103 metric tons of precision in the air!

In mid-July, a generator rotor weighing approximately 80 metric tons was loaded onto an Antonov An-124 operated by Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines at Stuttgart Airport. Hermann Paule GmbH & Co. KG handled the transport from Albbruck to the airport. The highlight came that night: The rotor was lifted from the flatbed truck onto the ramp via a tandem lift and temporarily secured there. In perfect coordination between two mobile cranes, the aircraft crew, and the Antonov’s onboard winches, the 103-metric-ton cargo was pulled centimeter by centimeter over the open nose ramp into the transport aircraft—an impressive heavy-lift ballet that required the utmost precision and flawless teamwork.

After successful loading, the world’s largest transport aircraft took off on a journey lasting several days, with multiple refueling stops, bound for Malaysia. The rotor has since arrived safely in Malaysia.

These sensational photos were taken by the photographer:Markus Voelter Photography