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Mihail SimonovHero of the Russian Federation, laureate of the Lenin and State Prizes, general designer of the Sukhoi Design Bureau
Date of Birth: 19.10.1929
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Childhood in Kazakhstan
- Wartime Tragedy
- Academic Journey
- Transfer to Kazan Aviation Institute
- Professional Career
- Chief Designer of Sports Aircraft
- Move to Moscow
- Sukhoi Design Bureau
- Chief Designer of Sukhoi
- Honors and Legacy
- Lenin and State Prizes
- General Designer
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family BackgroundMikhail Petrovich Simonov was born in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on October 19, 1929. His parents, Pyotr Vasilyevich and Vera Mikhailovna Simonov, were both scientists and geographers. He had an older brother, Vyacheslav, and a younger sister, Natalia.
Childhood in Kazakhstan
In 1933, Simonov's family moved to Almaty, Kazakhstan, where his father worked at the Kazakh branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Almaty left a lasting impression on Simonov, with its stunning scenery and a thriving aviation community. He joined the Society of Young Aircraft Builders and became fascinated with aviation.
Wartime Tragedy
World War II shattered Simonov's childhood. His father joined the Red Army and was killed in action in 1942. His brother Vyacheslav also died in a car accident. The war left a deep scar on the young Simonov.
Academic Journey
Automotive Engineering at NovocherkasskAfter the war, Simonov returned to Russia and completed his secondary education in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov Oblast. Unable to pursue his dream of studying at the Moscow Aviation Institute, he enrolled in the Novocherkassk Polytechnic Institute, majoring in automotive engineering.
Transfer to Kazan Aviation Institute
Recognizing his passion for aviation, Simonov transferred to the Kazan Aviation Institute in 1952. He excelled in his studies and became a member of the university's student design bureau, where he designed and flew gliders.
Professional Career
Student Design BureauSimonov played a pivotal role in establishing one of the first student design bureaus in the Soviet Union at the Kazan Aviation Institute. He led the team that designed and tested several successful gliders.
Chief Designer of Sports Aircraft
In 1965, Simonov became the chief designer of the country's first design bureau dedicated to sports aviation, based on the student design bureau. He led the development of several innovative aircraft, challenging the monopoly of the Yakovlev design bureau.
Move to Moscow
In 1969, Simonov was transferred to Moscow by Aviation Industry Minister Pyotr Vasilyevich Dementyev. He worked as deputy chief designer at the Dolgoprudny Design Bureau of Automation and later at the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
Sukhoi Design Bureau
At Sukhoi, Simonov led the completion of the Su-24 frontline bomber and became deputy chief designer. He also played a role in the design and testing of other Sukhoi aircraft.
Chief Designer of Sukhoi
In 1983, Simonov became the chief designer of the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Under his leadership, Sukhoi developed numerous advanced aircraft, including the Su-27, Su-30, and Su-35.
Honors and Legacy
Russian Federation HeroIn 1999, Simonov was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation for his contributions to the development of modern aircraft and flight testing.
Lenin and State Prizes
Simonov received both Lenin and State Prizes for his groundbreaking work in aviation design.
General Designer
Simonov held the prestigious title of General Designer for many years, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the Russian aviation industry.
Mikhail Petrovich Simonov passed away on August 31, 1998. He left behind a legacy as one of the most influential aircraft designers in Soviet and Russian history, pushing the boundaries of aviation engineering and creating some of the world's most iconic combat aircraft.
