FORMATION OF WORLDVIEW AND PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATIONS OF AIRCRAFT DESIGNER O. ANTONOV

The article provides a thorough comparative and historical analysis of the process of formation of worldview and professional guidelines in the activities of Oleg Antonov, a prominent master of the national aircraft construction and design industry. In particular, the author, based on numerous biographical materials, highlights certain issues of shaping the worldview of the future founder of the aviation industry in his early youth, outlines the range of interests and hobbies related to Oleg Antonov's own beliefs and the influence of his immediate environment.The author highlights the initial steps of Oleg Antonov's amateur activities towards the creation of the first aircraft, in particular, his participation in the «club of aviation amateurs» organized by him in Saratov in his youth. The first experience of the future aircraft designer's participation in the second All-Union glider rally in the Crimea and his confirmation in choosing his future profession are highlighted.The author emphasizes the importance of Oleg Antonov's fateful meetings in his youth with future prominent spacecraft and aircraft designers S. Korolev, S. Ilyushin, and test pilots S. Anokhin and K. Arceulov.The author points out that despite the failure in Koktebel due to the fact that the Golub glider did not take off due to certain design flaws, O. Antonov used this experience as a springboard to the big world of aircraft construction, taking into account all his mistakes and embarking on the path of improving and modernizing the models he had already created. This event can be classified as the starting point of the national gliding industry and Oleg Antonov's professional growth.The author emphasizes that all subsequent aircraft designs by O. Antonov's design bureau were distinguished by their high-tech component and innovative design approaches. The author emphasizes the fact that in his professional activities, O. Antonov solved all the tasks he set with due regard to the laws of aerodynamics, design, strength testing, manufacturability, etc. Such a credo of professionalism was laid down at the initial stage of O. Antonov's formation as an aircraft designer and head of a leading design bureau.