In 2024, the race to build the biggest planes in the world continues, pushing the boundaries of aviation technology. From massive cargo carriers to military bombers to the largest passenger aircraft, these giants rule the skies. Discover the incredible engineering feats behind the top 10 largest airplanes in the world, actually we could not help ourselves we included the top 15 biggest airplanes!
In the world of aviation, size truly matters. The largest aircraft ever constructed are not just marvels of engineering; they are symbols of human ambition and technological progress. From transporting massive payloads across continents to carrying hundreds of passengers in unparalleled comfort, these colossal planes play crucial roles in both military and civilian aviation. This article dives into the 15 biggest planes in the world, exploring their design, capabilities, and impact on the aviation industry.
When talking about the "biggest" planes, size can be measured in several ways. It might refer to wingspan, the length from nose to tail, maximum takeoff weight, or payload capacity. For passenger planes, it could also mean the number of passengers the aircraft can carry. Each of these measures highlights a different aspect of what makes an aircraft truly massive.
The Antonov An-225 Mriya remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of the skies. Built by the Antonov Design Bureau, this massive cargo aircraft was originally designed to carry the Buran space shuttle. With a wingspan of 290 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 1.41 million pounds, it’s the largest aircraft ever built. Its six turbofan engines enable it to lift a payload of 559,580 pounds, making it perfect for transporting oversized cargo like wind turbine blades and industrial equipment. Despite being destroyed during the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the An-225's legacy as the largest aircraft in the world continues to inspire future designs in aviation.
The Boeing Dreamlifter, a modified version of the Boeing 747-400, is one of the largest cargo planes in the world, designed to transport large aircraft components. With a wingspan of 211.5 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 803,001 pounds, the Dreamlifter is equipped to carry a payload of up to 250,000 pounds. This cargo aircraft is essential for Boeing’s supply chain, transporting parts like fuselage sections and wings for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner across the globe. Its unique swing-tail design allows for easy loading and unloading of oversized cargo, making it a critical asset in modern aviation logistics.
The Ilyushin IL-76 is one of the most versatile and widely used transport aircraft in the world. Developed by the Soviet Union, this aircraft has a wingspan of 165.8 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 429,975 pounds. It was designed to operate in harsh conditions, making it ideal for both military and civilian applications. Since its first flight in 1971, the IL-76 has been used extensively for cargo transport, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. Its robust design allows it to take off and land on unpaved runways, which is essential for operations in remote and underdeveloped regions. The IL-76 remains in active service today, with over 960 units produced.
The Airbus Beluga XL is easily recognizable by its distinctive bulbous fuselage, designed specifically for transporting oversized cargo such as aircraft components. With a wingspan of 197.8 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 500,449 pounds, the Beluga XL can carry up to 112,000 pounds of cargo. Introduced in 2019, this aircraft is a crucial part of Airbus's logistics network, transporting large sections of the Airbus A350 and A380 between production sites across Europe. Its design was inspired by its predecessor, the Airbus Beluga ST, but with increased capacity to meet the growing demands of modern aircraft manufacturing. The Beluga XL’s ability to transport entire airplane sections makes it a vital asset in the aviation industry.
The Tupolev Tu-160, also known as Blackjack, is the largest and heaviest supersonic bomber ever built. Developed by the Soviet Union, this aircraft has a wingspan of 182.9 feet when fully spread and a maximum takeoff weight of 606,271 pounds. The Tu-160 is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 2 and can carry a payload of 99,208 pounds, including nuclear and conventional weapons. Its variable-geometry wings allow it to adjust for different flight conditions, making it highly adaptable for various missions. The Tu-160 remains in service with the Russian Air Force and continues to be a symbol of Russian military power. Its combination of speed, range, and payload capacity makes it one of the most formidable bombers in the world.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a revolutionary passenger aircraft that has set new standards for long-haul travel. With a wingspan of 197.3 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 560,000 pounds (for the 787-9 variant), the Dreamliner is known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The use of advanced composite materials in its construction makes the 787 lighter and more fuel-efficient than traditional aluminum-built aircraft. The Dreamliner’s range of up to 8,500 nautical miles allows airlines to operate non-stop flights between distant cities, opening up new possibilities for global travel. Since its introduction in 2011, the Boeing 787 has become a favorite among airlines for its ability to reduce operational costs while providing an enhanced passenger experience.
The Airbus A380-800 is the largest passenger aircraft in the world, renowned for its distinctive double-decker design. With a wingspan of 261.8 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 1.268 million pounds, this giant can carry up to 550 passengers in a typical three-class configuration. Introduced in 2007, the A380-800 was built to meet the growing demand for air travel and maximize passenger capacity on long-haul routes. Its spacious cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and quiet engines have made it a preferred choice for airlines on high-density routes. Despite a slowdown in production, the A380-800 remains an icon of modern aviation, representing the pinnacle of commercial aircraft design. Capable of accommodating more passengers than any other aircraft, the A380-800 holds the title of the largest passenger airliner ever built. Its efficiency on major international routes has made it indispensable for airlines like Emirates, which operates the largest fleet of A380-800s. This aircraft is not only a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of luxury in the skies, offering first-class suites, onboard lounges, and other amenities that distinguish it from other commercial aircraft. Even after production ended in 2021, the A380-800 continues to operate on key international routes, providing unmatched comfort and capacity in global air travel.
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy is the largest military transport aircraft in the United States Air Force. With a wingspan of 222.9 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 840,000 pounds, the C-5M can carry a payload of up to 285,000 pounds. This aircraft is capable of transporting oversized cargo, including tanks, helicopters, and large equipment, across the globe. The C-5M is equipped with advanced avionics and modernized engines, allowing it to fly faster and farther than its predecessors. Since its introduction in 1969, the C-5 Galaxy has played a crucial role in military operations, providing strategic airlift capabilities that are unmatched by any other aircraft. The C-5M’s ability to “kneel” for easier loading and unloading is one of its unique features, making it indispensable for global logistics.
The Boeing 747-8 is the latest and largest variant of the iconic Boeing 747 series, often referred to as the “Queen of the Skies.” With a wingspan of 224.7 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 987,000 pounds, the 747-8 is used for both passenger and cargo operations. The passenger version, known as the 747-8 Intercontinental, can carry up to 467 passengers, while the cargo version, the 747-8F, has a payload capacity of 308,000 pounds. Introduced in 2012, the 747-8 features advanced aerodynamics and new, fuel-efficient engines, making it one of the most modern and capable aircraft in the world. Its combination of size, range, and capacity ensures that the 747-8 continues to be a vital asset in global aviation.
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world, developed by the Antonov Design Bureau. With a wingspan of 240.5 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 892,875 pounds, the An-124 is capable of carrying a payload of 330,693 pounds. Since its introduction in 1986, the An-124 has been used for a wide range of heavy-lift operations, including the transport of military equipment, humanitarian aid, and industrial machinery. Its ability to carry oversized cargo has made it a crucial asset in both commercial and military aviation. The An-124 is still in service today, operated by companies like Antonov Airlines and Volga-Dnepr, and remains one of the most capable heavy-lift aircraft ever built.
The Stratolaunch Roc holds the title of the aircraft with the largest wingspan ever built, measuring an astonishing 385 feet. Designed as an air launch platform for rockets, the Roc can carry a payload of up to 550,000 pounds. Developed by Stratolaunch Systems, this aircraft features a unique dual-fuselage design, allowing it to launch rockets from high altitudes, reducing the cost and complexity of space launches. Since its first flight in 2019, the Roc has continued to evolve, with plans to support hypersonic flight tests in the near future. The Stratolaunch Roc represents a new frontier in aviation, combining the capabilities of a large cargo aircraft with the cutting-edge demands of space exploration.
Following the destruction of the An-225, the title of the world’s largest plane by wingspan goes to the Stratolaunch Roc. This aircraft, designed for air-launching rockets, has a wingspan of 385 feet (117 meters), making it the largest plane by wingspan ever built. It was first flown in 2019.
The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger plane currently in use. It was designed to carry up to 853 passengers in an all-economy class configuration, but in a more common three-class layout, it typically carries between 525 and 555 passengers. Despite Airbus ceasing the production of the A380 in 2021, the aircraft remains operational with several airlines worldwide.
As of now, the Boeing 747-8 is the largest passenger aircraft still in production, following the cessation of Airbus A380 production in 2021. The 747-8, which features a stretched fuselage, can carry up to 467 passengers in a typical three-class configuration. It remains a significant aircraft in the aviation industry despite the general trend towards smaller, more fuel-efficient planes.
The Airbus A380, the largest passenger plane, can carry up to 853 passengers in an all-economy configuration. However, most airlines configure it to carry between 450 and 550 passengers across first, business, and economy classes.
The Antonov An-225 Mriya holds the title of the largest cargo plane ever built. This colossal aircraft was designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in Ukraine and first flew in 1988. It had a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tons and could carry an unparalleled payload of up to 250,000 kg (551,150 lbs). The An-225 was originally created to transport the Soviet space shuttle "Buran" and was used for carrying oversized cargo that no other aircraft could manage. Unfortunately, the only completed An-225 was destroyed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is currently the largest cargo plane in operation. Also developed by the Antonov Design Bureau, the An-124 has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 405 tons and can carry a payload of up to 150,000 kg (330,693 lbs). The An-124 is widely used for transporting heavy and oversized cargo worldwide, operated primarily by Antonov Airlines and Volga-Dnepr Airlines. Despite the loss of the An-225, the An-124 remains a critical asset in global cargo transport
The Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy is currently the largest operational military aircraft. It is an upgraded version of the original C-5 Galaxy, and it boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 281,000 pounds (127,460 kg). The C-5M is capable of carrying oversized cargo such as helicopters, tanks, and large equipment.
The Antonov An-225 Mriya was the largest jet ever built in terms of both size and payload capacity. It had a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tons and was powered by six engines. The An-225 was specifically designed to transport large and heavy cargo, including space shuttles and massive industrial equipment. Unfortunately, the only completed An-225 was destroyed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Spruce Goose (Hughes H-4 Hercules) was the largest aircraft by wingspan for several decades, with a wingspan of 320 feet (98 meters). It was constructed primarily of wood due to wartime restrictions on metal use. While it remains one of the largest wooden aircraft ever built, it has been surpassed in wingspan by the Stratolaunch Roc. The Spruce Goose only flew once, in 1947, and is now on display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in Oregon.
These 15 aircraft represent the pinnacle of aviation engineering, each designed to fulfill specific roles, from transporting massive cargo to carrying hundreds of passengers across the globe. As we look to the future, these giants of the sky will continue to play a vital role in both military and civilian aviation. Whether it's the massive payload capacity of the Antonov An-225 Mriya, the strategic capabilities of the C-5M Super Galaxy, or the innovative design of the Stratolaunch Roc, these aircraft showcase the incredible possibilities of aviation technology. These remarkable machines not only reflect human ingenuity but also hint at the future of aviation, where the skies will be ruled by even larger and more capable aircraft. From the classic Hughes H-4 Hercules to the cutting-edge Stratolaunch Roc, these aircraft stand as testaments to what we can achieve when we push the boundaries of size, technology, and ambition.
Whether for their record-breaking sizes, innovative designs, or the critical roles they play in global logistics and defense, these planes will continue to inspire awe and drive innovation in the aviation industry for years to come. The next time you look up at the sky and spot a massive airplane, remember that it’s more than just a mode of transport—it’s a symbol of human achievement soaring through the clouds.