In the realm of aviation, cargo aircraft play a pivotal role in global logistics and trade. These colossal machines are engineered to transport massive quantities of goods across continents, bridging economies and facilitating commerce. In this article, we will delve into the ten biggest cargo aircraft operating today, exploring their specifications, capabilities, and contributions to the aviation industry.
The Giants of the Sky: 10 Biggest Cargo Aircraft
1-Antonov An-225 Mriya
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Max Fuel Uplift: 300,000 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 250,000 kg
Wingspan: 88.4 meters
Total Wheels: 32
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of six
Cargo Doors: Nose door
Ground Handling Support: Requires specialized equipment
Runway Requirements: Capable of landing on runways over 3,500 meters
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $30,000 per hour
Max Range: 15,400 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 640,000 kg
The Antonov An-225 Mriya, known as the “Dream,” holds the title of the world’s largest cargo aircraft. It was originally designed to transport the Soviet Buran spaceplane. Its massive cargo hold and unparalleled lifting capacity make it indispensable for transporting oversized items like industrial equipment and military vehicles. But unfortunately this aircraft not in service.
2-Boeing 747-8F
Country of Origin: USA
Max Fuel Uplift: 242,470 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 140,000 kg
Wingspan: 68.4 meters
Total Wheels: 18
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of two
Cargo Doors: Side and nose doors
Ground Handling Support: Compatible with standard equipment
Runway Requirements: Requires runways over 3,000 meters
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $23,000 per hour
Max Range: 8,130 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 447,700 kg
The Boeing 747-8F, an evolution of the iconic 747 series, boasts a significant cargo capacity and advanced fuel efficiency. It is a staple in major cargo fleets worldwide, excelling in carrying high volumes of freight across long distances.
3-Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy
Country of Origin: USA
Max Fuel Uplift: 150,819 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 122,472 kg
Wingspan: 67.88 meters
Total Wheels: 28
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of seven
Cargo Doors: Nose and rear doors
Ground Handling Support: Requires specialized equipment
Runway Requirements: Can operate from runways of 2,743 meters
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $20,000 per hour
Max Range: 11,000 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 381,018 kg
The Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy is a military cargo aircraft designed for heavy lifting. Its ability to carry oversized cargo and its unique loading/unloading features make it vital for military logistics and humanitarian missions.
4-Antonov An-124 Ruslan
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Max Fuel Uplift: 212,000 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 150,000 kg
Wingspan: 73.3 meters
Total Wheels: 24
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of six
Cargo Doors: Nose and rear doors
Ground Handling Support: Requires specialized equipment
Runway Requirements: Requires runways over 2,800 meters
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $25,000 per hour
Max Range: 5,400 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 405,000 kg
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan, often used for transporting large industrial equipment and military vehicles, is known for its robustness and reliability. It plays a crucial role in both commercial and military logistics.
5-Airbus A330-200F
Country of Origin: France
Max Fuel Uplift: 139,090 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 70,000 kg
Wingspan: 60.3 meters
Total Wheels: 10
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of two
Cargo Doors: Side door
Ground Handling Support: Compatible with standard equipment
Runway Requirements: Requires runways over 2,500 meters
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $17,000 per hour
Max Range: 7,400 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 233,000 kg
The Airbus A330-200F is a versatile freighter, known for its efficiency and adaptability. It is popular among cargo airlines for its range and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for medium to long-haul routes.
6-Boeing 777F
Country of Origin: USA
Max Fuel Uplift: 181,280 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 102,010 kg
Wingspan: 64.8 meters
Total Wheels: 14
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of two
Cargo Doors: Side door
Ground Handling Support: Compatible with standard equipment
Runway Requirements: Requires runways over 3,000 meters
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $19,000 per hour
Max Range: 9,070 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 347,800 kg
The Boeing 777F is renowned for its long-range capability and efficiency. It is a preferred choice for many cargo operators due to its payload capacity and operational cost-effectiveness.
7-McDonnell Douglas MD-11F
Country of Origin: USA
Max Fuel Uplift: 140,000 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 95,300 kg
Wingspan: 51.7 meters
Total Wheels: 12
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of two
Cargo Doors: Side door
Ground Handling Support: Compatible with standard equipment
Runway Requirements: Requires runways over 2,800 meters
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $18,000 per hour
Max Range: 7,242 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 286,000 kg
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, a workhorse in the cargo industry, offers substantial payload and range capabilities. It is particularly popular for transoceanic freight operations.
8-Ilyushin Il-76
Country of Origin: Russia
Max Fuel Uplift: 109,500 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 50,000 kg
Wingspan: 50.5 meters
Total Wheels: 20
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of six
Cargo Doors: Rear door
Ground Handling Support: Requires specialized equipment
Runway Requirements: Can operate from unpaved runways
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $15,000 per hour
Max Range: 4,300 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 210,000 kg
The Ilyushin Il-76, a robust and versatile cargo aircraft, is widely used for military and humanitarian missions. Its ability to operate from unpaved runways adds to its operational flexibility.
9-Antonov An-22
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Max Fuel Uplift: 141,000 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 80,000 kg
Wingspan: 64.4 meters
Total Wheels: 24
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of six
Cargo Doors: Rear door
Ground Handling Support: Requires specialized equipment
Runway Requirements: Requires runways over 3,000 meters
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $22,000 per hour
Max Range: 5,000 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 250,000 kg
The Antonov An-22, the world’s largest turboprop aircraft, is primarily used for transporting heavy and oversized cargo. Its unique design and lifting capabilities make it suitable for a variety of missions.
10-Boeing 747-400F
Country of Origin: USA
Max Fuel Uplift: 216,846 kg
Max Cargo Uplift: 113,398 kg
Wingspan: 64.4 meters
Total Wheels: 18
Pilot Information: Requires a crew of two
Cargo Doors: Side and nose doors
Ground Handling Support: Compatible with standard equipment
Runway Requirements: Requires runways over 3,000 meters
Cost of Carrying Cargo: Approximately $22,000 per hour
Max Range: 8,230 km
Max Taxi Out Weight: 396,890 kg
The Boeing 747-400F is a key player in the global air cargo industry. Its high payload capacity and range make it ideal for transporting goods on intercontinental routes.
The 10 biggest cargo aircraft currently operating are marvels of engineering, each playing a vital role in global logistics. From the massive Antonov An-225 Mriya to the versatile Boeing 747-8F, these giants of the sky facilitate the movement of goods worldwide, ensuring economies remain connected and commerce thrives.