Welcome to our new e-shop! We’ve launched a faster, clearer version – now with multilingual support. For security reasons, please reset your password to access your account. After logging in, don’t forget to check and update your contact details. All existing customers have been automatically assigned the ASK Club discount.
More
    Currency
    EUR
    Language
    English
    Registration
    Home / Novinky / An-124 "Ruslan": A Giant of the Sky That Writes History

    An-124 "Ruslan": A Giant of the Sky That Writes History

    In an era when the world was fascinated by size and technical innovation, a silhouette appeared in the sky that heralded a new era in air transport – the Antonov An-124, nicknamed "Ruslan." This behemoth, a symbol of Soviet engineering and ambition, continues to amaze with its capabilities and remains an indispensable part of global logistics.

    The Birth of a Giant: History and Development

    The history of the An-124 dates back to the late 1970s, when the Soviet Union needed an aircraft capable of transporting oversized and heavy cargo, including military equipment such as tanks or mobile missile launchers. The answer to this need came from the design bureau of Antonov in Kyiv, which already had extensive experience in developing large transport aircraft.

    The first An-124 prototype took to the skies on December 24, 1982. Its enormous dimensions and payload capacity immediately attracted worldwide attention. At the time of its creation, the Ruslan was the largest series-produced aircraft in the world, and although it was later surpassed by the unique An-225 Mriia (which, incidentally, was based on the An-124's design), it remains one of the largest and most powerful cargo aircraft in history.

    A Technological Marvel: What Makes the Ruslan So Unique?

    The An-124 is a four-engine jet aircraft with a high-wing configuration and a twin vertical stabilizer. Its characteristic features are two loading ramps – one at the front, forming a hinged nose, and another at the rear. This design allows for extremely efficient and quick loading and unloading of cargo, even for irregularly shaped or exceptionally heavy items. Onboard cranes with a capacity of up to 30 tons further facilitate cargo handling.

    The aircraft is powered by four Progress D-18T turbofan engines, which provide enormous thrust for takeoff even with maximum payload. The An-124 is capable of transporting up to 150 tons of cargo over a distance of more than 5,000 kilometers, or smaller loads over distances exceeding 10,000 kilometers. Its 24-wheel landing gear is designed to enable operation from unpaved runways, further expanding its operational capabilities.

    The cockpit is modernly equipped and accommodates a six-person crew. In addition to pilots and a flight engineer, there is also space for navigators and cargo operators. A rest area with a lavatory and a small galley is available for the crew, which is essential given the length of some flights.

    Role in Global Logistics and Current Status

    Originally designed for military purposes, the An-124 quickly became a key player in the civilian sector as well. Its ability to transport oversized components for power generation, engineering, satellites, or even entire train sets is unparalleled. During disasters and humanitarian crises, the Ruslan has proven to be an indispensable tool for the rapid transport of aid and equipment. Many of these aircraft are leased by private companies for commercial purposes and are constantly in operation worldwide.

    Despite its age and the fact that new units are no longer being manufactured, the An-124 "Ruslan" remains an icon of air transport. Its robust construction and incredible payload capacity ensure that we will see it in the skies for many years to come. It is an aircraft that embodies power, engineering prowess, and the tireless effort to push boundaries.

    Build Your Own Colossus: An-124 "Ruslan" Strategic Airlift Model Kit

    For all those who are fascinated by this amazing machine and would like to explore it in detail, we have great news. We now have a limited quantity of the An-124 "Ruslan" Strategic Airlift model kit in stock. This is an exceptionally detailed model that will please even the most demanding modelers.

    Basic information about the model kit:

    • Name: An-124 "Ruslan" Strategic airlift
    • Item Code: MSVIT7202
    • Scale: 1:72
    • Parts: 775
    • Weight: 2.800 kg (Gross weight: 3.500 kg)
    • Volume: 1.510 kg
    • Material: Fiberglass + PS plastic
    • Minimum age: For modelers over 14
    • Wingspan, mm: 1018
    • Length, mm: 960
    • Country of origin: Ukraine

    This model kit is a unique opportunity to build a realistic replica of one of the world's largest aircraft and delve into its technical details. Don't miss the chance to add this impressive model to your collection!