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The year 1972 marked the passing of Andrei Nikolaevich Tupolev, a renowned Soviet aircraft designer and engineer who left an indelible mark on the world of aviation. Tupolev's remarkable career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to the development of numerous groundbreaking aircraft, including the iconic Tupolev Tu-144, the world's first commercially supersonic airliner. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of engineers and aviation enthusiasts.