Vostok Europe Maxim Gorky Series

Vostok Europe Maxim Gorky Series

The ANT-20 was designed by Andrei Tupolev and constructed between July 4, 1933 and April 3, 1934. It was one of only two aircraft of its kind ever built by the Soviet Union. The aircraft was named after Maxim Gorky and dedicated to the 40th anniversary of his literary and public activities. It was intended for Stalinist propaganda purposes and, therefore, equipped with a powerful radio set called "Voice from the sky". Other items onboard the plane were printing machinery, radio stations, photographic laboratory, a film projector with sound for showing movies in flight and library etc.

For the first time in aviation history, this aircraft was equipped with a ladder, which would fold itself and become a part of the floor. Also, for the first time in aviation history, the aircraft used not only direct current, but alternating current of 120 volts, as well. The aircraft could be disassembled and transported by railroad if needed. The giant aircraft set a number of carrying capacity world records.