The Mriya (NATO reporting name: Cossack) was designed to carry the Soviet “Buran” space shuttle and parts of the “Energia” rocket on its back at the end of the Cold War. Following the collapse of the Soviet Block, the aircraft remained grounded for some years. Antonov Airlines, a Ukrainian cargo airline, put it back in service and operated international charter services for the oversized-cargo market.
The An-225 has been in service for heavy airlift operations and international disaster-relief operations.
The Antonov An-225 Mriya was a legend from Soviet aviation and a symbol of the cold war era. It held multiple records as the heaviest aircraft ever built, with the largest wingspan of any aircraft in operational service and the most oversized cargo in operational service.
Several social media reports claimed that An-225 Mriya had been “damaged” during a battle for “Gostomel” Airport.
