15 Largest Planes Ever Built
This presentation covers the 15 largest planes ever built. We explore their size, purpose, and unique features.
Introducing the Largest Aircraft
Antonov An-225 Mriya
Largest cargo plane ever built, wingspan 88.4m, length 84m.
Stratolaunch Roc
Largest wingspan of 117m, used for air-launching rockets.
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
Key US military transport, length 75m, max payload 127 tonnes.
Iconic Civilian Giants
Boeing 747
The classic jumbo jet, length 70.6m, revolutionized air travel.
Airbus A380
World’s largest passenger plane, two full decks, wingspan 79.8m.
Unique Heavy Transport Aircraft
Lockheed C-130 Hercules
Versatile tactical airlifter with 40m wingspan.
Antonov An-124 Ruslan
One of the largest cargo planes, 73m length, 150 tonnes payload.
Convair B-36 Peacemaker
Historic long-range strategic bomber, 70m wingspan.
Experimental and Rare Giants
Tupolev Tu-144
Supersonic jet, length 65.9m, rival to Concorde.
Messerschmitt Me 321 Gigant
World War II giant glider, wingspan 55m.
Hughes H-4 Hercules
Known as “Spruce Goose”, largest wooden aircraft, wingspan 97.5m.
Role of Large Planes in Cargo & Military
C-17 Globemaster III
Strategic airlifter, 53m length, versatile payload options.
Lockheed Martin LM-100J
Modern civilian cargo plane derived from C-130.
Antonov An-225
Frequent use in transporting oversized military equipment worldwide.
Engineering Marvels Behind Their Size
Advanced Materials
Lightweight composites reduce weight while maintaining strength.
Powerful Engines
High-thrust turbofans enable heavy lift and long-range flight.
Innovative Aerodynamics
Optimized wing design reduces drag and improves efficiency.
Massive Structural Design
Reinforced airframes withstand heavy loads and stress.
Key Takeaways & Future of Large Aircraft
Evolution of Size
Planes grew larger to meet cargo and passenger demands.
Challenges Ahead
Environmental impact and fuel efficiency are key concerns.
Future Innovations
Hybrid and electric propulsion may redefine large aircraft design.