2013, 26 An-124s were reportedly in commercial service while a further ten airlifters were on order.<ref name= "FI13">"World Airliner Census". [[Flight International]], 16–22 August 2013.</ref> During 2008, it was announced that Russia and Ukraine were to jointly resume production of the type. At one point, it looked as if Russia would order 20 new-build airlifters. However, in August 2014, it was reported that the planned resumption of manufacturing had been shelved due to the ongoing [[2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine|political tensions between Russia and Ukraine]].<ref name= janes_stop /> The sole remaining production facility is Russia's Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk.{{citation needed|date= November 2022}} The various operators of the An-124 are in discussions with respect to the continuing airworthiness certification of the individual An-124 planes. The original designer of the An-124 is responsible for managing the certification process for its own products, but the Russia-Ukraine conflicts are making this process difficult to manage.{{citation needed|date= November 2020}} In 2019, there were 26 An-124s in commercial service.<!-- Based on cited text in Operators section. -->

==Development==
===Background===
During the 1970s, the [[Military Transport Aviation]] Command (''Komandovaniye voyenno-transportnoy aviatsii'' or VTA) arm of the [[Soviet Air Forces]] had a shortfall in strategic heavy airlift capacity. Its largest aircraft consisted of about 50 [[Antonov An-22]] turboprops, which were used heavily for tactical roles. A declassified 1975 CIA analysis concluded that the USSR did "...not match the US in ability to provide long-range heavy lift support."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000283806/DOC_0000283806.pdf |title= Trends in Soviet Military Programs |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120531114623/http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000283806/DOC_0000283806.pdf |archive-date= 31 May 2012 |date= October 1976 |quote = originally Top Secret |publisher= [[Central Intelligence Agency]]}}</ref> Soviet officials sought not only additional airlifters, a substantial increase in payload capacity was also desirable so that the same task could be completed with fewer trips.<ref name="cia1986"/>

[[File:Polet Antonov An-124 cockpit Pashnin.jpg|thumb|[[Polet Flight]] An-124 cockpit]]
In 1971, design work on the project commenced at the [[Antonov|Antonov Design Bureau]]; the lead designer of the An-124 (and the enlarged [[Antonov An-225 Mriya|An-225]] derivative) was [[Viktor Tolmachev]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/press-center/news/3314/ |title= Volga-Dnepr Group Celebrates 80th Birthday of Legendary Chief Designer of the An-124 and An-225 Transport Aircraft |publisher= Volga-dnepr.com |date= 24 December 1982 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143257/http://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/press-center/news/3314/ |archive-date= 12 June 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref name= "helwing anniversary2021">{{cite web |last= Villamizar |first= Helwing |date= 26 December 2021 |title= Today in Aviation: Maiden Flight of the Antonov An-124 |url= https://airwaysmag.com/today-in-aviation/maiden-flight-antonov-an-124/ |access-date= 28 February 2022 |website= Airways Magazine |language= en-US}}</ref> During development, it was known as ''Izdeliye 400'' (''Product #400'') in house, and ''An-40'' in [[Western world#The Cold War|the West]]. The design produced broadly resembled the [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy]], an American strategic airlifter, but also incorporated numerous improvements, the greater use of [[carbon-fibre]] [[Composite material|composite]]s in its construction (comprising around 5% of the aircraft's total weight) and the more extensive use of [[titanium]] being amongst these benefits. [[Aluminium]] [[alloy]]s make up the primary material used in its construction, limited use of [[steel]] and titanium alloys were also made.<ref name="cia1986"/> Unlike the C-5, it lacks a fully-pressurised cargo bay or the ability to [[inflight refuelling|receive fuel in-flight]].<ref name= "Fricker 578">Fricker 1990, pp. 57-78.</ref>

In 1973, the construction of the necessary facilities to produce the new airlifter began. Two separate final assembly lines plants were established to produce the airlifter: the company [[Aviastar-SP]] (ex. Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex) in [[Ulyanovsk]], [[Russia]] and by the [[Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT]], in Ukraine. Furthermore, the programme used components, systems, and various other elements drawn from in excess of 100 factories across the Eastern world. In 1979, manufacturing activity on the first airframe began.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?mask=200712 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110806162132/http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?mask=200712 |archive-date=2011-08-06|title= Era of Ruslan: 25 years |publisher= Antonov |access-date= 6 November 2011}}</ref>

On 24 December 1982, the type performed its [[maiden flight]]. Three years later, the An-124 made its first appearance in the Western world when an example was displayed at the 1985 [[Paris Air Show]].<ref name="cia1986">{{cite web |url= http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000499612/DOC_0000499612.pdf |title= The Condor: A New Soviet Heavy Transport |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120531114701/http://www.foia.cia.gov/docs/DOC_0000499612/DOC_0000499612.pdf |archive-date= 31 May 2012 |quote= originally classified Secret |date= 1986 |publisher= Central Intelligence Agency}}</ref> Following the fall of the [[Soviet Union]], commercial operations of the An-124 became an increasingly important area of activity; to this end, civil certification was sought for the type by Antonov; this was issued on 30 December 1992.<ref>E. Gordon, ''Antonov's Heavy Transports'', Midland Publishing. {{page needed|date=November 2022}}</ref>

===Post-Soviet developments===
Sales of the An-124 to various commercial operators proceeded throughout the 1990s and into the mid 2000s; many of these were former military aircraft that were refurbished by Antonov prior to delivery, or unfinished fuselages that had been preserved, rather than producing new-build aircraft.<ref name= "kurapov costing">{{cite web |url= http://www.casr.ca/id-antonov-costs.htm |title= Strategic Airlifters: a Comprehensive Comparison between the Boeing C-17 and the Antonov An-124-100 |first= Herman A. |last= Kurapov |publisher= casr.ca |date= April 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090111014326/http://www.casr.ca/id-antonov-costs.htm |archive-date= 11 January 2009}}</ref> During the early 2000s, the cargo operator [[Volga-Dnepr]] opted to upgrade its An-124 freighter fleet, these works included engine modifications to conform with chapter four [[aircraft noise|noise]] regulations, various structural improvements that increased service life, and numerous avionics and systems changes to facilitate four person operations, reducing the crew needed from six or seven.<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 />

During April 2008, it was announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to resume the production of the An-124 in the third quarter of 2008.<ref name="to resume">{{cite news |title= Ukraine, Russia to resume production of giant cargo planes |url= https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/28/afx4941659.html |access-date= 28 April 2008 |work= [[Forbes]] |agency= [[Thomson Financial]] |date= 28 April 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080830060946/http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/28/afx4941659.html |archive-date= 30 August 2008 |location= Kyiv}}</ref> One month later, a new variant — the An-124-150 — was announced; it featured several improvements, including a maximum lift capacity of 150 [[tonne]]s.<ref name= "near">{{cite news |last1= Taverna |first1= Michael A. |title= Russia, Ukraine Near Deal on Relaunch of Modernized An-124 |url= http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_airshow.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/AN05298.xml&show=ila08b |access-date= 16 August 2008 |publisher= [[Aviation Week]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110521061729/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_airshow.jsp?channel=busav&id=news%2FAN05298.xml&show=ila08b |archive-date= 21 May 2011 |location= Berlin, Germany |url-status= dead}}</ref> However, in May 2009, Antonov's partner, the Russian [[United Aircraft Corporation]] announced it did not plan to produce any An-124s in the period 2009–2012.<ref name= "slash">{{cite news |last= Kingsley-Jones |first= Max |title= Superjet the biggest casualty as Russia slashes airliner output plans |publisher= [[Flightglobal]] |date= 7 May 2009 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/05/07/326086/superjet-the-biggest-casualty-as-russia-slashes-airliner-output.html |access-date= 9 May 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090510012447/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/05/07/326086/superjet-the-biggest-casualty-as-russia-slashes-airliner-output.html |archive-date= 10 May 2009}}</ref> During late 2009, Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] ordered production of the aircraft resumed; at this point, Russia was expected to procure 20 new-build An-124s.<ref>{{cite web |last= Maternovsky |first= Dennis |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0f9JETD2xHw |title= Russia to Resume Making World's Largest Plane, Kommersant Says |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151019042528/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0f9JETD2xHw |archive-date= 19 October 2015 |publisher= Bloomberg |date= 24 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ruaviation.com/docs/3/2011/3/18/26/print/ |title = (Archived copy) |access-date= 6 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140923081205/http://www.ruaviation.com/docs/3/2011/3/18/26/print |archive-date= 23 September 2014 |url-status= live}}</ref> In August 2014, [[Jane's]] reported that, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Yuri Slusar announced that production of the An-124 had been stopped as a consequence of the ongoing [[Russo-Ukrainian War|political tensions between Russia and Ukraine]].<ref name= janes_stop>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150528061607/http://www.janes.com/article/42194/update-time-called-on-an-124-production-re-start |url= http://www.janes.com/article/42194/update-time-called-on-an-124-production-re-start |archive-date=2015-05-28|title= UPDATE: Time called on An-124 production re-start |publisher= IHS Jane's Defence Industry |access-date= 5 May 2015}}</ref>

In late 2017, multiple An-124s were upgraded by the [[Aviastar-SP]] plant in [[Ulyanovsk]], Russia, three of which were reportedly scheduled to return to flight during the following year.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} As [[Russia–Ukraine relations]] continued to sour, Antonov begun to source new suppliers while also pushing to [[westernize]] the An-124.<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 /> During 2018, the American engine manufacturer [[GE Aviation]] was studying [[Re-engine|reengining]] it with [[CF6]]s for [[CargoLogicAir]], a Volga-Dnepr subsidiary.<!--<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018 />--> It was believed that this would likely provide a [[range (aeronautics)|range]] increase; as Volga-Dnepr Group operated 12 aircraft, the change would imply purchasing between 50 and 60 engines with [[spare part|spares]].<ref name=AvWeek10oct2018>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/propulsion/freighter-growth-and-possible-124-reengining-boost-cf6-prospects#comment-1081811 |title= Freighter Growth And Possible An-124 Reengining Boost CF6 Prospects |date= 10 October 2018 |first= Guy |last= Norris |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref> The Russian engine specialist [[Aviadvigatel PD-14|Aviadvigatel]] also indicated that a further development of its PD-14, which was intended for use on an upgraded model of the Russian-manufactured An-124, designated PD-35, generated 50% more power than the present Ukrainian [[Progress D-18T]] engines.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

During January 2019, Antonov revealed its plans to restart production of the An-124 without support from Russia.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://airlinerwatch.com/antonov-resumes-the-production-of-an-124-ruslan-without-russia/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191118162536/https://airlinerwatch.com/antonov-resumes-the-production-of-an-124-ruslan-without-russia/ |url-status= dead |archive-date= 18 November 2019 |title=Antonov resumes the production of An-124 Ruslan without Russia |date= 16 January 2019 |website= Airlinerwatch |access-date= 16 January 2019}}</ref>

===Russian replacement design===
At [[MAKS Air Show]] in 2017, the [[Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute]] (TsAGI) announced its An-124-102 [[Slon (aircraft)|Slon]] (Elephant) design to replace the similar An-124-100. The design was detailed in January 2019 before [[wind tunnel]] testing scheduled for August–September.<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> It is intended to be produced at the [[Aviastar-SP]] factory in Ulyanovsk.<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> It should transport {{cvt|150|t|lb}} over {{cvt|3,800|nmi|km}} (up from {{cvt|1,675|nmi|km||disp=comma}}), or {{cvt|180|t|lb}} over {{cvt|2,650|nmi|km}} at {{cvt|460|kn|km/h}}.<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> The [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Russian MoD]] wants a range of {{cvt|4,100|nmi|km}} with five [[2S25 Sprut-SD|Sprut-SDM-1]] light tanks and their 100 crew, or 300 armed soldiers.<ref name= AIN4feb2019 />

The planned An-124-102 is larger at 82.3&nbsp;m (270&nbsp;ft) long from {{cvt|227|ft|order=flip}}, with an {{cvt|286-290|ft|order=flip}} span versus {{cvt|240.5|ft|order=flip}} and {{cvt|78.7|ft|order=flip}} high compared with {{cvt|68.9|ft|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2018/05/13/an-124-ruslan-condor-large-cargo-aircraft/ |title= An-124 Ruslan (Condor) Large Cargo Aircraft |date= 12 May 2018}}</ref> A new higher [[aspect ratio (wing)|aspect ratio]], composite wing and a {{cvt|214-222|t|lb}} airframe would allow a {{cvt|490-500|t|lb}} [[Maximum takeoff weight|gross weight]].<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> It should be powered by Russian [[Aviadvigatel PD-35|PD-35s]] developed for the [[CR929]] widebody, producing {{cvt|35|tf|lbf}} up from {{cvt|23|tf|lbf}}.<!--ref name= AIN4feb2019--> Two fuselages are planned, one for Volga-Dnepr with a width of {{cvt|17.4|ft|m|order=flip}} from the An-124's {{cvt|14.4|ft|m|order=flip}}, and one for the Russian MoD of {{cvt|21|ft|m|order=flip}} wide to carry vehicles in two lines.<ref name= AIN4feb2019>{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-02-04/124-ruslan-replacement-takes-shape |title= An-124 Ruslan Replacement Takes Shape |first= Vladimir |last= Karnozov |date= 4 February 2019 |work= AIN online |access-date= 5 February 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190206131830/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-02-04/124-ruslan-replacement-takes-shape |archive-date= 6 February 2019 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>

On 5 November 2019, the TsAGI released pictures of a {{cvt|1.63|m}} long and {{cvt|1.75|m}} wide model, ahead of [[windtunnel]] testing.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-windtunnel-beckons-for-an-124-successor-462006/ |title= Windtunnel beckons for An-124 successor |date= 5 November 2019 |first= David |last= Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 6 November 2019 |archive-date= 6 November 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191106162457/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-windtunnel-beckons-for-an-124-successor-462006/ |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tsagi.ru/pressroom/news/4582/ |title= В ЦАГИ изготовлена аэродинамическая модель большегрузного транспортного самолета "Слон" |publisher= [[Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute]] |date= 5 November 2019 |access-date= 6 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="thedrive2">{{cite web |last= Rogoway |first= Tyler |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/30852/russia-shows-wind-tunnel-model-of-an-elephant-airlifter-replacement-for-the-an-124 |title= Russia Shows Wind Tunnel Model Of An "Elephant" Airlifter Replacement For The An-124 |website= The Drive |date= 5 November 2019|access-date= 6 November 2019}}</ref> On 26 March 2020, TsAGI released new pictures of a wind tunnel model, announcing that the researchers of the Institute had completed the first cycle of aerodynamic testing; the results confirmed the characteristics laid down during preliminary studies.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tsagi.ru/pressroom/news/4781/ |title= В ЦАГИ прошли испытания модели самолета "Слон" - Новости - Пресс-центр - ЦАГИ}}</ref>

==Design==
{{multiple image
| align    = right
| direction= vertical
| image1   = AN124RampDown.JPG
| width1   = 200
| caption1 = An-124-100 kneeling with front ramp down (nose undercarriage retracted)
| image2   = Forward ramp.jpg
| width2   = 200
| caption2 = Kneeling detail
| image3   = Nose gear up.jpg
| width3   = 200
| caption3 = Not kneeling – nose gear extended
}}
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a large, [[strategic airlift]], [[Four-engined jet aircraft|four-engined aircraft]]. An aircraft with a similar role, it externally bears numerous similarities to the American [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy]], having a double fuselage to allow for a rear cargo door (on the lower fuselage) that can open in flight without affecting [[structural integrity]], as well as the arrangement of flight control surfaces, such as the [[Leading-edge slat|slat]]s, [[Flap (aeronautics)|flaps]], and [[Spoiler (aeronautics)|spoilers]], resembling the layout of the C-5.<ref name="radiobergen">{{cite web |url= http://www.radiobergen.org/russia/antonov.htm |title= Air Force Technology - Air Force Technology - An-124 Condor - Long Range Heavy Transport Aircraft |access-date= 6 February 2015 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150207032458/http://www.radiobergen.org/russia/antonov.htm |archive-date= 7 February 2015}}</ref><ref name= "Fricker 578"/> The An-124 has a slightly shorter fuselage, has a slightly greater wingspan, and is capable of carrying a 17 percent larger payload. In place of the C-5's [[T-tail]], the An-124 is furnished with a conventional [[empennage]], similar in design to that of the [[Boeing 747]].  The An-124 features a [[fly-by-wire]] control system.<ref name= "Fricker 58"/> This is a hybrid control system, as it also implements conventional mechanical controls for some aspects; these have been arranged in a manner that provides redundancy against the failure of a single [[hydraulics|hydraulic]] circuit.<ref name="cia1986"/>

A single An-124 is capable of carrying up to {{convert|150|t}} of cargo internally in a standard military configuration; it can also carry 88 passengers in an upper deck behind the wing centre section. The forward area of this upper deck is where the flight deck and the crew are accommodated; movement between the upper and lower decks is via a pair of foldable internal ladders.<ref name="cia1986"/> The cargo compartment of the An-124 is {{convert|36|*|6.4|*|4.4|m|abbr=on}}, ca. 20% larger than the main cargo compartment of the C-5 Galaxy, which is {{convert|36.91|*|5.79|*|4.09|m|abbr=on}}. Largely due to the limited pressurisation of its main cargo compartment (24.6 kPa, 3.57 psi),<ref>''Antonov's Heavy Transports''. Midland Publishing. {{page needed|date=November 2022}}</ref><ref name= "Fricker 58">Fricker 1990, p. 78.</ref> the airlifter has seldom been used to deploy [[paratrooper]]s or to carry passengers, as they would typically require oxygen masks and cold-weather clothing in such conditions.<ref name= "faslist">{{cite web |url= http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/fwair.htm |title= Fixed-Wing Aircraft |work= Federation of American Scientists Military Analysis Network |last= Phillips |first= W. Scott |date= 31 August 1999 |access-date= 22 February 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060227045642/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/fwair.htm |archive-date= 27 February 2006 |url-status= live}}</ref> In comparison, the upper deck is fully pressurised.<ref name="cia1986"/> The floor of the cargo deck is entirely composed of [[titanium]], a measure that is usually prohibited by the material cost.<ref name= "Fricker 58"/> It is suitable for carrying almost any heavy vehicle, including multiple [[main battle tank]]s.<ref name="cia1986"/>

The An-124 is powered by four [[Lotarev D-18]] [[turbofan]] engines, each capable of generating up to 238–250&nbsp;kN of thrust. To reduce the landing distance required, [[thrust reverser]]s are present.<ref name="cia1986"/> Pilots have stated that the airlifter is relatively light on the controls and is easy to handle for an aircraft of its size.<ref name= tsb1>{{cite web |url= http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2000/a00o0279/a00o0279.asp |title= AVIATION Reports – 2000 – A00O0279 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131017093317/http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2000/a00o0279/a00o0279.asp |archive-date= 17 October 2013 |publisher= [[Transportation Safety Board of Canada]] |date = 31 July 2008 |access-date= 24 April 2012 |quote= The AN124 has been described by training personnel and pilots as being very easy to handle for an aircraft of its size. The AN124 tends to be very light on the controls}}</ref> A pair of TA18-200-124 [[auxiliary power unit]]s (APUs) are accommodated within the main landing gear fairings.<ref name="cia1986"/> As a consequence of the heat and blast effects produced by these APUs, some airports require pavement protection to be deployed.<ref name= CPHapu>{{cite web |last= Nielsen |first= Erik |title= Copenhagen Airport, Use of auxiliary power unit (APU) |url= http://www.boeing.com/commercial/noise/copenhagen.html#apu |publisher= [[Copenhagen Airport]] / [[Boeing]] |access-date= 22 January 2013 |page= 6.5 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130509130529/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/noise/copenhagen.html |archive-date= 9 May 2013}}</ref> The [[landing gear]] of the An-124 is outfitted with an [[oleo strut]] suspension system for its 24 wheels. This suspension has been calibrated to allow for landing on rough terrain and is able to kneel, which allows for easier loading and unloading via the front cargo door.<ref name= "radiobergen" /><ref name="cia1986"/> Other features intended to ease loading including an onboard [[overhead crane]] in the cargo deck, capable of lifting up to 30 tonnes, while items up to 120 tonnes can be [[winch]]ed on board.<ref name= "ruslantech">{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090511184037/http://www.ruslanint.com/Technical?ID=58 |archive-date=2009-05-11|url= http://www.ruslanint.com/Technical?ID=58 |title= An124-100 technical specification |publisher= Ruslan International |access-date = 24 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="cia1986"/> Two separate [[radar]] units are typically present, one is intended for ground mapping and navigation purposes, while the other is for [[weather radar|weather]].<ref name="cia1986"/>

==Operational history==
[[File:KSC-20200519-PH-KLS01 0051~orig.jpg|thumb|An-124 during unloading of an [[Atlas V]] rocket main stage]]

During the 2000s, Germany headed an initiative to lease An-124s for [[NATO]] [[strategic airlift]] requirements. Two aircraft were leased from SALIS GmbH as a stopgap until the [[Airbus A400M Atlas|Airbus A400M]] became available.<ref name="nato">{{cite news |title= Strategic airlift agreement enters into force |work= NATO Update |date= 23 March 2006 |url= http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2006/03-march/e0323a.htm |access-date= 7 April 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060407102615/http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2006/03-march/e0323a.htm |archive-date= 7 April 2006 |url-status= live}}</ref> Under NATO [[NATO Strategic Airlift Capability|SALIS]] programme [[NAMSA]] is chartering six An-124-100 transport aircraft. According to the contract An-124-100s of [[Antonov Airlines]] and [[Volga-Dnepr]] are used within the limits of NATO SALIS programme to transport cargo by requests of 18 countries: Belgium, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Canada, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden. Two An-124-100s are constantly based on full-time charter in the [[Leipzig/Halle Airport|Leipzig/Halle airport]], but the contract specifies that if necessary, two more aircraft will be provided at six days' notice and another two at nine days' notice.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air/index.html |title= Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS) |publisher= [[NATO]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090509120747/http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air/index.html |archive-date=9 May 2009}}</ref> The aircraft proved extremely useful for NATO especially with operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.deagel.com/news/Antonov-An-124-NATO-SALIS-Program-Extended-Through-End-of-2010_n000005519.aspx |title= Antonov An-124 NATO SALIS Program Extended Through End of 2010 |publisher= deagel.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120923040037/http://www.deagel.com/news/Antonov-An-124-NATO-SALIS-Program-Extended-Through-End-of-2010_n000005519.aspx |archive-date= 23 September 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Loading ramp of an An-124.jpg|thumb|left|Mobile air traffic control tower loaded onto an An-124 to Haiti]]
[[United Launch Alliance]] (ULA) contracts the An-124 to transport the [[Atlas V]] launch vehicle from its facilities in [[Decatur, Alabama|Decatur]], Alabama to [[Cape Canaveral]]. ULA also uses the An-124 to transport the Atlas V launch vehicle and [[Centaur (rocket stage)|Centaur]] upper stage from their manufacturing facility in Denver, Colorado to Cape Canaveral and [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0606/26megamovers |title= Lockheed Martin Atlas rocket |publisher= The History Channel |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100416001322/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0606/26megamovers/ |archive-date= 16 April 2010}}</ref> Two flights are required to transfer each launch vehicle (one for the Atlas V main booster stage and another for the Centaur upper stage).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ilslaunch.com/node/518 |title= Lockheed Martin Delivers Atlas V to Cape Canaveral for NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170425204447/http://www.ilslaunch.com/node/518 |archive-date= 25 April 2017 |publisher= Ilslaunch |date= 4 April 2005}}</ref> It is also contracted by [[Space Systems Loral]] to transport satellites from Palo Alto, CA to the Arianespace spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.loral.com/inthenews/050609.html |title= Space Systems/Loral Delivers World'S Largest Satellite To Launch Base |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080309203801/http://www.loral.com/inthenews/050609.html |archive-date= 9 March 2008}}</ref> and by [[SpaceX]] to transport payload fairings between their factory in [[Hawthorne, California]] and Cape Canaveral.<ref>{{cite news |title= Ukraine's Antonov helps SpaceX transport rocket hardware |url= https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/2380337-ukraines-antonov-helps-spacex-transport-rocket-hardware.html |access-date= 11 January 2018 |publisher= Ukrinform |language= en |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180112042542/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/2380337-ukraines-antonov-helps-spacex-transport-rocket-hardware.html |archive-date= 12 January 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref>

By 2013, the An-124 had reportedly visited 768 airports in over 100 countries.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/30-years-since-the-an-124-ruslan?lang=en |title= 30 years since the AN-124 Ruslan maiden take-of |publisher= Antonov.com |access-date= 21 June 2013 |url-status= bot: unknown |archive-url= https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/30-years-since-the-an-124-ruslan?lang=en |archive-date= 22 January 2018}}</ref>

By late 2020, three civil operators of the An-124 remained. [[Antonov Airlines]] with seven aircraft, [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]] with 12, and [[Maximus Air Cargo]] with one.  In November 2020, Volga-Dnepr reported that it was indefinitely grounding its fleet of An-124 aircraft to inspect the 60 engines (including spares) following the 13 November 2020 unconfined engine failure at [[Novosibirsk]].<ref>{{cite web |last= Lennane |first= Alex |date= 25 November 2020|title= 'Safety first' as Volga-Dnepr grounds its AN-124 fleet indefinitely |url= https://theloadstar.com/exclusive-safety-first-as-volga-dnepr-grounds-its-an-124-fleet-indefinitely/ |access-date= 26 November 2020 |website= The Loadstar}}</ref> As of 29 December 2020, the first Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 was back in service.<ref name= BackInService />

===Significant activities===
[[File:US Navy 040429-N-7949W-001 The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle Mystic (DSRV 1) is carefully loaded onto a Russian-built An-124 Condor (Antonov).jpg|thumb|The [[Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle]] "[[DSRV-1 Mystic|Mystic]]" being loaded at [[Naval Air Station North Island]], California, United States]]

* In May 1987, an An-124 set a world record, covering the distance of {{convert|20151|km|nmi|0|abbr=on}} without refuelling.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.arms-expo.ru/site.xp/049049056057124050049049054.html |title= Оружие России; Ан-124 "Руслан" (Condor), дальний тяжелый военно-транспортный самолет |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090603123311/http://www.arms-expo.ru/site.xp/049049056057124050049049054.html |archive-date= 3 June 2009}}</ref> The flight took 25 hours and 30 minutes; the takeoff weight was 455,000&nbsp;kg.{{Citation needed|date=November 2013}}
* In July 1985, an An-124 carried 171,219&nbsp;kg (377,473&nbsp;lb) of cargo to an altitude of {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}} and 170,000&nbsp;kg to an altitude of 10,750&nbsp;m (35,270&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nkau.gov.ua/gateway/news.nsf/NewsALLR/005BFF2F07D47EF4C3256B7200284D01!open |title= Аэрокосмическое общество Украины; Международная авиационная федерация зарегистрировала 124 мировых рекорда, установленных на самолёте Ан-225 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120220131222/http://www.nkau.gov.ua/gateway/news.nsf/NewsALLR/005BFF2F07D47EF4C3256B7200284D01%21open |archive-date= 20 February 2012}}</ref>
* In June 1994, an An-124 flew the first [[IE 201 Class]] [[diesel-electric locomotive]] from the [[General Motors Diesel]] works in [[London, Ontario]], Canada to [[Dublin, Ireland]] for clearance testing and crew training, before subsequent units were delivered by ship.<ref name= JOC>{{Cite news |title= Locomotive Makes Aviation History |url= https://www.joc.com/economy-watch/locomotive-makes-aviation-history_19940731.html |magazine= [[Journal of Commerce]] |date= 31 July 1994 |access-date= 15 February 2022 |archive-date= 20 June 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210620220331/https://www.joc.com/economy-watch/locomotive-makes-aviation-history_19940731.html |url-status= dead}}</ref>
* An An-124 was used to transport the [[Obelisk of Axum]] back to its native homeland of Ethiopia from Rome in April 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4458105.stm |publisher= BBC News |title= Obelisk arrives back in Ethiopia |date= 19 April 2005 |access-date= 2 September 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090930122131/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4458105.stm |archive-date= 30 September 2009 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* An An-124 was used to transport an [[EP-3E Aries II]] [[ELINT|electronic intelligence]] aircraft from Hainan Island, China on 4 July 2001 following the [[Hainan Island incident]].{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}
* An An-124 was used to transport the first [[Bombardier Movia]]-series [[railcar]] for the [[Delhi Metro]] on 26 February 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title= Delhi Metro's first rake to be airlifted was carried on a Ukraine-made aircraft |url= https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/story/delhi-metros-first-rake-to-be-airlifted-was-carried-on-a-ukraine-made-aircraft-323581-2022-02-23 |website= Business Today |date= 23 February 2022 |access-date= 1 March 2022 |language= en}}</ref>
* In July 2010, an An-124 was used to transport four 35-foot and three 21-foot skimmer boats from France to the US to assist with the clean-up of the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.eft.com/freight-transport/chapman-freeborn-delivers-skimmer-boats-gulf-mexico |title= Chapman Freeborn delivers skimmer boats to Gulf of Mexico &#124; eft - Supply Chain & Logistics Business Intelligence |access-date= 2 April 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140407061612/http://www.eft.com/freight-transport/chapman-freeborn-delivers-skimmer-boats-gulf-mexico |archive-date= 7 April 2014}}</ref>
* An An-124 was used in April 2011 to airlift a large [[Putzmeister]] [[concrete pump]] from Germany to Japan to help cool reactors damaged in the [[Fukushima nuclear accident]].<ref>{{cite web |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130129063748/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1629892.php |archive-date=2013-01-29|url= http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1629892.php |title= Germany sends giant pump to help cool Fukushima reactor |publisher= monstersandcritics.com}}</ref> The [[An-225]] was used to transport an even larger Putzmeister concrete pump to Japan from the US.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2011-03-31/srs-concrete-pump-heading-japan-nuclear-site |title= SRS pump will head to Japan |access-date= 2 April 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110720193714/http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2011-03-31/srs-concrete-pump-heading-japan-nuclear-site |archive-date= 20 July 2011 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* An An-124 was used in May 2018 to transport an 87,000&nbsp;lb die tool from Eaton Rapids, Michigan, US to Nottingham, England to restart Ford F-150 production after a fire in the Eaton Rapids Magnesium Casting Facility.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2018/05/16/ford-launched-international-airlift-restart-f-150/617196002/ |title= Ford's plan to rescue F-150: Drama worthy of a James Bond script |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082210/https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2018/05/16/ford-launched-international-airlift-restart-f-150/617196002/ |archive-date= 17 May 2018 |publisher= Detroit Free Press}}</ref>
* Several An-124s were used by the German [[Bundeswehr]] to airlift military equipment from [[Mazar-i-Sharif]] to [[Leipzig]] during the 2021 German troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among the equipment were two [[NHIndustries NH90|NH-90]] helicopters.<ref>{{cite web|date= 2021-05-18|title= Bundeswehrabzug kommt in Schwung: An-124 holt NH90 aus Afghanistan|url= https://www.flugrevue.de/bundeswehrabzug-kommt-in-schwung-an-124-holt-nh90-aus-afghanistan/|access-date= 2021-05-20|website= www.flugrevue.de|language= de}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title= Abzug aus Afghanistan – Die heiße Phase hat begonnen I Bundeswehr | date=19 May 2021 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3pXMYLJlR0 |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/-3pXMYLJlR0 |archive-date= 12 December 2021 |url-status= live |language= en |access-date= 20 May 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], several An-124s were used to cargo masks and other medical equipment from [[China]] to foreign countries. For example, Terio International Inc. dispatched their first one on June 7, 2020 between [[Nanjing]] and [[Montréal]], which was done as a direct flight.<ref>{{cite book |last1= Élise |first1= Paradis |last2= Thériault |first2= Vincent |last3= Thériault |first3= François |date= November 2021 |title= Made-To-Deliver: An inspiring entrepreneurial story of boldness and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic |edition= 1st |publisher= Self-Published |location= Quebec, Canada |isbn= 979-8-4824-0659-5 |pages =}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Gagné |first= Louis|date= 16 November 2021 |title= " Tailler sa place " : récit d'une réussite entrepreneuriale en contexte pandémique|url= https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1840110/tailler-sa-place-surmesure-equipements-protection-individuelle-pandemie |work= [[Ici Radio-Canada Télé|Radio Canada]] |access-date= 3 April 2022}}</ref>
* On 24 February 2022, an An-124 with registration number ''UR-82009'' was confirmed to be destroyed by Russian artillery during the [[Battle of Antonov Airport]], Kyiv.<ref>{{cite web |date= 27 February 2022 |title= Antonov's sources claim that the world's largest aircraft An-225 Mriya was destroyed |url= https://www.sproutwired.com/antonovs-sources-claim-that-the-worlds-largest-aircraft-an-225-mriya-was-destroyed/ |website= sproutwired.com |access-date= 25 March 2022}}</ref> Five other Ukrainian An-124s were diverted to Leipzig at the conclusion of their commercial flights.<ref name= "Ponomarenko">{{cite web |last1= Ponomarenko |first1= Illia |author-link=Illia Ponomarenko |title= Chief pilot of destroyed An-225: 'We must complete the second Mriya' |url= https://kyivindependent.com/national/chief-pilot-of-destroyed-an-225-we-must-complete-the-second-mriya/ |website= The Kyiv Independent |access-date= 15 April 2022 |date= 15 April 2022}}</ref>
* On 3 March 2023, an An-124 delivered 101 tons of humanitarian aid for [[2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake|earthquake]] victims in Turkey and Syria.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://global.espreso.tv/ukrainian-aircraft-delivers-101-tons-of-humanitarian-aid-to-turkey-for-earthquake-victims |title=Ukrainian aircraft delivers 101 tons of humanitarian aid to Turkey for earthquake victims |last= |first= |publisher=Espreso TV |date= 3 March 2023 |access-date= 22 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Antonov An-124 delivered 101 tons of humanitarian aid to earthquake-raged Türkiye |url=https://twitter.com/39_ABW/status/1631600955920719873 |author=[[39th Air Base Wing]] |website=twitter.com |language=|date=3 Mar 2023 |access-date=22 April 2023}}</ref>
* On 9 June 2023, an An-124 was seized by Canadian government authorities at [[Toronto Pearson Airport]]. It had been stranded following closure of Canadian [[airspace]] to Russian air navigation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2023/06/government-of-canada-orders-seizure-of-russian-registered-cargo-aircraft-at-toronto-pearson-airport.html |title=Government of Canada orders seizure of Russian-registered cargo aircraft at Toronto Pearson Airport |date=10 June 2023 |publisher=Global Affairs Canada}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Volga-Dnepr Antonov An-124-100M-150 and Cubana Ilyushin Il-96-300.jpg|thumb|[[Volga-Dnepr Airlines|Volga-Dnepr]] Antonov An-124-100M-150 with nose door open at [[MAKS (air show)|MAKS 2005]], Moscow – [[Ramenskoye Airport|Zhukovskiy]]; [[Cubana de Aviación]] [[Ilyushin Il-96]] in background]]

;An-124 Ruslan
:Strategic heavy airlift transport aircraft
;An-124-100
:Commercial transport aircraft
;An-124-100M-150
:Version with a payload increased to 150 tonnes (maximum take-off weight 420 tonnes), with uprated [[Lotarev D-18T]] series 4 engines; one An-124-100 converted<ref>{{cite web |title= [Actu] Les Antonov An-124-100 en Russie |url= https://redsamovar.com/2020/04/04/actu-les-an-124-100-en-russie/ |website= Red Samovar |date= 4 April 2020}}</ref>
;An-124-102 Slon
:Commercial transport version with an [[Electronic flight instrument system|EFIS]] flight deck, [[#Russian replacement design|developed by TsAGi]]
;An-124-115M
:Planned new variant with EFIS based on Rockwell Collins avionic parts
;An-124-130
:Proposed version
;An-124-135
:Variant with one seat in the rear and the rest of the cargo area (approx. 1,800 square feet) dedicated to freight
;An-124-200
:Proposed version with [[General Electric CF6#CF6-80C2|General Electric CF6-80C2]] engines, each rated at 59,200 lbf (263 kN)
;An-124-210
:Joint proposal with [[Air Foyle]] to meet UK's Short Term Strategic Airlifter (STSA) requirement, with [[Rolls-Royce RB211#RB211-524 series 2|Rolls-Royce RB211-524H-T]] engines, each rated 60,600 lbf (264 kN) and [[Honeywell]] avionics—STSA competition abandoned in August 1999, reinstated, and won by the [[C-17 Globemaster III|Boeing C-17A]].
;An-124-300
:The -300 is planned variant with upgraded engines with higher thrust. Variant was ordered by the [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] in 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://zvezdaweekly.ru/news/202011161330-mKqdi.html | title=Возвращение "Руслана" с "гражданки" }}</ref>

==Operators==
{{Main|List of Antonov An-124 operators}}
[[File:An-124 RA-82028 in formation with Su-27 09-May-2010.jpg|thumb|[[224th Flight Unit]] An-124 inflight with two [[Sukhoi Su-27]]s of the [[Falcons of Russia]] at the [[2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade]]]]

==Notable accidents==
{{As of|2020|11}}, five accidents with An-124 [[hull-loss|hull loss]]es have been recorded involving a total of 97 fatalities,<ref name= "ASN124-100">{{cite web |title= ASN Aviation Safety Database: Antonov 124-100 |url= http://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?field=typecode&var=04C%&cat=%1&sorteer=datekey&page=1 |website= Aviation Safety Network |access-date= 23 June 2016 |archive-date= 4 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085252/http://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?field=typecode&var=04C%&cat=%1&sorteer=datekey&page=1 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref name= ASN220619>{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20190529-0 |title= 5A-DKN hull-loss incident |publisher= Aviation Safety Network |access-date = 16 September 2020}}</ref> including:
* On 13 October 1992, CCCP-82002, operated by [[Antonov Airlines]] crashed near [[Kyiv]], Ukraine during flight testing, suffering nose cargo door failure during high-speed descent (part of test program) resulting in total loss of control. The airplane came down in a forest near Kyiv, killing eight of the nine crew on board.<ref name= "ASN13Oct1992">{{cite web |title= Accident Description, Anotonov 124-100, Tuesday 13 October 1992 |url= http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19921013-1 |website= Aviation Safety Network |access-date= 14 August 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101015010602/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19921013-1 |archive-date= 15 October 2010 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* On 15 November 1993, RA-82071, operated by [[Aviastar Airlines]] crashed into a mountain at {{convert|11000|ft|m}} while in a holding pattern at [[Kerman]], Iran. There were 17 fatalities.<ref>{{cite web |title= Accident Description, Antonov 124-100, Monday 15 November 1993 |url= http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19931115-0|website= Aviation Safety Network |access-date= 14 August 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120118083621/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19931115-0 |archive-date= 18 January 2012 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* On 8 October 1996, RA-82069, owned by [[Aeroflot]] but operated by [[Ajax Cargo]], Operating as [[Aeroflot Flight 9981]]. crashed at [[San Francesco al Campo]], Italy, while initiating a go-around after a low visibility approach on [[Turin Caselle airport]]'s runway 36. There were four fatalities.<ref name="ASN8Oct1996">{{cite web |title= Accident Description, Antonov 124-100, Tuesday 8 October 1996 |url= http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19961008-0 |website= Aviation Safety Network |access-date= 22 April 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110607073249/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19961008-0 |archive-date= 7 June 2011 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* On 6 December 1997, [[1997 Irkutsk Antonov An-124 crash|RA-82005]], operated by the [[Russian Air Force]], crashed in a [[residential area]] after take-off in [[Irkutsk]], Russia. All 23 people on board and 49 people on the ground were killed.<ref name= "mult">{{cite news|last1= Velovich|first1= Alexander|title= Multiple engine failure blamed for An-124 Irkutsk accident|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/multiple-engine-failure-blamed-for-an-124-irkutsk-ac-30764/|access-date= 2 December 2010|publisher= [[Flightglobal]]|date= 17 December 1997|location= Moscow, Russia |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161129024011/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/multiple-engine-failure-blamed-for-an-124-irkutsk-ac-30764/|archive-date= 29 November 2016|url-status= live}}</ref>
* On 13 November 2020, the second engine of [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines Flight 4066|RA-82042]], operated by [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines]], suffered an [[uncontained engine failure]] after takeoff from [[Novosibirsk]], Russia. Subsequently, after landing there, the aircraft suffered a runway excursion and the nose landing gear collapsed.<ref name= "ASN13Nov2020">{{cite web|title= Accident Description, Anotonov 124-100, Friday 13 November 2020|url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20201113-0|website= Aviation Safety Network|access-date= 13 November 2020}}</ref> On 25 November, the airline voluntarily grounded its entire fleet of An-124 aircraft.<ref name= Grounded>{{cite web |url= https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/volga-dnepr-grounds-antonov-an-124-fleet-indefinitely/ |title= Volga-Dnepr Grounds Antonov An-124 Fleet Indefinitely |first= James |last= Field |publisher= Airways Magazine |date= 25 November 2020 |access-date= 26 November 2020 |archive-date= 25 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201125191300/https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/volga-dnepr-grounds-antonov-an-124-fleet-indefinitely/ |url-status= dead}}</ref> By 29 December, the first Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 was back in service.<ref name= BackInService>{{cite web |url= https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/first-volga-dnepr-an-124-back-in-the-air/ |title= First Volga-Dnepr AN-124 back in the air |first= Damian |last= Brett |publisher= Aircargo News |date= 30 December 2020 |access-date= 10 January 2021}}</ref>

==Specifications (An-124-100M)==
[[File:Antonov An-124 3-view.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Three sides view]]
[[File:An-124 PL-R.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|[[Payload-range|Payload&ndash;range]] diagram]]

{{Aircraft specs
| ref = ''Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2006-07'',<ref name=JAWA2006-07>Jackson 2005, pp. 569–571.</ref> Volga-Dnepr<ref>{{Cite web |work= Volga-Dnepr |title= An-124 Specs |url= https://www.volga-dnepr.com/files/booklet/an-124e_final.pdf}}</ref>
| prime units? = met<!--  General characteristics-->
| crew = Eight (pilot, copilot, navigator, chief flight engineer, electrical flight engineer, radio operator, two loadmasters)
| capacity = 88 passengers in upper aft fuselage, or the hold can take an additional 350 pax on a palletised seating system / {{cvt|120000|kg|0}}
| length m = 69.1
| length note = 
| span m = 73.3
| span note = 
| height m = 21.08
| height note = 
| wing area sqm = 628
| wing area note = 
| aspect ratio = 8.6
| airfoil = TsAGI Supercritical<ref name= "Selig">{{cite web |last1= Lednicer |first1= David |title= The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url= https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website= m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date= 16 April 2019 |archive-date= 26 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |url-status= live}}</ref>
| empty weight kg = 181,000
| empty weight note = 
| gross weight kg = 
| gross weight note = <!-- maximum fuel weight -->
| max takeoff weight kg = 402,000
| max takeoff weight note = * '''Maximum landing weight:''' {{cvt|330000|kg|0}}
| fuel capacity = 210,172 kg 463,343 lb {{cvt|262715.15|L|USgal impgal}}
| more general = <!--  Powerplant
-->
| eng1 number = 4
| eng1 name = [[Progress D-18T]] (D-18 Series 4 on -150 models)
| eng1 type = high-bypass [[turbofan]] engines
| eng1 kn = 226.8
| eng1 note = <!--  Performance
-->
| max speed kmh = 
| max speed note = 
| cruise speed kmh = 865
| cruise speed note = max
:::{{cvt|800|-|850|km/h|mph kn}} at FL 328-394 ({{cvt|32800|-|39400|ft|0}} at regional pressure setting)
*'''Approach speed:''' {{cvt|230|-|260|km/h|mph kn}}
| stall speed kmh = 
| stall speed note = 
| never exceed speed kmh = 
| never exceed speed note = 
| minimum control speed kmh = 
| minimum control speed note = 
| range km = 3,700
| range note = with max payload
::::{{cvt|8400|km|mi nmi}} with {{cvt|80000|kg|0}} payload
::::{{cvt|11500|km|mi nmi}} with {{cvt|40000|kg|0}} payload
| combat range km = 
| combat range note = 
| ferry range km = 14,000
| ferry range note = with max fuel and minimum payload
| endurance = <!-- if range unknown -->
| ceiling m = 12,000
| ceiling note = max certified altitude
| g limits = <!-- aerobatic -->
| roll rate = <!-- aerobatic -->
| climb rate ms = 
| climb rate note = 
| time to altitude = 
| wing loading kg/m2 = 640.1
| wing loading note = 
| fuel consumption kg/km = 
| thrust/weight = 0.23
| more performance = * '''Take-off run (maximum take-off weight):''' {{convert|3000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
* '''Landing roll (maximum landing weight):''' {{convert|900|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| avionics = 
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|Soviet Union|Russia|Ukraine}}
{{aircontent
|seealso=<!-- first, the related articles that do not fit the specific entries: -->
|related=
* [[Antonov An-225 Mriya]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability as this design: -->
* [[Airbus Beluga]]
* [[Boeing 747-400F]]
* [[Boeing 747-8F]]
* [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]]
* [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy]]
* [[Ilyushin PAK VTA]]
|lists=<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=5eMDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Antonov+An-225+Mriya&pg=RA1-PA58 |title= Heavy Lifters |publisher= Hearst Magazines |magazine= [[Popular Mechanics]] |first= John |last= Fricker |date= February 1990 |volume= 167 |number= 2 |issn= 0032-4558}}
* {{cite book |title= Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2006-07 |editor1-last= Jackson |editor1-first= Paul|year= 2005 |publisher= [[Janes Information Services|Jane's Publishing Group]] |location= London |isbn= 978-0-7106-2745-2 |edition= 97th |url=https://archive.org/details/janesallworldsai0000unse_y3n5/page/569 |url-access=registration |oclc=70112997}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last= Yeltsov |first= Gennady |title= Antonov AN-124: A Tale of Air Supremacy |publisher= JustplanesUK |year= 2011 |isbn= 978-0-9569328-0-8}}

==External links==
{{external media
|float=right
|video1 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8K3s7Rgxu8&feature=player_embedded Company documentary video]
}}
{{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Official website|http://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-124-100-ruslan}}

{{Antonov aircraft}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Antonov aircraft|An-124]]
[[Category:1980s Soviet cargo aircraft]]
[[Category:1980s Soviet military transport aircraft]]
[[Category:Quadjets]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1982]]
[[Category:Double-deck aircraft]]