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Originally conceived to ferry space shuttles across the USSR, the AN225's technological roots are military, designed to carry the Buran space shuttle on its back. Its maiden flight in 1988 was tense, even surprising its engineers with how gracefully it soared into the sky. After years of surplus, it was refitted in 2001, transforming into an unmatched civilian cargo aircraft capable of lifting and transporting heavies, including battles tanks and specialized equipment for global markets.