Volga-Dnepr Airlines, one of the largest carriers of oversized and super-heavy cargo, organized a direct charter flight with special equipment from Tianjin (China) to Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of the Congo). The 32-ton linear reactor is designed to ensure a stable power supply and improve the efficiency of the country's energy system.
The flight was preceded by two months of intensive and thorough preparation by the entire team, including a visit to the manufacturing plant, the design and manufacture of a transport frame, along with software mathematical modeling of the structure's strength during the flight, as well as regular online meetings directly with the principal to ensure the safe transportation of technically complex equipment.
After the team received all the calculations and technical characteristics of the cargo, the An-124-100 was chosen as the most efficient transportation option. Its spacious cargo compartment, as well as technical capabilities and onboard loading equipment, made it possible to deliver the 32-ton linear reactor along with the transport frame and related equipment.
Alexey Sidorenko, Volga-Dnepr's Charter Cargo Manager in the Asia-Pacific region, noted that the delivery of the linear reactor went according to plan thanks to the exceptional experience and competence of the company's engineers.
It is a pleasure to work on a project that allows us to demonstrate our capabilities, knowledge and competence, and helps customers achieve their business goals.
An-124-100 «Ruslan» is one of the most heavy-lift aircraft in world history, it was released in 1984. The maximum take-off weight of 405 tons allows transportation of almost any complexity.
Characteristics of An-124 Ruslan:
- Crew — 4-6 or 6-7 people depending on the modification
- Maximum payload — 120–150 tons
- Cruising speed — 865 km/h
- Practical range — 16,500 km
- Practical ceiling — 12,000 m
Currently, the domestic machine has no direct analogues. The development cost of one such vessel was estimated at $300 million.
