Petro Balabuyev | Designed largest plane, 75

Petro Balabuyev, 75, a lead designer of the world's largest aircraft, the An-225, died yesterday, according to the Antonov aviation design bureau in Kiev, Ukraine.

Mr. Balabuyev headed the 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 275 tons of cargo for a distance of 2,790 miles. The An-124 has a capacity of 165 tons. Both planes are also noted for their ability to land smoothly at poorly equipped airports. - AP