![Antonov An-225 Landing Prestwick Airport 02-AUG-2020 [4K/UHD]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
The unique Antonov An-225, the world's largest stopped of at Glasgow Prestwick International in Scotland to take on fuel after a 6 hour trip from Bangor Maine in the USA where it had been loaded with 8 Oshkosh Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT).
The Oshkosh trucks will be fitted with the Iron Dome equipment that has proven itself as a highly-accurate defensive system for shooting down unguided rockets. First introduced in 2001, some 10 Iron Dome batteries are believed to be deployed around Israel where they have shot down an estimated 2,000 rockets fired by terrorists, mostly from Hamas-controlled Gaza.
Last year the U.S. Defense Department signed a contract to purchase two complete Iron Dome Systems, meant as an interim missile defense solution for the U.S., but Defense News reported that Iron Dome could turn into a permanent solution depending on its performance in the field for the Americans.
Deliveries of the two systems for the U.S. Army are expected to commence in December 2020 and February 2021.
Known by its nickname Mriya (dream), the AN-225 is the largest aircraft ever produced and has over 30 wheels, six jet engines and a wingspan of 290 feet compared to the widest Boeing 747 jumbo jet whose wingspan is 211 feet.
1 авг 2020
