Intro
Discover the 5 largest military cargo jets in the world, showcasing the massive airlift capabilities of global air forces. From the Antonov An-124 to the Boeing C-17, explore the largest military transport aircraft, their features, and roles in logistics, humanitarian aid, and strategic operations, highlighting their impact on modern military aviation.
The world of military aviation is filled with impressive aircraft, each designed to serve a specific purpose. Among these, military cargo jets play a critical role in transporting troops, equipment, and supplies over long distances. In this article, we will explore the 5 largest military cargo jets in the world, highlighting their capabilities, features, and importance in modern military operations.
1. Antonov An-225 Mriya (Ukraine)
The Antonov An-225 Mriya is the largest military cargo jet in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tons and a payload capacity of 250 tons. This massive aircraft was designed by the Soviet Union's Antonov Design Bureau in the 1980s and was intended to transport the Buran space shuttle. Although only one An-225 was ever built, it remains an impressive example of Soviet engineering.
The An-225 has a wingspan of 290 feet (88.4 meters) and a length of 275 feet (84 meters). Its cargo hold is 165 feet (50 meters) long and 29 feet (9 meters) wide, making it capable of carrying large and heavy payloads. The aircraft is powered by six ZMKB Progress D-18T turbofans, each producing 229,000 pounds of thrust.
Specifications:
- Length: 275 feet (84 meters)
- Wingspan: 290 feet (88.4 meters)
- Height: 59 feet (18 meters)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 640 tons
- Payload capacity: 250 tons
- Engines: 6 x ZMKB Progress D-18T turbofans
- Range: 4,000 miles (6,400 km)
2. Airbus A400M Atlas (Europe)
The Airbus A400M Atlas is a tactical transport aircraft designed to meet the needs of European military forces. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 141 tons and a payload capacity of 37 tons. The A400M is powered by four Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines, each producing 11,000 horsepower.
The A400M has a wingspan of 148 feet (45.1 meters) and a length of 148 feet (45.1 meters). Its cargo hold is 82 feet (25 meters) long and 13 feet (4 meters) wide, making it capable of carrying a wide range of military equipment. The aircraft has a range of 4,800 miles (7,700 km) and can operate from unpaved runways.
Specifications:
- Length: 148 feet (45.1 meters)
- Wingspan: 148 feet (45.1 meters)
- Height: 48 feet (14.7 meters)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 141 tons
- Payload capacity: 37 tons
- Engines: 4 x Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines
- Range: 4,800 miles (7,700 km)
3. Boeing C-17 Globemaster III (USA)
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a strategic transport aircraft used by the United States Air Force and several other countries. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds (265,000 kg) and a payload capacity of 170,000 pounds (77,000 kg).
The C-17 has a wingspan of 169 feet (51.5 meters) and a length of 174 feet (53 meters). Its cargo hold is 88 feet (26.8 meters) long and 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide, making it capable of carrying large and heavy payloads. The aircraft is powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans, each producing 40,400 pounds of thrust.
Specifications:
- Length: 174 feet (53 meters)
- Wingspan: 169 feet (51.5 meters)
- Height: 55 feet (16.8 meters)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 585,000 pounds (265,000 kg)
- Payload capacity: 170,000 pounds (77,000 kg)
- Engines: 4 x Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans
- Range: 4,000 miles (6,400 km)
4. Ilyushin Il-76MD (Russia)
The Ilyushin Il-76MD is a strategic transport aircraft used by the Russian Air Force and several other countries. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 210 tons and a payload capacity of 50 tons.
The Il-76MD has a wingspan of 165 feet (50.5 meters) and a length of 165 feet (50.5 meters). Its cargo hold is 82 feet (25 meters) long and 13 feet (4 meters) wide, making it capable of carrying a wide range of military equipment. The aircraft is powered by four Soloviev D-30KP turbofans, each producing 26,000 pounds of thrust.
Specifications:
- Length: 165 feet (50.5 meters)
- Wingspan: 165 feet (50.5 meters)
- Height: 48 feet (14.7 meters)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 210 tons
- Payload capacity: 50 tons
- Engines: 4 x Soloviev D-30KP turbofans
- Range: 4,000 miles (6,400 km)
5. Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy (USA)
The Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy is a strategic transport aircraft used by the United States Air Force. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 837,000 pounds (380,000 kg) and a payload capacity of 270,000 pounds (122,000 kg).
The C-5M has a wingspan of 222 feet (67.7 meters) and a length of 247 feet (75.3 meters). Its cargo hold is 121 feet (36.9 meters) long and 19 feet (5.8 meters) wide, making it capable of carrying large and heavy payloads. The aircraft is powered by four General Electric TF39-GE-1C turbofans, each producing 43,000 pounds of thrust.
Specifications:
- Length: 247 feet (75.3 meters)
- Wingspan: 222 feet (67.7 meters)
- Height: 65 feet (19.8 meters)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 837,000 pounds (380,000 kg)
- Payload capacity: 270,000 pounds (122,000 kg)
- Engines: 4 x General Electric TF39-GE-1C turbofans
- Range: 4,000 miles (6,400 km)
In conclusion, these five military cargo jets are among the largest and most capable in the world. Each aircraft has its unique features and capabilities, making them essential for military operations. Whether it's transporting troops, equipment, or supplies, these aircraft play a critical role in supporting military missions around the world.
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What is the largest military cargo jet in the world?
+The Antonov An-225 Mriya is the largest military cargo jet in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tons and a payload capacity of 250 tons.
What is the range of the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III?
+The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has a range of 4,000 miles (6,400 km).
What is the payload capacity of the Ilyushin Il-76MD?
+The Ilyushin Il-76MD has a payload capacity of 50 tons.
What is the wingspan of the Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy?
+The Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy has a wingspan of 222 feet (67.7 meters).
What is the maximum takeoff weight of the Airbus A400M Atlas?
+The Airbus A400M Atlas has a maximum takeoff weight of 141 tons.