The Largest Aircraft Ever Built In The World

While size does matter, it is not necessarily always a measure of aviation power. However, this did not stop gifted engineers, who have, for decades now, been designing vehicles of such magnitude that their very ability to leave the ground was already impressive.
Today we are going to take a look at 10 of the largest planes, all with their own unique story. Let’s jump right into it!

[@mikemarley2389]

C130s I watched them take off and land in Lancaster.Never got tired of watching them.

[@louiefine722]

There are 2 that impress me mainly because of durability, longevity and practicality. The B52 and the C130 hands down in opinion are the best all around aircrafts that meet their respective design parameters.

[@litoteves339]

removed all bombs you destroy the earth the only place to live in think dynamic

[@vaishalithorat967]

@@litoteves339 _

[@timothymercer3526]

How can you not be impressed by the B52 stratofortress and The Hercules Transport these bad boys were made so well they do not require new replacements just avionic upgrades every 10 or 20 years....

[@MisteriosGloriosos922]

Great video, thanks for posting!!!

[@michaelkottler]

Like the size and tonnage of the aircraft documented, this video is impressive in terms of content & production value. Thank you Dark Skies for another fascinating documentary. On a personal note, & not for reasons of national pride, my favs (along with many other posters here) are the C-130 and B-52. The B-52s chose their name well!

[@kuberpalungbam4753]

Seeing the video feels like I'm in a dream

[@formerparatrooper]

Engines do not create LIFT, they create THRUST, the wings bring lift to the machine.

[@Pork-Chopper]

Engines Do, create lift, as in the Harrier, VTOL jet aircraft...

[@formerparatrooper]

@@Pork-Chopper Sorry, but real pilots say that engines create thrust, and in the Harrier it is thrust that brings the aircraft up and as they turn the direction from vertical to horizontal they push the aircraft forward while the wings then create lift.

[@Pork-Chopper]

@@formerparatrooper That may be true, but while the turbofan is pointing downward, it's thrust is "lifting" the aircraft, til the turbofan is slowly rotating back to its normal "thrust" position pushing the aircraft forward where the wings start to grab air and create "lift". It is called "translational lift", this holds true for helicopters, from hover to forward movement, "lift" improves because more air is going through the rotating blades...

[@philforonda7589]

The criteria I use is reliability, historical performance, multi-use adaptability, and biggest bang for the buck. So far, my picks are the B-52, and the C-130. The Antonov behemoth has proven to carry incredible payloads, although I imagine the shipping costs are astronomical!

[@bencoss7003]

Yeah astronomical is right man didn't they say what the Antonia I imagine c5a or is he fives are not too far behind you know keep close to a million pounds in the air can't be cheap, well he's like way to there's always c141 like, I like the original to have one and be able to fly whenever I wanted to just get around just go cruising you know the world, but unfortunately, not even close to mediocracy LOL

[@sseltrek1a2b]

fascinating....always was a huge fan of the XB-70- very futuristic design for the time...

[@automobilesarefun409]

I'm glad it's in a Museum.

[@billfeld5883]

Trillions of dollars spent on high tech weapons and we have lost both of the wars too people who didn't have a navy or a big air force, Vietnam and Afghanistan will haunt America for decades to come !!!! 2021

[@inhisname8395]

I think we did lose. If you consider giving up and leaving we lost.

[@markbrito21]

We always win because we’re the good guys!🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@charliechan8063]

No matter how big or dangerous a country is but Allah hu akbar!!! And his followers will always prevail!!!

[@johnchadwick9720]

We should never gone to Vietnam. we were the invaders and on this occasion we were the bad guys. Same goes for us invading Turkey at Gallipoli in WWII we got our butt kicked although the local life loses in Turkey & Vietnam were 10 to 20 times worse than the allies they sent us running home with our tails between or legs.

[@305jett]

and we can add urkraine to that,

[@mwmcbroom]

An awesome video of some brobdingnagian aircraft, but I'm a bit puzzled why you left out the USAF's C5 transport, the largest in the US inventory.

[@stevenholton438]

If you gonna use a big word you should bother to look up it's spelling ...you could be spreading your bad habit to the easily impressed!

[@mwmcbroom]

@@stevenholton438 corrected. Feel better now?

[@stevenholton438]

@@mwmcbroom Yes that's sweet! 💯

[@kenlucero3651]

As an Air Force Veteran I like the side by side fuselages and can envision the lethality of its potential !

[@tomikuusla925]

LZ-129 and LZ-130 were pretty big too. 🤔👍

[@peterwarner5306]

I worked on the Lockheed Hercules C130 engine ONLY and they never said it was a puff the dragon. The sound when heard by AMERICAN troops rallied and the he VC ran as fast as they could but wiping out a football field in one burst is terrifying

[@stephenstaab429]

Awesome information! I will definitely go to Wright Patterson Air Force Base to see these beasts in person. Loved all the short clips you provided ✌️⚡️😎

[@riprapter6322]

B-52s fly a hell of a lot higher than 16000 ft (ca. 5 km). The C-141 I flew on flew 41000 ft (ca. 12 km) and it was a cargo plane.

[@spaceman081447]

@Rip Rapter RE: "B-52s fly a hell of a lot higher than 16000 ft (ca. 5 km)." Perhaps he meant 16,000 meters. 16,000 meters = 52,500 feet

[@DavidRLentz]

Flying higher is more fuel efficient for the reduced drag.

[@alexhand6049]

RIP AN 225

[@tyndalewashington8457]

My vote goes to the formidable B1 and the astounding An 225. Superstars both in their breathtaking sizes and their designed roles! Two gigantic and irrepressible aviation landmarks!!!

[@JAD.JEHOVAHJIREH]

I wanna follow through Mach 17 and loving it

[@michaelsamuel1069]

Excruciatingly CRAZY!!!!!

[@pkjr216]

video was cool, but i didnt see the aircraft in the picture? maybe i missed it when i grabbed a beer..

[@clivehamilton2132]

Awesome job 👏👍🙌, 225 Myra

[@TTHIAGO666]

the one I like the most is an-225 Mriya

[@taniavanrhyn8419]

WOW !!! all I can comment !!!!!!!

[@maryphelps7381]

Now I think I see the Inspiration for Star Wars Ships. Lol

[@thomasctteo6868]

A thing of great beauty. Is a joy forever. Luv it! :) Have liked n subscribed to your channel.

[@peterbrazier7107]

Some of the planes shown are not the ones being talked about in the section of the video.

[@christopherjohn8521]

The b52 stratofortress has always been my sentimental pick and the gentle giant Antinov-124, which was horribly destroyed by Russian forces recently.

[@joeslater604]

What about the C5A Galaxy ?

[@bencoss7003]

Well if the Russian cargo plane the Anton gets mentioned it is the world's largest cargo aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of little over a million pounds, the c5a is is his direct competition as being the second largest cargo aircraft in the world with a maximum takeoff weight of a little over 800,000 pounds, that was about the c5a,

[@lubbymorolong7247]

The B52 will always be my favorite aircraft.

[@gerardvaldepenas3119]

You also forgot to mention the Galaxy in this video.

[@orlomann]

Thanks for your awesome presentation. I enjoy learning about these massive flying machines. The B52 and the C130 impresses me the most. I wish I was one that could fly either one of them.

[@hopedubetsky3507]

I would like to also

[@orlomann]

Although there are many other impressive US flying machines, the B52 and the C130 are arguably what makes the Russians and Chinese envious in the realm of mega fighting airships.

[@johnminx2133]

what about the C-5??? where is that on the list???

[@andrewmcneil2110]

The Hercules impresses me with its versatility.

[@davidtam8476]

The X-B70 Valkyrie is, and always will be, my favorite!! I have a personal history and attachment to her!!

[@booniespitq4673]

No C-5A? If you have the AN225, you have to have the Galaxy. Two sides of the same coin.

[@salamander163]

the B 36 service ceiling is 43,600 ft and the MiG 15 is 50,900 ft,

[@kennethbreuhl2540]

The United States 🇺🇸 has always the best technology and as far as I am concerned still does each when it comes to Aircraft.

[@philtheb4ttleonionhodson786]

U mean since WW2?after shipping NAZI engineers 2 the US?So its really stolen tech isnt it?

[@overture2264]

@@philtheb4ttleonionhodson786 No because Americans were making the BEST equipment by the end which is WHY we won. In fact America supplied the world including Russia. Russia was using almost half of American equipment

[@ymefg]

merica

[@privateerburrows]

One use of the C-130 you forgot to mention is as airborn heavy artillery. AFAIK, no other aircraft ever saw such use.

[@mattieandrews853]

awesome!! Cool!

[@leeakers4525]

You skipped over the USAF's C--5. The largest American transport airplane.

[@bonniebrown4186]

The b-52 is the most used and then the c130 next in attack missions but heavy bombers and high altitude nuclear destruction of the largest city . And none that they can’t be there before the city knows there already gone . It’s a sky Dragon.

[@bencoss7003]

Okay let's let's say the Chinese can make something that won't fall out of the sky and hurt you, And let's say that the dragon 50 is from what I seen is just another Sparrow missile cheap and effective it does have a low yield on the explosive end for and for a fragmentation missile that is a lot and everything about it, but where I see the greatest flaw of them all is the delivery vehicle 6 cylinder inline diesel it's not even a multi-fuel, you're basically unprotected your tire shine like a big fat balloon and so what do you got to do to make a platform and effective it's effectiveness is be a mobile and I don't see that lasting too long on the field of action once it blows it four to six missiles I believe it was well it's all over, if that truck can't make it back to get loaded up cart missiles out to the field could be a dangerous game and yes I do realize that the agent man could be wiped up wholesale,hell they probably got the design from the United States from possible current administration if it was legal one

[@thecooldadddddd]

I'd really like to see footage of the crew boarding the Valkyrie. That's a picture I haven't been able to make in my head.

[@brucewrandol]

B-52 I have seen the destructive ability of it. I am very proud of its ability!

[@RuneSkovgaard-Petersen]

A380 should also be up there...575 tons max t.o. weight. Of course C5 Galaxy, but the AN-124 on which the AN-225 is based, should have a place of its own... And during the H130 a C-27J Spartan suddenly shows up (only two props). Nice vid, but a few inaccuracies.

[@josephgonzales8904]

Your video was very informative! However, you forgot one USAF plane, the Convair XC-99, My father actually flew in it as a crew member. The plane I believe is still parked at Kelly (where we lived in Base Housing) / Lackland AFB in San Antonio ot Tucson, Az at Davis-Monthan USAF Base.

[@jamesrodemeyer7544]

I got to tour the XC-99 when I wa a cub scout befor it was put to rest, The last time I remember seeing it it was parked outside Lackland AFB. It was in terrable condition, many looters and destructive people had stolen or broken almost any thing that could be taken. at that time it was left open for anybody to go in.

[@TheFlyperry]

on this video i would choose the c130 J for a prop aircraft just think it was built back in the early 50s and now they are on the model j c130 it is safe modification friendly and another old non computer design is the b52 a work horse and fuel hog it is also safe and has been updated with electronic equipment so that it does not need speed it flies smart except none can out run a rocket or missile , this is a great video

[@peterpyne7535]

We were in Belize in the 1975/76. . whilst here we went out and found landing/take off. Areas Believe me they could land any where and take off as well.

[@jonmiguel]

At 4:54 you talk about the B-36 but you showed the one-of-a-kind Boeing B-15, "Grandpappy" to the B-17.

[@HarryGuit]

Always astonishing how military enthusiasts describe death inflicting gear without regard of the effects of these equipment. They seem to be in need of dodging to even think about what the equipment will be (in some cases have been) used for.

[@achimbarnes449]

The US Navy's ALL WEATHER Bomber aka The "A6 INTRUDER", DELIVERED MORE BOMBS ON TARGET than the B52s. Served on the IKE CVN 69 94/98 and the "SUNDAY PUNCHERS" Squadron deployed with us 94/95.

[@niceguy60]

Back during the cold war I escaped Russian territory in a VVA-14 after I completed a covert mission that ended with me having to terminate my mentor.

[@williamhanson1350]

I like the B-52/B-36 and that giant cargo plane

[@tumadoireacht]

This bomber can even obscure the sun - inane commentary

[@johnssebulime282]

I love the planes since my childhood and my dream was to fly planes but now I still hope

[@fenderstratguy]

11:00 The Blackjack looks a lot like a US B-1 bomber, doesn't it?

[@protorhinocerator142]

The Russians would commonly obtain plans for US aircraft and make their own variations that were quite similar. Sometimes they had upgrades, other times not. Their big (non-225) transport looked an awful lot like the C-5 Galaxy. Many of their fighters looked a lot like ones we built. But similar form didn't always mean similar function. Often the underlying purpose was different, so there was no way they could work the same. We assume they make planes that do what ours do, but that's not the way it works. For instance, when it comes to ships, people assume that aircraft carriers all fill the same role. We think back to WWII when carriers became the way to win at sea. Obviously the US and Japanese carriers both did pretty much the same thing. Today US carriers are used to promote world trade, which no other country does. Other carriers may look similar, but they're not the same. No country is actually making carriers to compete with US carriers because they don't need to fill that same role. The US carriers are powerful enough to dismantle any other navy. And not over time either. Fast. So if a rival popped up they would need to build out massively just to approach the tonnage but never come near the training. China keeps acting like it's going to make a carrier as good as a US carrier, to challenge the US in the region. OK, but then the US sends 4 carrier groups to take out that new carrier. This isn't the kind of thing you can dip your toes in.

[@fenderstratguy]

@@protorhinocerator142 When did we ever take out a Chinese carrier?

[@fenderstratguy]

@@protorhinocerator142 The Blackjack came out five years before the B1. Looks to me like we copied THEM

[@protorhinocerator142]

@@fenderstratguy In about 5 years.

[@protorhinocerator142]

@@fenderstratguy We don't copy Russian designs. That's not how our MIC works. Nearly all of their aircraft are clones of ours. Clearly they got crude plans for the B-1 while it was in development.

[@alknaussprenger1022]

Paul Allen died from cancer...and the narrator should learn some basic French so he does not have to slaughter the pronunciation of : The Federation Aeronautique Internationale

[@byronedwards8895]

CA

[@antiglobaljoel532]

I've seen TU-95s up close. They're more agile than you'd think.

[@Saxxonknight]

Thats usually the case with slower aircraft. The A10 posts what on paper is mediocre speed, but watch one fly and the maneuvers it can perform and its very impressive.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

They are all impressive... The XB-70 is the one that I found to be the most impressive... The C-130 is the one that is the most useful... The B-52 is the one that is the most durable....

[@gerardvaldepenas3119]

I am just amazed by the size of the Antonov 225. Which untill now, no one had ever dared to break it's record for it's sheer size. I just wonder why the Antonov designers did not made more models with the same size for commercial flight purposes.

[@bertvangrondelle759]

Whoow, this aircraft help us against Aliens. Hahahaa

[@davidpeterson2120]

I did not see the C-5 Galaxy listed ?? I rode in one one time Guam to the Phillipines.

[@kennethdarby8941]

I was on a Project and we used an Antonov 225 to ship the Gear halfway around the world, ( Along with a 747 Cargo ). I was able to explore the 225 and even took a picture in the Captains Chair. Amazing Bird

[@paulalld]

I was in Guam in 1968 and observed massive numbers of B-52's headed out to carpet bomb Vietnam. Earlier than this was 1960 and March Air Base where the B-52's were stationed. This is likely one of the most impressive airplanes ever made that will live well into the 21st century.

[@davidchanget2563]

I'm surprised the "Spruce Goose" wasn't on this list

[@megafon2200]

Antonov ! huge monster

[@laotailao3726]

Nice

[@lanksterprice8764]

The Antonov An-225 was destroyed in the bombing of its hanger in the Ukraine on Feb. 27, 2022. There is plans to rebuild it but as of this post in 6/26/2022 no known date for that.. Personal note: I have no clue why they didn't fly it out when Russia invaded the country to a neighboring country where it would be safe.

[@michaelcline7011]

I had the honor of seeing the huge "ana225" take off from Al Asad, Marine Corp Air Base in Iraq. It was amazing!

[@haroldsy6804]

How can America soar like an eagle with turkeys in office?

[@michaelsausedo4668]

They need to take the c130 and make it into a fire fighting craft

[@gltbiter]

Like an AC 130?

[@gabizico2411]

nice,

[@lnathanl9048]

RIP ANTONOV

[@kevinweinberger8446]

I believe that you have made a mistake in regards to the B-52. It flys up to 60,000 ft, not 16,000 ft. Unless you meant to say meters or something.

[@sandragtjiteere3737]

Antonov 225 is my favorite

[@belloahmadualkammawa2719]

Very amazing video, even though most of the aircrafts are all my computer. I'm one of the fans of Defense news

[@pkjr216]

me 2.. love defense news stuff

[@fenderstratguy]

I dig those Soviet flying boats. They look like a really clever concept for moving LOTS of troops and gear to a theater of war fast. Should we copy them? Nothing wrong with copying from a rival if they have a good idea. One issue (and I'm not sure how they address this): Planes are usually aluminum, not steel. How do they keep that aluminum from just oxidizing to pieces in salt water? We could make it out of fiberglass or something but that probably doesn't do well in battle.

[@protorhinocerator142]

We shouldn't copy them. When the US Navy wants to fly it uses aircraft carriers. This maximizes ship hours and minimizes flight hours. It was a bad idea for Russia too, because they'd have to circle their own country. Russia's big. It would make more sense to add more air force bases. These flying boats (ekranoplans) wouldn't work if the waves were too choppy either. Mainly only useful on the Black Sea and Caspian Sea.

[@fenderstratguy]

@@protorhinocerator142 What if you had to move a tank battalion somewhere fast? A big heavy plane in ground effect might be ideal and way faster than a typical boat

[@overture2264]

B-52s fly OVER 50,000 FEET. You messed up buddy.

[@marvinisit]

Did I miss any mention of the C-5M Super Galaxy........... while it does not have quite the capacity as the An-225, it certainly is not a lone aircraft like the latter....

[@michaelpass2176]

Helps with Forrest fire fighting!

[@jakebottams1948]

I like this one

[@alexanderrothschild3138]

JUGGERNAUT X-Force🤖

[@royrush288]

You didn't mention the C 5 Galaxy.

[@jonathangoode546]

The Valkyrie is the most unique looking aircraft . More should have been made anyway .

[@billgreen4003]

Cool

[@lajosfazekas6605]

Did not show the plane on the first page! Why not?

[@juangomez4326]

Make love not war!!!! Peace and love forever!!!

[@warrenkenneth33]

The ZR3 spacecraft is a 20 mile cube much Larger than anything you've ever seen our heard of.

[@ArthurHeil-gs5jt]

W. O. W. !!!!!!!!!!

[@ioanbota9397]

I like this largest aircraft

[@alexandermartinez1318]

The c130 and the chinook are the only reason my much younger self had any interest in military aircraft. So much has changed that now I really want to know the details because I feel like patriots have to in order to survive in the near future modern day

[@tracylemme1375]

When in Vietnam we called it “shithook” simply because it would carry most anything with its hook.

[@jimfisk4474]

The B-52

[@grandwaha]

WTF, they barely touched the H-4 Hercules " The Spruce Goose" . The H-4 was an amazing plane made almost entirely of Birch wood because of aluminium restrictions during WW2 an amphibious cargo plane.

[@peterwarner5306]

Thee mosquito 🦟

[@peterwarner5306]

Thee mosquito 🦟

[@lizandbrettjohnson]

I've been to that place on 2:53

[@donhepler294]

What happened to the C-5?

[@douglasmedlin7159]

Look at when this group was built back in the in 50's ...XB 70 bomber, XF 108 Rapier fighter and SR 71 Blackbird. All Mach 3+ ...70 years later nothing close to them....what happened to our engineering. When they were built enemy rockets were not even fast enough to shoot them down.

[@doankhang9496]

Cost

[@eastindiaV]

It's my turn to fly the Ekranoplane.. you can have a turn next when we tweak it again. *defects* The XB70 is just the B1B, you have to spread it open to see the curves inside

[@kevinronald4137]

TSR2 now that is one from the UK.

[@joseftv5424]

I want to see the one in the picture

[@mechaelculbreath2290]

That's a dam spaceship!

[@denharina-ddetasemen8107]

😍 👍 TNI AD 👍🙂 Berarti sodi udara