OREANDA-NEWS. Ruslans that belong to ANTONOV Airlines continue performing a list of transported non−standard cargoes. Each of such transportations needs detailed preparations that confirm efficiency of close interaction between operators and aircraft developers.

At the end of September, the AN−124−100 delivered European experimental spacecraft IXV from Amsterdam (Holland) to French Cayenne (France). During the flight special temperature regime and tension in a cargo cabin was necessary to be kept.

A representative of Customer, THALES ALENIA SPACE French company noted: 'Transportation was performed strictly according to schedule and met all the conditions. As always everything was efficiently organized'.

One more unique cargo Ruslan transported from Nantes (France) to Beijing (China). On its board the aircraft transported a mechanized dragon, a symbol of 'horse−dragon spirit'. The dragon will participate in a China festival in a sign of 50−years anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China. This unique model, 12 m of height and 46 t of weight, was constructed in France by La Machine Company. Articulated binds in the dragon's construction let it make different movements, throw out flame and emit streams of smoke. Movable dragon's running part is made of steel and is decorated with wood. Eight operators are located inside the dragon to control it. The prototype is mounted on transport vehicle that let move with definite speed.

Specialists from the department of the ANTONOV Airlines cargo planning in close interaction with French engineers developed special technology of load/unload this unique cargo with the total mass of 55 t in Ruslan. Preparation to transportation lasted 3 months.