AN-124-100, Strategic Wings of Russia photo exhibition has opened in State Duma

State Duma of the Russian Federation accommodated AN-124-100, Strategic Wings of Russia photo-exhibition. The exhibition is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Ruslan freighter's maiden flight.

The exhibition was initiated by Volga-Dnepr Group with assistance of Russia Aviation and Astronautics Inter-group Deputy Association. The following were present at the exhibition opening: A.N. Chillingarov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma; B.I. Zotov, Chairman of Ulyanovsk Province Legislative Assembly; V.A. Sychev, Representative of Ulyanovsk Province Legislative Assembly to Federation Council; V.G. Tsvetkov, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Russia Aviation and Astronautics Association; P.P. Belevantsev, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of Russia Aviation and Astronautics Association; V.I. Tolmachev, AN-124 General Designer (presently Volga-Dnepr-Moscow Technical Director); and other officials.

In his opening speech, А.N. Chillingarov emphasized colossal contribution made by the famous Ruslan freighter to the development of domestic and world aviation. V.I. Tolmachev was among the pioneers of the freighter development and production. V.A. Sychev wished AN-124 to further support respected traditions of domestic aviation industry, while Volga-Dnepr to carry on with the freighter resumed production project. The closing speech was taken by A.I. Isaikin, Volga-Dnepr Group President who assured that Volga-Dnepr would henceforth use its best efforts to consolidate Russia's position in the world aviation market.

AN-124 made its first flight in 1982. The aircraft is fairly regarded as the most successful project in the world's air freight industry. This unrivaled airplane can uplift 150t cargo (AN-124-100-150М version) with up to 6.5 diameter. The aircraft height is 21.1m, 73.3m wingspan, and 16,000km operational range. The airplane has set 21 world records, including that of payload capacity (over 170 tons) and close-circuit non-stop flight (over 20,000km).

In Russia, Volga-Dnepr Airlines is the major AN-124 operator (43% of commercially operated fleet). 2006 annual results showed the Airline has taken about 53 per cent of global outsize and heavy freight.