UNIS DAAC on Board the Antonov An-124 in Leipzig

In March, the UNIS DAAC team traveled to Leipzig, Germany, to carry out an extraordinary assignment: diagnosing issues on one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft, the Antonov An-124 Ruslan. Our company has long been developing and supplying engine control units for this type of aircraft, making our presence on-site essential.

Facing the Giant

The team arrived in Leipzig on Tuesday evening. After settling in, they prepared and planned for the following day’s work. On Wednesday morning, Antonov colleagues escorted the team to the airport. After completing the necessary security procedures, the team reached the aircraft itself.

Encountering the Antonov An-124 was an impressive experience. The aircraft’s size, as one of the largest cargo planes in the world, commands respect even from experienced professionals.

Measurement and Analysis on the Aircraft

Over two days, several specialized teams carried out diagnostic work. The hardware team conducted measurements directly on the engines using a work platform, while representatives from the software and model-based design teams worked inside the aircraft, connecting to the control units through the service interface.

The work was coordinated closely. Teams continuously shared findings and adjusted their approach to ensure maximum efficiency on-site. One afternoon, a sudden hailstorm temporarily interrupted engine work, but the team used the pause to conduct a detailed inspection of the aircraft, including a tour of the second deck.

Conclusion of the Mission

By the end of the second day, the team concluded that the maximum possible in this phase of diagnostics had been achieved. A group photo inside the cargo hold with Antonov colleagues symbolically marked the conclusion of this part of the collaboration.

The remainder of the day was spent on a brief visit to Leipzig city center, and the following morning the team returned to the Czech Republic. Along with new technical insights, the team gained valuable experience and a unique firsthand encounter with this exceptional aircraft.

This mission once again demonstrated that UNIS DAAC teams are capable of operating in challenging technical situations and contributing successfully to international aerospace projects.