Antonov An-124 Ruslan heavy cargo aircraft
Strategic Heavy-Lift / Outsize Cargo Freighter

Antonov An-124 Ruslan

The undisputed king of heavy cargo aviation. Designed to move outsized and ultra-heavy machinery across the globe that no other commercial aircraft can accommodate.

Max Payload

150,000 kg

Range

4,800 km

Cruise Speed

865 km/h

Nose & Ramp Loading

Yes

Overview

Aircraft Profile

The Antonov An-124 "Ruslan" is a strategic airlift jet designed to transport oversized and ultra-heavy cargo that no other commercial aircraft can accommodate. With a maximum payload capacity of 150 tonnes, the An-124 is the backbone of global project logistics, frequently called upon for humanitarian relief, military transport, and aerospace logistics.

One of the defining features of the An-124 is its unique cargo handling system. The aircraft is equipped with a nose cargo door that opens upward, allowing for straight-in loading of massive items. Additionally, the aircraft features a "kneeling" capability—where the landing gear retracts to lower the fuselage to ground level—making the loading of heavy rolling stock and pallets significantly easier without specialized ground infrastructure.

Key Features

Why Charter the An-124?

150-Ton Ultra Heavy Lift

Capable of carrying up to 150 metric tons of payload, ideal for industrial equipment, turbines, and massive machinery.

Nose & Rear Cargo Doors

Features a distinctive upward-opening nose door allowing straight-in loading for outsized vehicles and cargo.

Kneeling Capability

The landing gear can retract to lower the aircraft fuselage to ground level, drastically simplifying the loading process.

Internal Overhead Cranes

Equipped with two overhead winches capable of lifting up to 30 tons, allowing cargo to be maneuvered effortlessly inside the hold.

Global Strategic Airlift

Built for intercontinental range. We coordinate complex route planning, overflight permits, and technical stops globally.

Self-Sufficient Operations

Features built-in auxiliary power units (APUs) and self-loading capabilities, requiring minimal ground support at remote destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

An-124 Ruslan Charter Queries

What is the maximum payload capacity of the Antonov An-124 Ruslan?

The Antonov An-124 has a maximum payload capacity of approximately 150,000 kg (150 metric tons or 330,000 pounds), making it one of the heaviest lift cargo aircraft in the world.

How does the An-124 load its cargo?

The An-124 features both a front and rear cargo door. The nose can open upward to allow straight-in loading of outsized vehicles and machinery. It also has a "kneeling" capability where the landing gear retracts to lower the fuselage to ground level for easier loading.

What type of cargo is typically transported on the An-124?

The An-124 is used for outsized and ultra-heavy cargo such as aircraft engines, industrial turbines, oil and gas drilling equipment, mining machinery, railway locomotives, and large humanitarian relief supplies.

What is the range of the Antonov An-124?

At maximum payload (150 tons), the An-124 has a range of approximately 4,800 kilometers (2,600 nautical miles). With lighter payloads, it can fly significantly further, allowing for global strategic airlift with technical stops.

Sky background

Ready to Charter the An-124?

Contact our 24/7 operations team to get a customized quote for moving your outsized and ultra-heavy cargo across the globe.

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