We don't know, but they might be interested in doing it (maybe a C5 size plane?).
China's transport, tanker & heavy lift aircraft
- Thread starter Totoro
- Start date
Unlikely , the operational need of PLAAF right now does not call for a C-5 galaxy type of plane , it not that high on it's wish list , the same goes for a Y8/Y9 replacement.
PLAAF doesn't seek US level of global deployment ability at this moment.
Shilao and Yankee actually talked about the An-225 rumors in their latest podcast. Where as we're thinking about the engine they actually think the materials used in the construction is worth studying. According to them China actually gained a lot of knowledge about how to build big planes by taking apart an old Boeing and look closely at what sort of material is used in each part of the aircraft's structure. That provides a pretty good starting point for designing a new plane in a similar weight class.
There's no need in the immediate future for a 600 ton aircraft, but nevertheless gaining similar understanding in the material used to build her might provide useful insight that's also valid for say a 300 ton aircraft. Given the speed that Antonov put her together originally and how over the years she remained in one piece and air worthy Antonov must have a pretty good idea what they were doing material-wise with the design and that's worth learning.
There's no need in the immediate future for a 600 ton aircraft, but nevertheless gaining similar understanding in the material used to build her might provide useful insight that's also valid for say a 300 ton aircraft. Given the speed that Antonov put her together originally and how over the years she remained in one piece and air worthy Antonov must have a pretty good idea what they were doing material-wise with the design and that's worth learning.
antiterror13
Brigadier
I don't think so
There is an unfinished An-225 frame, it would probably would be easier to finish this one than trying to rebuild the burnt one. Still, a waste of money, time
It's incredible unlikely that the destroyed one will be rebuilt, no matter how much some people (including elensky) talks about it.
The question is now whether or not a Chinese company will have the opportunity to scrap it, since they might be able to learn some things regarding the an-225 (and thereby some insights into building very larger aircrafts).
Fom the available video footages, it looks like the 3 port-side engines suffered nil-to-minor damage.
Should said Chinese salvage company can get their hands on those engines, it would be equivalent to putting a big ass cherry on top of the already delicious cake.
Of course, we can only hope.
But first and foremost, if those An-225 wreckage are intended for the Chinese salvage company, those wreckage MUST made it out of Ukraine ASAP (and preferably avoid as many NATO member countries as possible in the transportation process).
Last edited:
China already has access to far more modern high bypass engines through its massive comercial aviation fleet. What difference would it make getting some D-18T's from the An-225, though?
They could probably ask Russia for some D-18T from its An-124 fleet since it is the same engine, and probably less likely to get blocked by the US.
They could probably ask Russia for some D-18T from its An-124 fleet since it is the same engine, and probably less likely to get blocked by the US.
I think they might be more interested in the materials of the airframe and the likes, rather than the engines, although it probably doesn't 'hurts' for them to also just get a look at the engines.
Ultimately, like I said, it's likely they could gleam some 'insights' from the wreckage, which can serve as data/knowledge, which could help in the future IF they decide to make some bigger aircrafts.