This unique super heavy lifter was originally designed and constructed in the late 80-s for the Soviet space program to carry on the outside of the fuselage the orbiter "Buran", but after the Soviet Union disintegration this technological wonder remains the heaviest plane in the world with maximum take-off weight of 640 tons. It can deliver 250 tons of useful cargo weight. The plane was recently improved: new safety, navigation and communication systems were installed. The fuselage was reinforced to support heavier pay loads. A new cockpit and passenger cabin were installed. The aircraft has a spacious cargo cabin that allows to transport a variety of cargoes weighing up to 250 tons. For instance, it is possible to arrange in the cargo compartment either sixteen standard aeronautical containers of UAC type each holding 10 tons, or 80 cars, or any single piece of cargo weighing up to 250 tons. The cargo cabin is 43m long, 6.4m wide and 4.4m high. Pressurized, it allows to carry any sort of freight inside. The airborne cargo handling equipment and the front cargo door with a ramp design ensure the quick and easy loading/unloading operations.
