The largest aircraft in the world and the aircraft with the largest payload capacity are two distinct records, so let’s break it down:

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1. Largest Aircraft in the World

The title of the largest aircraft (by physical dimensions) belongs to the Antonov An-225 Mriya.

Length: 275 feet 7 inches (84 meters)
Wingspan: 290 feet (88.4 meters)
Height: 59 feet 5 inches (18.2 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 1.41 million pounds (640,000 kg)

The An-225 Mriya was built by the Soviet Union in the 1980s and was a one-of-a-kind aircraft designed to transport the Buran space shuttle. It remained the largest operational aircraft until it was destroyed during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

2. Largest Payload Capacity

While the An-225 Mriya holds the record for the largest overall payload carried by an aircraft:

Payload Capacity: 559,580 pounds (253,820 kg)
This is equivalent to over 250 cars or 5 full-grown blue whales.

The An-225 remains the record holder, though it no longer exists.

Honorable Mentions:

Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy (Military):
- Payload: 281,000 pounds (127,500 kg).
- It is the largest military cargo aircraft still in operation today.
Stratolaunch Roc (Current largest wingspan):
- Wingspan: 385 feet (117 meters).
- Purpose: Designed for air-launching rockets into orbit.
- Payload capacity: Much lower than the An-225, as it is not intended for heavy cargo transport.