Tupolev ANT-25 Soviet long-range experimental aircraft

The Tupolev ANT-25 was a Soviet long-range experimental aircraft designed by Andrei Tupolev in the 1930s. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Purpose and Design:
   • The ANT-25 was designed as a long-range aircraft with the goal of achieving record-breaking distances in non-stop flights.
   • The aircraft had a monoplane design with a high wing and a streamlined fuselage, which contributed to its long-range capabilities.
2. Record-Breaking Flights:
   • The most famous flight of the ANT-25 was the non-stop flight from Moscow, Soviet Union, to Vancouver, Washington, USA, in 1937.
   • The aircraft covered a distance of over 8,000 miles (about 12,500 kilometers) in approximately 63 hours, setting a new world record for the longest non-stop flight at that time.
3. Crew and Equipment:
   • The ANT-25 was crewed by three aviators, including the pilot Valery Chkalov, co-pilot Georgy Baydukov, and navigator Alexander Belyakov.
   • The aircraft was equipped with special fuel tanks and had a range that allowed it to fly long distances without refueling.
4. Post-Flight Recognition:
   • The successful flight brought international recognition to Soviet aviation achievements and showcased the capabilities of Soviet long-range aircraft.
   • The crew of the ANT-25 received widespread acclaim for their achievement, and Chkalov, in particular, became a celebrated figure in the Soviet Union.
5. Legacy:
   • The ANT-25 contributed to the development of long-range aviation and influenced subsequent aircraft designs.
   • Its success demonstrated the Soviet Union’s capabilities in aviation technology during the interwar period.

The Tupolev ANT-25 is remembered as a groundbreaking aircraft that played a key role in showcasing Soviet aviation achievements on the global stage.