Petro Balabuyev, designer of the world's biggest aircraft, passes away
19 May 2007
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Kiev, Ukraine: Petro Balabuyev, chief designer of the world's largest aircraft, the An-225, died this week on Thursday, at the age of 75, according to the Antonov aviation design bureau said.
Balabuyev headed the Kiev-based bureau for almost 20 years, and was the top designer for many aircraft, including the An-225 and the An-124-100.
The six-engine An-225, which first flew in 1988, is capable of carrying 250 tonnes of cargo for a distance of about 4,500 kilometres, while the An-124-100 has a capacity of about 150 tonnes.
Both planes are also noted for their ability to land smoothly at poorly equipped airports.
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