The Antonov An-225 Mriya the world’s largest aircraft has become a casualty of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Government confirmed via Twitter that the Antonov AN-225 “Mriya” (The Dream) has been destroyed.
‘The biggest plane in the world “Mriya” (The Dream) was destroyed by Russian occupants on an airfield near Kyiv. We will rebuild the plane. We will fulfill our dream of a strong, free, and democratic Ukraine.’
‘As fighting continues between Ukrainian and Russian Military Forces, it seems that the life of the Antonov An-225 Mirya aircraft has come to a sad end when its hangar was hit a few minutes ago at Antonov/Gostomel/Hostomel Airport. The Antonov Company via Twitter confirmed on February 25th that the aircraft was parked at Gostomel Airport and was still intact on Friday.
‘The first picture [below], taken a few minutes after the event most likely from a drone, shows the hanger on fire after being hit by a rocket or missile.
Still, Antonov has not confirmed the reports yet.
According to Traveller, the airport has been targeted by the Russian military and some reports say it is under their control, others that the aircraft was destroyed in the fighting, and still others reporting that the airbase has been recaptured by Ukrainian forces.
‘While this day will be marked in history for the loss of this aircraft iconic aircraft, we cannot forget the pain, sadness, and loss of life due to this conflict.’
The Antonov An-225 Mriya held multiple records which included being the heaviest aircraft ever built, the largest wingspan of any aircraft in operational service and the largest cargo in operational service.
