: The aircraft was equipped with a high-lift wing, featuring complex flaps and slats, which enabled short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations. This was crucial for the An-990's intended role, as it often would have to operate from unprepared or short runways.
Additionally, the An-990's coaxial rotor system presented significant technical challenges, including complexity and reliability concerns. The Soviet engineering team was also facing difficulties in developing the advanced avionics and flight control systems required for the An-990. Antonov An 990
The sheer height of the cockpit—described as being so high that pilots would struggle with ground effect and depth perception—makes real-world operation highly dangerous. The Real Legacy: Antonov's Actual Giants : The aircraft was equipped with a high-lift
The An-990 is conceptualized as a "Graphene" aircraft to justify its gargantuan proportions and weight while maintaining structural integrity in a simulation environment. Maximum Weight: The Soviet engineering team was also facing difficulties
To solve the problem of fitting a ~100-meter wingspan into standard airport taxiways and maintenance hangars, the An-990 would feature outer wing sections that automatically fold upwards (like the Navy E-2 Hawkeye but on a massive scale) or detach via hydraulic locks. This would allow it to use existing An-124 infrastructure while carrying twice the payload of the An-225.
, it is designed to be the largest aircraft in the simulator, far surpassing real-world heavy lifters like the Antonov An-225 Mriya Core Concept & Specifications
Designed to carry 600,000 gallons of fire retardant or water (2,270 tonnes), aimed at fighting "Giga-Fires" like those seen in California.