Antonov An 990 Guide

Following the destruction of the Mriya, China reportedly expressed interest in re-manufacturing the An-225 using leftover blueprints. This aircraft, tentatively called the CH-225, would not be an An-990 but effectively an "An-225M." As of 2025, this project remains in limbo due to engine sanctions.

Today, the Antonov An-990 exists in a strange limbo. It is not recognized in official aviation registries, yet it persists in the memories of a handful of engineers and in the shadows of Cold War speculation.

For aviation enthusiasts, the An-990 serves as a tantalizing reminder of the technological arms race. It was a machine ahead of its time—a ghost ship built to haul tanks at the speed of sound, silenced before it ever truly took flight. Whether it was a genuine prototype or a masterful piece of disinformation intended to spook NATO analysts remains one of the enduring mysteries of the Antonov Design Bureau.

Editor's Note: The Antonov An-990 is a work of fiction created for this article. In reality, Antonov designations skipped from the An-70 series to various specialized projects, and no such aircraft as the An-990 exists in historical records.

The Antonov An-990 "Juggernaut" is a fictional, ultra-heavy aircraft designed exclusively for flight simulation environments like X-Plane. While it does not exist in the real world, it represents an extreme conceptual evolution of heavy-lift aviation, dwarfing even the legendary (and real) Antonov An-225 Mriya. The "Juggernaut" Series: Variants

The An-990 is typically presented as a "Graphene" series of four specialized versions, each designed for high-intensity simulation challenges:

Air-Launcher: Capable of carrying and mid-air launching entire aircraft, such as a Boeing 747-400.

Buran-Launcher: Designed to launch the Buran Space Shuttle as a missile, featuring a 12-minute controlled flight mode.

Fire-Retardant Bomber: A specialized tanker variant carrying up to 600,000 gallons of fire retardant to combat massive wildfires.

Water Bomber: Features a "water-scooping" mechanism to refill its 600,000-gallon tanks during flight. Theoretical Performance Specifications

In the simulation, the An-990 operates at a scale far beyond any current real-world engineering capability: Max Weight: 13.2 million lbs (6,000 tonnes).

Propulsion: Six custom GE-990-480 turbofan engines, each producing 480,000 lbf of thrust.

Take-Off Speed: Rotates at approximately 145+ knots (KIAS) with Flaps 3 or 4.

Cruising Altitude: Reaches a ceiling of 32,100 ft even at maximum load.

Defensive Systems: Equipped with flares and chaff for self-defense simulations. Simulation vs. Reality

It is important to note that the An-990 is not a real-world aircraft. While Antonov is a real manufacturer known for massive planes like the An-124 and the late An-225, the An-990 is a "what-if" project created by the flight sim community (notably developers like hangglider and MGouge) to test the limits of physics engines.

In real aviation history, the largest aircraft produced by Antonov was the An-225 Mriya, which had a maximum takeoff weight of about 640 tonnes—roughly one-tenth the weight of the fictional An-990.

The Antonov An-990 is not a real-world aircraft; it is a fictional, colossal "super-plane" created as a mod for the flight simulator

Designed by a community creator often known as "hangglider," it is depicted as a "Graphene" air tanker and "Buran-Launcher" with physics-defying specifications intended to push the limits of the simulation. X-Plane.Org Forum Fictional Specifications & Features

In the simulation, the An-990 is presented as the largest aircraft ever "built," dwarfing the real-world Antonov An-225 Mriya

6,000 tonnes (13.2 million lbs), which is roughly 120 times the weight of a Boeing 737-100.

870 feet (265.2 meters)—roughly three times the wingspan of the real An-225.

Primarily a "Juggernaut" water bomber designed to fight massive wildfires, capable of carrying 600,000 gallons of fire retardant. Capabilities:

It features a "BURAN-Launcher" version to launch the Buran space shuttle as a missile and includes water-scooping features for firefighting. X-Plane.Org Forum Flight Simulation Context The An-990 is a popular custom design in the X-Plane forum antonov an 990

for users who enjoy flying experimental or "impossible" aircraft. X-Plane.Org Forum Performance:

Despite its size, it is designed to operate out of regular 10,000-foot runways like KBFI (Boeing Field), though it requires massive side clearances of 500 feet. VR Support: Recent versions of the mod include FMOD sound and VR compatibility download links for this mod, or would you like to know more about the real-world Antonov aircraft it was inspired by?

The Antonov An-990 "Juggernaut" is a colossally-sized fictional aircraft created specifically for the X-Plane 11 flight simulator. Designed by flight-sim developer "hangglider," it is imagined as a "Graphene-constructed" ultra-giant capable of performing tasks that are physically impossible for real-world aircraft.  Performance Specifications 

The An-990 is designed to dwarf even the largest real-world aircraft, such as the Antonov An-225.  Feature  Specification Max Takeoff Weight 6,000 Tonnes (13.2 million lbs) Wingspan 870 feet (265.2 meters) Powerplant 6× Custom GE-990-480 Turbofans Engine Thrust 480,000 lbf (2135 kN) per engine Cargo/Liquid Capacity 600,000 Gallons (5 million lbs) Operational Guide for Flight Simulators 

Operating the "Juggernaut" requires specialized techniques due to its extreme mass and cockpit height.  Take-Off Procedures: Set Flaps to 3 or 4. Rotate at 145+ KIAS (knots indicated airspeed).

The aircraft is capable of taking off from water even at its full 6,000-tonne weight. Landing Procedures:

Runway Requirements: Requires at least 10,000 feet of runway with 500 feet of side clearance due to its massive wingspan.

Approach: Maintain a long approach at 165 KIAS with Flaps 3. Touchdown: Aim for 163 KIAS.

Visual Correction: Pilots must account for the extreme cockpit height above the runway to avoid "landing short".

Stopping: Use a combination of regular brakes, speedbrakes, and thrust reversers to stop within standard large-scale runways.  Available Variants 

The An-990 series for X-Plane includes four specialized versions: 

Air-Launcher (Graphene): Designed to carry and launch other aircraft, such as a Boeing 747, mid-flight.

Buran-Launcher: Specialized for carrying and launching the Soviet Buran space shuttle.

Fire-Retardant Bomber: Equipped with a 600,000-gallon tank for massive aerial firefighting.

Water Bomber: Features water-scooping capabilities to refill its tanks from open water. 

You can download the An-990 mod and find detailed community discussions on the X-Plane.Org Forums. 

The persistent myth of the An-990 speaks to a deeper human desire: the love of superlatives. People want to believe there is always a bigger, better, more extreme version of anything.

If you are searching for the true spiritual successor to the Antonov heavy-lifters, look away from the fictional An-990 and toward three real projects:

By: Aviation Historical Review

Introduction: The Ghost of the Runway

In the pantheon of aviation legends, few names command as much respect as Antonov. The Ukrainian (formerly Soviet) design bureau is synonymous with giants: the An-2 "Colt," the An-124 "Ruslan," and the one-of-a-kind An-225 "Mriya." For decades, aviation enthusiasts have scoured the internet, forums, and speculative design studies looking for the "next big thing."

Among these searches, one phantom number repeatedly surfaces: Antonov An-990.

To the casual observer, it seems logical. If the An-225 is a six-engine behemoth derived from the An-124, surely the "An-990" must be the ultimate flying leviathan—perhaps a ten-engine, double-decker cargo hauler designed to lift spaceships or entire power plants. However, the truth about the An-990 is far more complex, fascinating, and shrouded in misinformation. Following the destruction of the Mriya, China reportedly

This article is the definitive deep dive into the Antonov An-990. We will explore why this specific model number generates such intense curiosity, separate fact from Soviet-era fiction, and reveal what aircraft (if any) actually exists behind the myth.

If you’d like, I can:

The Antonov An-990 is not a real-world aircraft, but a prominent fictional "ultra-heavy" aircraft design popularized within flight simulation communities, specifically X-Plane 11.

In these simulations, it is depicted as a "Juggernaut" that far exceeds the capabilities of any existing aircraft, designed primarily for extreme missions like global wildfire suppression and air-launching space shuttles. Overview of the Fictional An-990

Created as a custom design for enthusiasts, the An-990 represents the absolute limit of theoretical aeronautics. It is often described as part of a series of massive concepts including the An-725 "Monster" and An-900 "Ultra-Heavy Giant".

Design Intent: In simulation lore, the An-990 "Graphene" is primarily a high-capacity Air Tanker meant to fight massive wildfires in California, Canada, and Australia.

Mission Variants: The design typically includes four versions:

Air-Launcher: Capable of carrying and launching other aircraft in-flight, such as a Boeing 747.

Buran-Launcher: Designed to launch the Soviet Buran space shuttle as a missile.

Fire-Retardant Bomber: Equipped to drop massive amounts of fire retardant.

Water Bomber: Features "water-scooping" capabilities to refill its tanks while skimming across lakes or oceans. Theoretical Specifications

The An-990's simulated stats are designed to be "earth-shattering," making it several times larger than the real-world Antonov An-225 Mriya. Simulated Specification Real-World Comparison (An-225) Max Takeoff Weight 6,000 tonnes (13.2 million lbs) 640 tonnes Wingspan 870 feet (265.2 metres) Powerplant 6x custom GE-990-480 engines 6x Progress D-18T turbofans Payload Capacity 600,000 gallons of retardant ~60,000 gallons equivalent Comparison with Real Aircraft

While the An-990 is a "dream" aircraft for sim pilots, the Antonov An-225 Mriya remains the heaviest aircraft ever actually built and flown. The An-225 was uniquely capable of carrying 250 tonnes of cargo and was famously used to transport the Buran space shuttle. Tragically, the world's only completed An-225 was destroyed during the Battle of Antonov Airport in 2022.

The name "990" is sometimes confused with the Convair 990 Coronado, a real-world American jet airliner from the early 1960s known for its high speed but limited commercial success.

Antonov An-990 is a fictional, ultra-heavy aircraft created for flight simulation enthusiasts, primarily within the X-Plane 11 platform . While it bears the name of the legendary Antonov Company

, it is not a real-world project but rather a conceptual "Juggernaut" designed to push the boundaries of virtual aviation. The "Graphene Juggernaut": A Digital Titan

The An-990 is often presented as a specialized "water-bomber" designed for global firefighting missions in regions like California, Canada, and Australia. Its specifications are intentionally astronomical, dwarfing any aircraft ever actually built: : It boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 tonnes

(13.2 million lbs), which is 120 times the weight of a standard Boeing 737-100. 265.2 meters

(870 feet), its wingspan is three times larger than that of the real Antonov An-225 Mriya , the largest plane ever built. Propulsion

: It is powered by six custom GE-990-480 turbofan engines, each generating 480,000 lbf of thrust. : It can carry approximately 600,000 gallons

of fire retardant, outperforming 30 Boeing 747 Super-Tankers combined. Bridging Reality and Imagination

Although fictional, the An-990 draws inspiration from the design philosophy of Oleg Antonov , whose real-world aircraft—like the An-124 Ruslan

and the An-225—became symbols of heavy-lift capability. Developers of the An-990 mod utilize advanced materials like Editor's Note: The Antonov An-990 is a work

in their lore to justify the physics of such a massive structure, which would be impossible to build with current aerospace technology.

In flight simulators, this aircraft offers a unique challenge: pilots must manage extreme inertia and plan landings meticulously, as only a handful of real-world runways could theoretically accommodate its massive wingspan and weight. It serves as a testament to the creativity of the aviation community, allowing enthusiasts to experience the "what if" of ultra-heavy flight. from flight simulation or dive into the real history of Antonov's heavy lifters?

Beyond the "An-990": The Mythical Future of the World’s Largest Cargo Planes

Have you seen the stunning videos circulating of the "Antonov An-990" taking off in Microsoft Flight Simulator? The graphics are breathtaking, showing a colossal aircraft dominating the runway. But for aviation enthusiasts, this raises a burning question: Does the Antonov An-990 actually exist?

Let’s clear up the myths, look at the reality of Antonov's legendary fleet in 2026, and discuss the future of heavy airlift. The Truth About the "An-990" As of April 2026, there is no real-world Antonov An-990.

The images and videos you likely saw are hyper-realistic mods for flight simulators. While it’s exciting to imagine a successor to the legendary An-225, the An-990 is a fictional concept designed by passionate creators to simulate the ultimate cargo experience. Remembering the True King: An-225 Mriya While the An-990 is virtual, the Antonov An-225 Mriya

("Dream") was very real. It was the largest and most powerful cargo plane ever built, with a wingspan of 88 meters and six engines.

Sadly, the one-of-a-kind Mriya was destroyed during the initial days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Will a New "Dream" Rise?

The dream of heavy lift is not dead. In late 2022, Antonov confirmed plans to rebuild the An-225, with estimated costs topping $500 million. While its return is a long-term goal, Antonov currently focuses on its fleet of An-124 Ruslan

transport planes, which have played a crucial role in delivering massive cargo worldwide. The Future of Cargo Giants

The fascination with the "An-990" proves the world still needs giant cargo planes. As we move closer to 2030, new designs like the WindRunner are designed to carry massive, clean-energy components.

The spirit of the Mriya lives on in simulators, and perhaps one day, in a new generation of real-world aircraft that will push the boundaries of what can fly.

Enjoyed this article? Let us know in the comments: Would you prefer to see the An-225 rebuilt, or focus entirely on new, futuristic designs?

The Antonov An-990 is a purely fictional aircraft created solely as a mod for flight simulation games like X-Plane. No real-world plane has ever been built with these specifications.

The concept behind the An-990 community creation is outlined below: 🎮 The Flight Simulator Concept Role: Massive water bomber. Purpose: Fighting extreme global wildfires. Origin: Custom community mod for X-Plane. Material: Fictionalized "graphene" construction. ⚖️ Mind-Boggling Specifications Max Weight: 6,000 tonnes (13.2 million lbs). Wingspan: 870 feet (265.2 meters). Capacity: 600,000 gallons of fire retardant.

Scale: 3 times larger than the real-world Antonov An-225 Mriya. ✈️ Real-World Context

The actual Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov is famous for building some of the largest real planes in history. However, the An-990 is physically impossible to construct or fly with current modern technology and is strictly intended for simulator amusement.

To understand why the An-990 is likely impossible, we must consider physics. Suppose, for the sake of argument, the An-990 was designed to be 50% larger than the An-225.

The An-225 Mriya (baseline):

The Hypothetical An-990 (fan specifications):

The Insurmountable Problems:

The Anglo-French Concorde and the Boeing 747 pushed the limits of 1960s technology. The An-225 pushed the limits of 1980s Soviet titanium welding. An An-990 would require 22nd-century materials science. This is why Antonov never built it.

Disclaimer: Before diving into the specifications and historical impact of the Antonov An 990, a crucial clarification is required. The Antonov An 990 does not exist as a real aircraft. It is a long-standing myth, a piece of internet folklore, and a hypothetical fantasy that has been confused with its real-world siblings. This article will explore the origins of the "An 990" legend, contrast it with the real Antonov heavy-lifters (the An-124, An-225, and An-22), and explain why aviation enthusiasts continue to search for this "ultimate monster."