Antonov utilises An-225 for 160 tonne cargo transport

Antonov Airlines has completed 12 consecutive 160 tonnes flights utilising the world’s largst aircraft, the AN-225.
The operation saw Antonov Airlines, in partnership with Hansa Meyer Global Transport, transport twelve Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) modules between Chile and Bolivia.
Each module is weighs 160 tonnes and the height of the cargo meant it could not be loaded, even onto the biggest aircraft in the world.
To get around the problem, adjustments were made to the units’ lifting points.
“The amended design, which featured bolted joints, allowed us to remove the lifting points from the cargoes when they were installed on the loading ramp, which in turn reduced the cargoes’ height”, said Andriy Blagovisniy, commercial director, ANTONOV Airlines.
“Upon arriving at the destination, we pulled the cargoes out to the loading ramp, and the specialists on-site reinstalled the lifting points on their initial positions, tying them with bolts for subsequent lifting and offloading using external cranes.”
“Special damping panels and reverse bend technology were introduced to tackle the weight distribution of the cargo,” added Blagovisniy.
“Our flight crew received special training that took into account the design features of the cargo, to meet the maximum permitted g-forces during takeoff, in flight, and landing.”
Antonov Airlines had to design a special low-profile loading system for the HRSG modules as a consequence of the height of the cargo.
The weight distribution of the single-piece cargo on the aircraft floor initially exceeded maximum permitted values for the AN-225.
Also, specificially for this project, the company used as special lashing pattern allowed for welding of a calculated number of lashing points and special winching points for the cables of the aircraft winches.
Read more freighter operator news
Sign up to receive Air Cargo News direct to your inbox for free

Share this story

Related Topics

Latest freighter operator news

YunExpress targets e-commerce demand with latest 777 freighter

YunExpress has extended its agreement with lessor Atlas Air to include a second Boeing 777-200 freighter that will be used…

Read More

Share this story

Challenge Group launches freighter service to Mumbai

Challenge Group has decided to launch a scheduled freighter route between Mumbai (BOM) and Liège (LGG). Operating twice weekly, the…

Read More

Share this story

Royal Jordanian expands cargo fleet with converted A321 freighter

Royal Jordanian Airlines has introduced an Airbus A321 converted freighter, providing additional dedicated cargo capacity as part of the carrier’s…

Read More

Share this story

Air Cargo News

Air Cargo News
Established in 1983, Air Cargo News is the leading source of news, information, interviews, analyses and reports to the global airfreight industry. Our leading portfolio includes print, digital and events that give businesses in the airfreight industry the ability to connect with decision-makers in this sector.