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An-124

Launch vehicle · Ukraine

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

Subsonic rocket launch aircraft. Antonov cargo aircraft swept wing. Release conditions: Piggy-back, 200,000 kg, 900 kph at 8 to 9 km altitude. Effective velocity gain compared to vertical launch 270 m/s.

No Engines: 4. dV Equivalent: 270 m/s (880 ft/sec). Release velocity: 240 m/s (780 ft/sec). Release altitude: 8.50 m (27.80 ft). Release conditions: 900 kph at 8.5 km.

Subtopics

  • Gerakl Subsonic rocket launch aircraft. NPO Molniya-1000 cargo aircraft, catamaran layout, twin-fuselage triplane. Release conditions: Suspended load, 450,000 kg, 900 kph at 9,500 m altitude. Effective velocity gain compared to vertical launch 270 m/s.
  • An-225 Subsonic rocket carrier. Antonov cargo aircraft swept wing. Release conditions: Piggy-back, 275,000 kg, 38.0 m length x 24.0 m wingspan, 900 kph at 9,500 m altitude. Effective velocity gain compared to vertical launch 270 m/s.
Country
Ukraine
Engines
D-18T
Propellants
Air/Kerosene