Antonov, the world’s largest airplane, flies again by Microsoft

A year has passed since the destruction of the famous An-225 model. And while his recovery is underway, thanks to Microsoft and its simulator, Antonov, the world’s largest plane, is already flying again. Microsoft Flight Simulator.

On February 27, 2023, X-Box users got new content that allows virtual pilots to take on the challenge of controlling this gigantic aircraft, while also helping to revive it.

Many classic planes have already been recovered in the game’s virtual skies. But in this case, every penny of the free $19.99 software plug-in goes toward rebuilding efforts so Antonov can be seen flying again in true form.

The world’s largest aircraft had six engines and was built in the 1980s to transport Soviet space shuttles. Later, the Boeing 747 became the largest cargo carrier with twice the capacity of a jumbo jet.

The massive six-engine craft, about 275 feet 7 inches long, was built in the 1980s to carry Soviet space shuttles and was the only one completed.

Despite its ideal use for cargo aircraft, one of its problems is precisely its size. Only 35% of airports are capable of receiving aircraft and its operating costs are a million dollars per aircraft.

How is your renovation going?

At the end of 2022, the manufacturer announced that it was advancing work at a secret location, and that the assembly of the aircraft had already – at that time – reached 30% of the planned work. The new aircraft will be assembled using parts from the unfinished second airframe, parts from the first aircraft and other new components.