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Boris KudrinTest pilot
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Biography of Boris Kudrin
Early Life and Military ServiceBoris Nikolaevich Kudrin, a test pilot and participant in the First World War and the Civil War, was born in 1898. In 1917, he graduated from the Gatchina Aviation School and the Higher Aviation School in Odessa. During the Civil War, Kudrin served as a fighter pilot and commanded the 14th Fighter Squadron.
Heroic Actions
Kudrin demonstrated exceptional flying skills in the fall of 1919 when the cavalry corps of White General Mamontov broke through the Soviet front, capturing Kursk and Voronezh. Kudrin was part of a special aviation group that systematically bombed and attacked the Mamontov troops, disabling entire cavalry units. He faced numerous moments throughout his life that required courage and heroism. On one occasion, he was captured by a bandit group and subjected to torture and torment. Despite the suffering, Kudrin did not reveal any military secrets and was eventually freed by Red Army soldiers.
Later Career
In 1920, Kudrin fought against the White Poles and the forces of Baron Wrangel, who had taken refuge in Crimea. He then served in the Transcaucasus. In 1921, he accomplished a remarkable feat for that time by flying over the Karaklis Pass, delivering directives from the command and gold to the Red Army units. This flight was recognized by the Central Executive Committee of Armenia as an "exceptional feat for the working people." For his combat merits, Kudrin was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
From 1923, Kudrin worked at the Serpukhov School of Aerial Shooting and Bombing, where he supervised flight training. He was also known as a test pilot. In the 1920s, he tested a tailless glider and the "Parabola" aircraft. In 1932, he became the first pilot to test the "KHAI-1" plane with retractable landing gear, achieving record-breaking speeds. During the Great Patriotic War, Kudrin tested combat aircraft. For his achievements in this challenging and life-threatening field, he was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class. He was also granted the title of Chief Pilot, 1st Class.
Kudrin continued his test pilot work and collaborated with various aviation factories and design bureaus, including the Kharkov and Kazan aviation plants, TsAGI, and the design bureaus of V.F. Bolkhovitinov, N.N. Polikarpov, and V.N. Chelomey. He tested aircraft models such as the VIT-1, VIT-2, I-153, SPB, and the BI (in both propeller and jet engine variants).
Boris Nikolaevich Kudrin passed away in 1977, leaving a legacy of exemplary service and contributions to aviation history.