The An-225 Mriya or “Dream” was a record breaking aircraft developed in the 1980s. It was destroyed last year during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, its digital form lives on thanks to its inclusion into Microsoft Flight Simulator as ‘Famous Flyer IV.’ It was released today on the MSFS Marketplace and here’s what you need to know about it!

Taking flight in digital form

Only one of the giant An-225 transports was completed. Originally intended as a carrying platform for the Soviet Buran space shuttle, the aircraft found a second life in the 1990s and on flying for Antonov Airlines ferrying oversized cargo loads in its mammoth cargo bay.

It holds several records including heaviest aircraft ever built and longest wingspan of any aircraft to see operational service.

Although the only existing example of the type has been tragically destroyed, efforts are underway to complete a second airframe to replace the first. Meanwhile, a combined effort by Antonov, Microsoft, Asobo Studio, and iniBuilds has brought the aircraft to life in digital form. It’s available in the marketplace for just $20 USD and Microsoft have announced that proceeds will go to the Antonov corporation to build or rebuild the An-225.

Features

The aircraft comes with a significant number of features. Fully functional avionics, extensive checklists to start and operate the aircraft, functioning cargo ramp and nose cone door, and an EFB that includes features like a converter for metric to imperial. It comes with six liveries: Antonov Airlines ‘2010’ Antonov Airlines ‘2008’ Antonov Airlines ‘2006’ White Xbox Aviators Club Aviators Club.

The aircraft is currently only available for PC but it will gain Xbox support in the next big feature update for Microsoft Flight Simulator scheduled for release in late March.

Read more about the aircraft here.