At dusk on Oct. 26, the world’s largest certified aircraft touched down in Bakersfield.
According to Teresa Hitchcock, analysis and marketing management for the airport, the aircraft originated from Honolulu, then resettled in San Diego, and then from San Diego, the aircraft came to Bakersfield. It arrived in Bakersfield to pick up two firefighter helicopters.
The Russian-built AN-124 Condor is the highest-flying cargo aircraft in production, Hitchcock said. Hitchcock explained that the dimensions of the aircraft are 226 feet, 8 inches in length; 240 feet, 6 inches wingspan; and 68 feet, 2 inches in height.
Hitchcock further elaborated that the speed of the aircraft is 537 mph and can go up to 10,250 miles with maximum fuel.
The aircraft is made for long-range delivery. It is designed for air dropping of heavy cargo including equipment, machines and troops, Hitchcock said. The maximum weight the aircraft can carry is 892,872 pounds, said Hitchcock.
“There are other aircrafts larger than the AN-124, such as, the A380 but they are not certified to fly yet,” Hitchcock said. “The AN-124 is the largest operating certified aircraft there is.”
After spending a night in Bakersfield, the Condor took off from Meadows Field Airport heading back to Honolulu.