It would be safe to assume that any piece of machinery that needs to transport multiple military tanks from one place to another has to be pretty large, but you probably have no idea just how big these planes really are. Key players during wartime and military operations, history would have been written very differently if it weren’t for these colossal planes taking part in historic events and unabling them to unfold for better or for worse. Check out this list of the 17 biggest military planes you’ve ever seen!
Martin JRM Mars
It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s a boat? That’s right, the Martin JRM Mars was created in 1943 and has since been referred to as the biggest flying boat made in history. Originally, this mega plane was supposed to serve as a patrol bomber, however it’s actual purpose would later on change after the start of World War II when the United States Navy decided to make it a transport aircraft instead. Little did they know, this gigantic plane with a 200 ft wingspan would serve many different roles in its lifetime. Since the aircraft was only ready to be delivered towards the end of the war, the quantity of production was cut in half. After several more years of loyal service to the United States Navy, the Martin JRM Mars planes were sold and turned into colossal aircraft fire extinguishers, typically used to put out fires that spread over very large amounts of land – such as forests etc.
Messerschmitt ME 323
You would think that before heading into war, the Germans would have considered the benefits of speed over size. This dilemma did not stop them from creating the Messerschmitt ME 323 however, one of the largest planes used in World War II and weighing just over 30 tons. If you think this is big, the Germans engineered a plane prior to the Messerschmitt that weighed 220 tons, but very quickly realized that it’s massive weight would make it very difficult to operate successfully, especially in a war zone.
The Messerschmitt ME 323, or better known as the “Giant,” was able to carry an abundant amount of military equipment and vehicles, as well as over 120 military men but was ultimately destroyed due to the enormous size decreasing its speed and agility.
Blohm & Voss BV 238
Another mega German military plane, the Blohm & Voss BV 328 was also produced during World War II, but the monster boat plane was only flown towards the end of the war. What set this plane apart for its time was that it could land on water, which was a rarity for that moment in time.
The loads of machine guns strapped on to the plane lended to the unbelievable 59 tons that made up the floatplane. If this plane would have been produced a few years earlier, the world would have known the amount of potential destruction it was capable of. But because it was only officially manufactured in 1944, there was never a necessity to mass produce this beast, and therefore was not used properly before being destroyed by Allied powers in 1945.
Boeing B-29 Superfortress
The successor of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-29 Super Fortress was introduce as bigger, badder, and far more advanced, making it one of the primary planes that come to mind when thinking of large military aircrafts. When we say baddest, we mean that the capability of dropping 10 tons of bombs and explosives, as well as its computerized machine guns made it one of the most feared plans during World War II. Weighing at a stunning 37 tons, this megaplane featured a pressurized cabin which allowed flying altitudes to reach over 40,000 feet and being virtually unmatched by any other military plans at the time. It is most notably remembered for dropping the atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during Pearl Harbor in 1945.
Convair B-36 Peacemaker
You could consider the Convair B-36 Peacemaker a “late bloomer,” or a plane that was slighting “behind the times.” The plane was created during a period of time that supersonic jets were becoming popular, and the aircraft was beginning to develop and advance. The piston-powered aircraft had a 230 ft wingspan and operated at very high altitudes. However, still using old techniques and equipment strategies, this plane was falling quickly behind the advanced planes that were being produced at the same time. The B-36 could not achieve the same speeds or accessibility as the newer aircrafts. It wasn’t long before the Americans realized that this massive plane was too difficult to operate, and despite it’s global reach, needed to be replaced by a jet plane instead.
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
Serving as a successor to the B-36, the Stratofortress has a primary role after its creation; to assure that the United States and the USSR fighting in the Cold War did not take any measures to employ nuclear weapons in hopes of destroying one another. This prodigious aircraft measures a monstrous 159 ft in length and like its predecessor is also able to carry huge amount of military weaponry and equipment.
Interestingly enough, the plane itself does not have one of the most aesthetically pleasing appearance, but that does not stop it from still being used today. The Americans have been utilizing the planes low operating costs and durable features for over half a century and will continue to do so in hopes of ensuring “democracy” and nuclear weapon prevention.
Convair XC-99
Apparently, size does matter and there is such as there is such a thing as too big. This transport cargo aircraft version of B-36 was able to carry over 400 military men and 50 tons of equipment inside of its 180 ft long frame structure. This monumental plane still stands as the biggest transport plane in history, but the story goes to show that it was simply too large to operate. The Americans did not think it was worth it to spend all of the time and effort it took to maintain this gargantuan aircraft, and frankly there was no real need for it. Instead, production stopped at the prototype, and the plane was frequently used to transport other huge parts of various planes during the Korean War. Serving the American army loyally for 11 years, the plane was finally phased out in 1957.
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy has certainly come a very long way since its first days of production. Initially, it suffered through various development issues, make it one of the most unsuccessful programs at its starting stages. The 190 ton giant has a wingspan stretching over 220 ft and has served the American Air Force loyally since 1968. However being as colossal as it was, it brought on major mechanical and technical issues along with it. Any plane than can literally fit 6 helicopters inside of it is a plane of good use to the American military. Still operating for the army, the 250 ft gigantic plane was improved on and dubbed the C-5M Super Galaxy instead. We can expect to see this new and improved version in the air for the next few decades at least.
Tupolev Tu-160
The Tupolev Tu-160 so accurately reflects the Russian mentality of using stern force and ruthless strategies to achieve ultimate goals and reach the best solution to any problem. Serving as one of the heaviest military planes ever, the impressive structure weighs over 300 tons and has enough room to carry 44 tons of military weapons and countless military men too. It’s massive size does not stop this aircraft from cruising with speed. With one of the most advanced combat, and it’s sleek and subtle outside appearance is only a disguise for its brutal hard-hitting force. There’s no way a piece of work such as this airplane would be phased out any time soon. The USSR still produces this bomber aircraft and there are over a dozen being used still today.
Antonov An-225 Mriya
Yes it’s incredibly huge and has enough space to literally store 4 large military tanks inside of it, but what sets it apart from the rest is how heavy the actual plane is. Surpassing the weight of all other military planes by a landslide, the An-225 weighs in at 705 tons! You read that right! If you add the amount of weight the plane is able to carry, you would have over 1000 tons flying in the air! With a wingspan of 290 ft, this aircraft was especially designed to carry the Buran, a Russian space shuttle.
The split of the Soviet Union that put the production process on hault would not be the end of the journey for this colossal plane. It is still famously used today for carrying unrealistic amounts of cargo for both commercial and military purposes.
Antonov An-124
Taking its place right behind the An-225 for largest current military aircraft, the An-124 can hold up to 150 tons and has its wingspan stretches over 230 ft, very similar to the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. Originally produced for the Russian Soviet Air Force, the effectiveness of the aircraft has led it to be mass produced and there are now about 40 of them being used today. Some planes are still being used by the Russian army to assist in transporting military weapons and equipment, however most of them are used commercially as civilian cargo aircrafts. If need be, the Russians army has full access to all of the existing planes, and may call upon them to carry any combat helicopters, machinery, or vehicles that they may need to be transported with the An-124.
Antonov An-22
Before succeeding Antonov planes snatched the title for largest military aircrafts, the An-22 was once upon a time the biggest of its kind. Used mostly by the Soviet army after it was introduced in 1965, the An-22 specializes in precision military airlifts. We’re left wondering why this 80 ton capacity monster was never mass produced. You would think that a military aircraft that can take off and land from virtually any type of land would be made in large quantity. Although there are few of them out there, they are still being used by the Russian Air Force today.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
If the American military ever needed a huge transport of military vehicles to include tanks, armored cars, or multiple helicopters, they could always rely on the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. The road to final production was a long one, as the development process started in the 1980’s but legitimate operations commenced in 1995. As a result of this colossal aircraft being very useful for the American military, it was mass produced and there are now currently 250 of these in the field. This monstruous plane can carry almost 80 tons of equipment and has a wingspan of 170 ft. More importantly, an unpaved piece of land does not pose as an obstacle for landing or takeoff with this beast!
Ilyushin II-76
In 1974, the first Russian four-jet cargo aircraft was built and dubbed the Il-76. Providing excellent use of military equipment transport and being large enough to store yet sizable enough to navigate easily, the plane was mass produced to include 800 copies. The Cold War would not have been the same without this plane being there to carry 50 tons of necessary machinery to airfields that were in desperate need. The plane’s ability to operate from any type of rugged land area assisted its reach to remote fields. With a structure durable enough to withstand even the harshest weather conditions, this Il-76 will stay in business for quite some time.
Airbus A400M Atlas
Relatively new to the scene and making a big appearance…literally, the Airbus A400M Atlas first flew in 2009. Countries from all around the world are eager to get their hands on this European plane and have already placed their orders. Among them are Germany, France, UK, Turkey, and Spain. The first batch were sent out in 2013 and have already begun replacing older military cargo aircrafts. These days, it is all about going green and caring about the environment, and the Atlas is not out of the loop on these issues! With a carrying capacity 40 tons, made of composite materials, this fuel efficient plane is not only great for the pockets of the American army, but also better for the environment too!
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
The Super Hercules has come a long way since its production in 1996. Since then it has been mass produced to include 280 single planes in 14 different countries. Appropriately names, this gigantic aircraft can carry up to 20 tons of military machinery and about 120 troops.
The four engine turboprop on this bad boy allows it to efficiently deliver machinery and other military necessities to airfields around the world. In addition to its military use, the C-130J can also be used as a water tank to tame wildfires. Both a hero in the military and in civilian life, the Super Hercules does not cease to serve.
Antonov An-12
Topping off our list last but certainly not least, the An-12 serves as the most vital cargo aircraft to ever serve the Soviet military. Very similar to the Super Hercules listed above, the An-12 can carry slightly more weight, but the plane itself weighs less and is slightly more compact. Over a thousand of these planes have been produced and exported worldwide. The Chinese have taken it upon themselves to purchase a few of these planes and upgrade them with turbo propeller engines making them more powerful and renovated. Variants of this plane still serve today as one of the most used cargo aircrafts in the world.
