Upd — Antonov An 990

(13.2 million lbs), it is approximately 120 times heavier than a standard Boeing 737-100 Powerplant

To understand the An-990, one must look at its predecessors. The Antonov An-225 Mriya was designed specifically to carry the Soviet Buran space shuttle. While it was the heaviest aircraft ever built, its design was specialized.

The An-990 was envisioned not just as a transport, but as a flying launchpad. There were discussions of the aircraft being capable of air-launching spacecraft or ballistic missiles from its cargo bay, a capability that would have turned the aircraft into a strategic deterrent platform.

Vinchin Knowledge Base

(13.2 million lbs), it is approximately 120 times heavier than a standard Boeing 737-100 Powerplant

To understand the An-990, one must look at its predecessors. The Antonov An-225 Mriya was designed specifically to carry the Soviet Buran space shuttle. While it was the heaviest aircraft ever built, its design was specialized.

The An-990 was envisioned not just as a transport, but as a flying launchpad. There were discussions of the aircraft being capable of air-launching spacecraft or ballistic missiles from its cargo bay, a capability that would have turned the aircraft into a strategic deterrent platform.