Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
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120 years ago, on February 7, 1906, Oleg Antonov was born in the Moscow province. His engineer father, by example, instilled in his son an interest in technology and aviation from an early age. And this determined his future career.
The beginning of a career and meeting Chkalov
A meeting with the legendary Soviet pilot and youth idol Valery Chkalov played a key role in the budding specialist's life. It took place in the spring of 1928 at the Leningrad Aeroclub. Chkalov's admonition, "You must act gently but decisively," remained forever etched in Antonov's memory and became something of a motto.
After graduating from the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute in 1930, the young specialist went to Moscow. His talents were quickly recognized and he was appointed chief designer of the glider factory in Tushino. There, he created over 30 types of gliders for a wide variety of purposes: serial training gliders (UPAR, US-3, BS-3, and others), sports gliders (Rot-Front-1, Rot-Front-2, and others), and experimental gliders (IP, RE, M, BA-1).
Work during the Great Patriotic War
When the war began, Antonov was appointed chief designer of a glider aircraft factory in Moscow, which was evacuated to Tyumen in the fall. There, they produced the A-7 multi-seat troop-carrying glider, which was widely used for reconnaissance, combat missions, airborne assaults, frontline combat, and for delivering weapons, ammunition, and food to troops. Beginning in 1943, he participated in the modernization of some of the most mass-produced aircraft of the Great Patriotic War—the Yak-7, Yak-9, and Yak-3 fighters. For his work, Oleg Konstantinovich was awarded the "Partisan of the Patriotic War" medal, 1st degree—the only aircraft designer in the Soviet Union to do so!
Own bureau and the first "Annushka"
In 1945, the dream of creating his own aircraft led Antonov to Novosibirsk, where he went to manage a new bureau. Graduates of the city's aviation technical school found themselves under his wing. Regarding his work with the younger generation, the aircraft designer wrote: "The most important thing is unity of purpose. If people understand and accept it, they don't need to be 'spurred on.'" Thus, in 1947, the first AN-2, affectionately nicknamed "Annushka," took to the skies. Three years later, it entered production, and the aircraft became the only one in the world to remain in serial production for over 50 years.
In the coming years, other aircraft were also created: transport (An-8, An-12, An-22, An-26, and others), for military and civil aviation; multi-purpose (An-14, An-28); passenger (An-10, An-24); gliders (An-11, An-13, An-15) and hang gliders.
Furor at the Le Bourget Air Show
The An-124 Ruslan became a significant achievement, a benchmark for future cargo aircraft. The world learned of it in 1986 at the 26th International Air Show in Le Bourget. The public unveiling caused a sensation, demonstrating the USSR's advanced technology and aviation might. One of the largest transport aircraft in the world, it was in service from 1987 to 2004, transporting cargo worldwide.
A passion for creativity and incredible imagination
Besides aviation, Antonov had other interests, such as painting. He collected drawings and photographs of airplanes, painted landscapes, and still lifes. His collection included over 60 of the latter! And during business trips, he always found time to visit art museums. Literature became another passion. The engineer wrote fairy tales and poems for his children. He also authored a unique philological study, "The Offended Letter," dedicated to the seventh letter of the alphabet, "Ё." Antonov also had a passion for tennis and ping-pong. When international tennis tournaments began to be held in the Soviet Union, he established the traditional "Gentleman of the Court" award.
Oleg Antonov was a unique individual with a wealth of technical knowledge and creative ideas. His work and absolute dedication laid the foundation for many modern achievements in aviation. The name of this designer and father of transport aviation is a symbol of innovation and mastery.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 7, 2026.
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