Horse Dragon Takes Flight With Air Partner And Ruslan International
Leading air charter broker, Air Partner, has teamed up with Ruslan International to fly a spectacular, gigantic mechanical Horse Dragon to Beijing. Long Ma Jing Shen or ‘The Spirit of the Horse Dragon’ will participate in a Chinese parade to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China.
The unique 12 metre high, 46 tonne mechanical model was built in France by La Machine. Air Partner has flown the giant dragon from Nantes in France to China on an Antonov 124. The celebration parade will take place in Beijing in October.
The model which requires at least eight human operators riding aboard to control the puppet’s movements, is made of a wooden chassis over a steel body. The dragon has articulations that enable intricate movements including the ability to rear its hind legs, spew fire, snort jets of smoke and uncoil its tongue. The model sits on a support vehicle enabling it to move at speed.
Thierry Zemouli, from Air Partner’s French office, commented, “The Air Partner Freight team worked extremely hard making preparations for the flight and throughout the meticulous six hour loading process. Great care was taken to ensure that the giant model would arrive safely in China. The Antonov 124 was perfect for transporting Long Ma Shin as its doors open to 6.4m x 4.4m making it ideal for this enormous and unique animal. We are looking forward to seeing the spectacular machine in the celebration parade 17 – 19 October!”
Andriy Blagovisniy, Acting VP Sales from Ruslan International, commented: “The history of the AN-124 is one of carrying exceptional loads; but this ranks among the most unusual and fascinating assignments with which Ruslan International has yet dealt. Specialists from Ruslan International’s Load Planning Department developed a custom solution for loading and safely securing this unique cargo, and preparations for the flight took 3 months. We are delighted to have been involved in the safe transportation of this amazing machine, and look forward to seeing its performance in China.”
Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly cargo anywhere, at any time, whatever its weight, size or shape. Serving governments, leading industrial shippers and relief and humanitarian organisations, the freight team provides bespoke air charter solutions to meet a wide range of cargo charter needs. From urgent ‘go now’ requirements moving small quantities of automotive spare parts, through to the most complex project cargo shipments taking several months to plan, Air Partner Freight has the skills, experience and expertise to ensure shipments are handled securely and reliably. Air Partner Freight has cargo specialists in the UK, USA, Germany, France, Turkey, and Singapore, who provide strength of knowledge by utilising regional carriers for tailored charter services.
