Ukrainian military cargo plane, world's largest, just flew over me (plane spotter image)

[orangecrush]

Last edited Wed Feb 25, 2026, 10:20 AM - Edit history (1)

Coming from Canada, looks like




[url=https://ibb.co/TDwGm3tZ][img][/img][/url]

"The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a massive, four-engine strategic heavy-lift aircraft, widely considered the world's largest operational cargo plane following the destruction of the An-225. Designed in the 1980s by the Antonov design bureau in the USSR, it features a 150-tonne payload capacity, specialized "kneeling" landing gear for loading, and front/rear cargo"

The former world's largest cargo plane was destroyed by the russians. It was also Ukrainian built. This is a symbol of Ukrainess national pride.

"
"Yes, the Antonov An-124 was built in Ukraine, as well as in Russia, during the Soviet era. Production was carried out jointly by the Kyiv Aviation Plant AVIANT in Ukraine and Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk, Russia. While designed by the Ukrainian-based Antonov Design Bureau, production began in the late 1970s, with many factories across the USSR contributing."
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+4
"Key details regarding the manufacturing of the An-124:
Production Locations: The aircraft was manufactured simultaneously at the Kyiv Aviation Plant in Ukraine and the Aviastar-SP factory in Russia.
Design Bureau: The Antonov ASTC (Antonov Design Bureau) is based in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Manufacturing Timeline: Construction of the production facilities began in 1973, with manufacturing starting in 1979.
Post-Soviet Era: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine retained the Antonov company and continued to maintain, modernize, and operate the aircraft.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+5
Although some manufacturing took place in Russia, the aircraft is widely recognized as a Ukrainian-designed and largely produced aircraft, with the main manufacturer, Antonov, being a Ukrainian state-owned."

"https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/an124/"

[niyad]

1. A Ukrainian-registered plane? Not sure I understand.

[orangecrush]

7. Yes

A Ukrainian military transport.

[orangecrush]

12. World's biggest cargo plane

The orcs destroyed the former largest, which also was Ukrainian.

It is a symbol of Ukrainian national pride.

"The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a massive, four-engine strategic heavy-lift aircraft, widely considered the world's largest operational cargo plane following the destruction of the An-225. Designed in the 1980s by the Antonov design bureau in the USSR, it features a 150-tonne payload capacity, specialized "kneeling" landing gear for loading, and front/rear cargo"

[HAB911]

2. Hamilton (YHM) TO Kingston (KIN) UKL5020

[orangecrush]

8. Thank you

[MontanaMama]

3. Please say more.

Ukraine Air Alliance?

[CanonRay]

5. It's that gigantic Ukrainian cargo plane

[orangecrush]

17. The Russians blew up the other largest one

Early in the war during an airborne assault on an airport, IIRC.

[orangecrush]

13. World's largest military cargo plane

The former largest was also Ukrainian and was destroyed by Russia.

It is a symbol of Ukraine national pride.

https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/an124/

[orangecrush]

15. Here's even more

The Ukrainians have performed near miracles with leftover outdated Soviet era aircraft.

The "Ghost of Kiev" was an example.

This is a simulation, but is extremely realistic and gives some idea of the daring, extremely high risk type of missions the Ukraine Air Force has flown. The sim pilot even remarks that a Ukrainian jet flying below treetop level has probably been a common sight for motorists in Eastern Ukraine.

?si=teVQBygOgTDulb92

[CanonRay]

4. Cool, could you see it in any detail?

[orangecrush]

10. Didn't get out in time

But the loud military sounding droning made me check my plane spotter

[HAB911]

6. not the same plane (ur-cvg), but near my house on 2/1/2023

[orangecrush]

11. Slava Ukraini!

[LearnedHand]

14. Holy shit!

I’d love to see one of those.

[orangecrush]

16. The sound is something I will not forget

Thought the roof was blowing off

[LearnedHand]

18. I bet!!!!

So lucky and I’m green with envy.

[orangecrush]

19. I only hope they aren't getting it out of the country

To prevent capture.