Soaring Giants: Exploring the Top 10 Largest Aircraft in the World
The world of aviation is marked by remarkable feats of engineering, and the existence of colossal flying machines is a testament to human ingenuity. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 largest aircraft globally, marveling at their impressive dimensions and capabilities.
1. Stratolaunch
Length: 117 meters
Width: 73 meters
Height: 15 meters
Weight: 226,796 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 589,670 kg
Maximum speed: 901 km/h
Maximum altitude: 10,668 meters
No. of engines: 6
Manufacturer: Stratolaunch Systems
Country of origin: United States
First flight: April 13, 2019
List of operators (countries): Private ownership
Estimated number of active aircraft: 1
Length: 84 meters
Width: 88.4 meters
Height: 18.1 meters
Weight: 285,000 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 640,000 kg
Maximum speed: 850 km/h
Maximum altitude: 11,000 meters
No. of engines: 6
Manufacturer: Antonov
Country of origin: Ukraine
First flight: December 21, 1988
List of operators (countries): Ukraine
Estimated number of active aircraft: 1
3. Airbus A380-800
Length: 72.7 meters
Width: 79.8 meters
Height: 24.1 meters
Weight: 1,235,000 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 1,235,000 kg
Maximum speed: 1,020 km/h
Maximum altitude: 13,115 meters
No. of engines: 4
Manufacturer: Airbus
Country of origin: Multi-national (France, Germany, Spain, and the UK)
First flight: April 27, 2005
List of operators (countries): Global, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas
Estimated number of active aircraft: Approximately 230
4. Antonov An-124
Length: 68.96 meters
Width: 73.3 meters
Height: 20.78 meters
Weight: 175,000 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 402,000 kg
Maximum speed: 800 km/h
Maximum altitude: 12,000 meters
No. of engines: 4
Manufacturer: Antonov
Country of origin: Ukraine
First flight: December 24, 1982
List of operators (countries): Various, including Russia and Ukraine
Estimated number of active aircraft: 55+
5. Boeing 777X
Length: 76.72 meters
Width: 71.75 meters
Height: 64.8 meters
Weight: 352,000 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 775,000 kg
Maximum speed: Mach 0.84 (1,102 km/h)
Maximum altitude: 13,136 meters
No. of engines: 2
Manufacturer: Boeing
Country of origin: United States
First flight: January 25, 2020
List of operators (countries): Awaiting commercial service entry
Estimated number of active aircraft: Yet to be determined
6. Boeing 747-8
Length: 76.3 meters
Width: 68.4 meters
Height: 19.4 meters
Weight: 419,000 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 987,000 kg
Maximum speed: Mach 0.855 (1,118 km/h)
Maximum altitude: 13,106 meters
No. of engines: 4
Manufacturer: Boeing
Country of origin: United States
First flight: March 20, 2011
List of operators (countries): Lufthansa, Korean Air, and more
Estimated number of active aircraft: Approximately 60
7. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
Length: 75.31 meters
Width: 67.89 meters
Height: 19.84 meters
Weight: 172,370 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 381,000 kg
Maximum speed: 914 km/h
Maximum altitude: 13,716 meters
No. of engines: 4
Manufacturer: Lockheed Corporation
Country of origin: United States
First flight: June 30, 1968
List of operators (countries): United States Air Force
Estimated number of active aircraft: 52
8. Boeing 747 Dreamlifter
Length: 71.7 meters
Width: 64.4 meters
Height: 21.6 meters
Weight: 181,437 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 364,235 kg
Maximum speed: Mach 0.82 (1,075 km/h)
Maximum altitude: 13,000 meters
No. of engines: 4
Manufacturer: Boeing
Country of origin: United States
First flight: September 9, 2006
List of operators (countries): Boeing Company
Estimated number of active aircraft: 4
9. Airbus A340-500
Length: 67.93 meters
Width: 60.3 meters
Height: 17.02 meters
Weight: 170,600 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 372,000 kg
Maximum speed: Mach 0.86 (1,122 km/h)
Maximum altitude: 13,137 meters
No. of engines: 4
Manufacturer: Airbus
Country of origin: Multi-national (France, Germany, Spain, and the UK)
First flight: February 11, 2002
List of operators (countries): Various, including Emirates and Singapore Airlines
Estimated number of active aircraft: Approximately 7
10. Boeing Dreamliner (Boeing 787-9)
Length: 63 meters
Width: 60 meters
Height: 17 meters
Weight: 161,000 kg (empty)
MTOW (kg): 254,000 kg
Maximum speed: Mach 0.85 (1,121 km/h)
Maximum altitude: 13,106 meters
No. of engines: 2
Manufacturer: Boeing
Country of origin: United States
First flight: September 17, 2013
List of operators (countries): Various, including United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and ANA
Estimated number of active aircraft: Approximately 340
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