7 Largest Air Force Planes In The World

The world of military aviation is a fascinating one, filled with incredible machines that showcase human ingenuity and technological prowess. Among the most impressive aircraft in the world are the largest air force planes, which play critical roles in transportation, logistics, and strategic operations. These behemoths of the sky are marvels of engineering, requiring careful planning, precision manufacturing, and highly trained personnel to operate.

In this article, we'll explore the seven largest air force planes in the world, highlighting their remarkable features, capabilities, and contributions to modern military aviation. From the Antonov An-124 Ruslan to the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, these aircraft are truly awe-inspiring, and their importance cannot be overstated.

1. Antonov An-124 Ruslan

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is the largest military transport aircraft in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of 392,000 kg (865,000 lb) and a payload capacity of 150,000 kg (331,000 lb). Developed by the Soviet Union in the 1980s, the An-124 is powered by four ZMKB Progress D-18T turbofans, each producing 229,000 N (51,600 lbf) of thrust. With a range of 5,200 km (3,200 mi) and a service ceiling of 10,500 m (34,400 ft), this massive aircraft is capable of transporting oversized cargo, such as spacecraft, missile systems, and even other aircraft.

Specifications: Antonov An-124 Ruslan

Length: 69.10 m (226 ft 8 in)
Wingspan: 69.10 m (226 ft 8 in)
Height: 20.78 m (68 ft 2 in)
Empty weight: 185,000 kg (408,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 392,000 kg (865,000 lb)
Payload capacity: 150,000 kg (331,000 lb)
Range: 5,200 km (3,200 mi)
Service ceiling: 10,500 m (34,400 ft)

2. Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed by Boeing for the United States Air Force (USAF). With a maximum takeoff weight of 265,000 kg (584,000 lb) and a payload capacity of 77,500 kg (170,900 lb), the C-17 is capable of transporting large cargo, such as tanks, helicopters, and even other aircraft. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans, each producing 180,000 N (40,500 lbf) of thrust, the C-17 has a range of 10,390 km (6,450 mi) and a service ceiling of 13,700 m (45,000 ft).

Specifications: Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

Length: 53.04 m (174 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 51.74 m (169 ft 9 in)
Height: 16.79 m (55 ft 1 in)
Empty weight: 122,000 kg (268,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 265,000 kg (584,000 lb)
Payload capacity: 77,500 kg (170,900 lb)
Range: 10,390 km (6,450 mi)
Service ceiling: 13,700 m (45,000 ft)

3. Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A

The Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A is a large military transport aircraft developed by Ilyushin for the Russian Air Force. With a maximum takeoff weight of 210,000 kg (463,000 lb) and a payload capacity of 60,000 kg (132,000 lb), the Il-76MD-90A is capable of transporting large cargo, such as tanks, artillery, and even other aircraft. Powered by four Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 turbofans, each producing 157,000 N (35,300 lbf) of thrust, the Il-76MD-90A has a range of 5,200 km (3,200 mi) and a service ceiling of 13,000 m (42,700 ft).

Specifications: Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A

Length: 46.59 m (152 ft 10 in)
Wingspan: 50.50 m (165 ft 8 in)
Height: 14.76 m (48 ft 5 in)
Empty weight: 92,000 kg (203,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 210,000 kg (463,000 lb)
Payload capacity: 60,000 kg (132,000 lb)
Range: 5,200 km (3,200 mi)
Service ceiling: 13,000 m (42,700 ft)

4. Airbus A400M Atlas

The Airbus A400M Atlas is a large military transport aircraft developed by Airbus for several European air forces. With a maximum takeoff weight of 141,000 kg (311,000 lb) and a payload capacity of 37,000 kg (81,500 lb), the A400M is capable of transporting large cargo, such as tanks, artillery, and even other aircraft. Powered by four Europrop TP400-D6 turbofans, each producing 110,000 N (24,700 lbf) of thrust, the A400M has a range of 8,000 km (5,000 mi) and a service ceiling of 12,000 m (39,400 ft).

Specifications: Airbus A400M Atlas

Length: 45.10 m (147 ft 11 in)
Wingspan: 51.70 m (169 ft 7 in)
Height: 14.70 m (48 ft 3 in)
Empty weight: 79,000 kg (174,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 141,000 kg (311,000 lb)
Payload capacity: 37,000 kg (81,500 lb)
Range: 8,000 km (5,000 mi)
Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,400 ft)

5. Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy

The Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy is a large military transport aircraft developed by Lockheed for the United States Air Force (USAF). With a maximum takeoff weight of 392,000 kg (865,000 lb) and a payload capacity of 120,000 kg (264,000 lb), the C-5M is capable of transporting oversized cargo, such as spacecraft, missile systems, and even other aircraft. Powered by four General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofans, each producing 229,000 N (51,600 lbf) of thrust, the C-5M has a range of 5,600 km (3,500 mi) and a service ceiling of 10,600 m (34,800 ft).

Specifications: Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy

Length: 75.53 m (247 ft 9 in)
Wingspan: 52.71 m (172 ft 11 in)
Height: 19.85 m (65 ft 1 in)
Empty weight: 141,000 kg (311,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 392,000 kg (865,000 lb)
Payload capacity: 120,000 kg (264,000 lb)
Range: 5,600 km (3,500 mi)
Service ceiling: 10,600 m (34,800 ft)

6. Tupolev Tu-160M2 Blackjack

The Tupolev Tu-160M2 Blackjack is a large supersonic bomber developed by Tupolev for the Russian Air Force. With a maximum takeoff weight of 275,000 kg (606,000 lb) and a payload capacity of 35,000 kg (77,200 lb), the Tu-160M2 is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional munitions. Powered by four Kuznetsov NK-32-02 turbofans, each producing 245,000 N (55,100 lbf) of thrust, the Tu-160M2 has a range of 12,300 km (7,650 mi) and a service ceiling of 17,000 m (55,800 ft).

Specifications: Tupolev Tu-160M2 Blackjack

Length: 54.10 m (177 ft 6 in)
Wingspan: 55.70 m (182 ft 9 in)
Height: 13.10 m (43 ft 0 in)
Empty weight: 110,000 kg (243,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 275,000 kg (606,000 lb)
Payload capacity: 35,000 kg (77,200 lb)
Range: 12,300 km (7,650 mi)
Service ceiling: 17,000 m (55,800 ft)

7. Boeing P-8 Poseidon

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a large maritime patrol aircraft developed by Boeing for the United States Navy. With a maximum takeoff weight of 85,000 kg (187,000 lb) and a payload capacity of 10,000 kg (22,000 lb), the P-8 is capable of carrying anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare munitions. Powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B turbofans, each producing 120,000 N (27,000 lbf) of thrust, the P-8 has a range of 5,500 km (3,400 mi) and a service ceiling of 12,500 m (41,000 ft).

Specifications: Boeing P-8 Poseidon

Length: 39.47 m (129 ft 6 in)
Wingspan: 37.63 m (123 ft 5 in)
Height: 12.83 m (42 ft 1 in)
Empty weight: 62,000 kg (137,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 85,000 kg (187,000 lb)
Payload capacity: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb)
Range: 5,500 km (3,400 mi)
Service ceiling: 12,500 m (41,000 ft)

Largest Air Force Planes Image Gallery

What is the largest air force plane in the world?

The largest air force plane in the world is the Antonov An-124 Ruslan, with a maximum takeoff weight of 392,000 kg (865,000 lb) and a payload capacity of 150,000 kg (331,000 lb).

What is the purpose of large air force planes?

Large air force planes are used for various purposes, including transportation of oversized cargo, such as tanks, artillery, and even other aircraft, as well as for strategic operations, such as bombing missions and reconnaissance.

Which countries operate the largest air force planes?

The largest air force planes are operated by several countries, including the United States, Russia, China, and European nations, such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

How do large air force planes contribute to military operations?

Large air force planes play a critical role in military operations, providing strategic airlift capabilities, transporting troops and equipment, and supporting humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.

What are the challenges of operating large air force planes?

Operating large air force planes presents several challenges, including high operating costs, complex maintenance requirements, and the need for specialized training for pilots and crew members.