Aerospace

World’s biggest plane Antonov An-225 to be built again, design work for the aircraft begins

Ukraine begins work on a new Antonov An-225.

The AN225 will take flight once more. Will Airbus and Boeing join the project? with modern Technolgy

One of the most significant losses to the Ukrainian aviation industry during the initial stages of the Russia-Ukraine war was the Antonov An-225, the largest aircraft in the world. The development of a second Antonov An-22 cargo aircraft has been announced by Antonov. The company stated on social media platforms that “currently, design works in this direction have begun.”

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The manufacturer Antonov shared the information on Twitter with the following statement: “In the presentation of information with reference to the acting of the General Director of the “ANTONOV” State Enterprise regarding the construction of the new “Mriya,” published by the “Bild” publication and some Ukrainian mass media, an error was admitted.” They clarified, “At this time, design work has started in this direction.”

However, there are many issues surrounding the building of a new Antonov An-225. The funding required to construct the plane is the main issue following the ongoing conflict. According to Antonov, the company will require around 500 million euros to construct the largest plane ever.

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When the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, the airplane was being stored at Hostomel Airport, the location of the Antonov Company. The airport, which is close to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was attacked on the first day of the invasion. Russian paratroopers were supposedly sent to the area to create a bridgehead so that more troops could be airlifted in. Mriya suffered severe damage during the conflict for Hostomel’s control.

The An-225’s second unfinished airframe, which was initially intended for ground testing, was kept at Hostomel. Its current location is unknown.

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Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.