7 of the Biggest Things That Ever Flew

Britannica's list of 7 of the biggest things that ever flew:

Hughes H-4 Hercules (1947): The Hughes H-4 Hercules, also known as the Spruce Goose, is the largest aircraft ever built. It has a wingspan of 97.5 meters (320 feet) and a length of 66.5 meters (218 feet). The Hercules was designed by Howard Hughes and built by the Hughes Aircraft Company. It was only flown once, on November 2, 1947, and it never entered commercial service.

Antonov An-225 Mriya (1988): The Antonov An-225 Mriya is the largest cargo aircraft in the world. It has a wingspan of 88.4 meters (290 feet) and a length of 84 meters (276 feet). The Mriya was designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in Ukraine and built by the Antonov Aviation Plant. It is used to transport large and heavy loads, such as rockets and satellites.

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy (1968): The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a strategic airlifter used by the United States Air Force. It has a wingspan of 67.9 meters (223 feet) and a length of 75.3 meters (247 feet). The Galaxy is used to transport large and heavy loads, such as tanks and helicopters.

Boeing 747 (1969): The Boeing 747 is a wide-body airliner that is the most common commercial aircraft in the world. It has a wingspan of 64.4 meters (211 feet) and a length of 76.3 meters (250 feet). The 747 is used to transport passengers and cargo on long-haul flights.

Airbus A380** (2007): The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger aircraft in the world. It has a wingspan of 79.8 meters (262 feet) and a length of 73.3 meters (240 feet). The A380 is used to transport passengers on long-haul flights.

Horten Ho 229 (1944): The Horten Ho 229 is a flying wing fighter aircraft that was developed in Germany during World War II. It has a wingspan of 18.3 meters (60 feet) and a length of 16.7 meters (55 feet). The Ho 229 was the first operational jet-powered flying wing aircraft. It was never used in combat, but it is considered to be one of the most advanced aircraft of its time.

Space Shuttle Orbiter (1981): The Space Shuttle Orbiter is a reusable spacecraft that was used by NASA to transport people and cargo to the International Space Station. It has a wingspan of 23.8 meters (78 feet) and a length of 37.7 meters (123 feet). The Space Shuttle Orbiter was retired in 2011.

These are just a few of the many large and impressive aircraft that have been built. They represent the creativity and engineering prowess of humans, and they continue to amaze and inspire us.