Global Aircraft -- Buran Orbiter

Primary Function:	Orbiter Vehicle (Russian)
Contractor:	Korolev
Crew:	Optimum crew of 4; maximum crew of 10
Unit Cost:	Launch vehicle development approx. $39 million US
Powerplant
	Lox/Kerosene fueled Energia rocket engine (cluster) rated at 7,898,861 pounds of thrust overall
Dimensions
Length:	119 ft
Wingspan:	78.48 ft
Height:	53.64 ft (w/ gear)
Weights
Empty:	92,610 lb (42,000 kg) -- total structure
Max. payload weight:	66,150 lb (30,000 kg)
Performance
Speed:	Around Mach 25
Ceiling:	N/A
Range:	N/A
Armament
	N/A

Buran Orbiter Achievements

The Buran was the first reusable manned space vehicle in Russia.
The Buran can put up to 30 tons of payload into space and return up to 20 tons to Earth.
The Buran was the first spaceplane to automatically land.
The Energia engines can launch 120 tons into orbit as opposed to 30 tons for the Space Shuttle.

Buran Orbiter Photos