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Yacov BibikovSoviet military leader, engineer, aviation lieutenant general
Date of Birth: 01.01.1902
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Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Military Education and Service
- World War II
- Post-War Career
- Retirement and Legacy
- Military Ranks
- Awards
Early Life and Career
Mikhail Mikhailovich Bibikov was born on June 18, 1902, in Yekaterinoslav (present-day Dnipro), Ukraine, to a working-class family. He completed four years of elementary education and joined the Red Army in 1918. Bibikov served in the Russian Civil War (1918-1920).
Military Education and Service
In 1926, Bibikov graduated from the Military Technical School for Pilots. Six years later, in 1932, he completed the Engineering Faculty of the Air Force Academy. He held various positions in the Red Army Air Force, including Assistant Commander of an Air Army, Engineer of an Aviation Brigade, and Head of the Supply Department.
World War II
With the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War (World War II), Bibikov served as Head of the Motor Department, Head of the Aircraft Engine Department, Deputy Head of the Main Department of Orders and Technical Supply of the Red Army Air Force, and Head of the Operations Department of the General Staff of the Soviet Air Force.
During the war, Bibikov's knowledge of the aircraft industry's production capabilities enabled him to demand increased output. He initiated efforts to rearm and armor aircraft, significantly improving their combat effectiveness. Bibikov's work was instrumental in the development of aircraft such as the Kr-2, Pe-2, Su-2, and Pe-8. He also standardized air propellers and replaced metal blades with wooden ones.
Post-War Career
After the war, Bibikov led the State Research Institute of the Soviet Air Force (1944) and the State Krasnoznamenny Scientific Testing Institute of the Air Force (1946). In 1948, he became a member of the disposal of the Air Force Commander-in-Chief. From 1949 to 1961, he served as Head of the Aviation Technology Department at the Air Force Academy.
Retirement and Legacy
Mikhail Bibikov retired from the military on April 8, 1961. He passed away in Moscow on December 27, 1976, and was buried in the Kuntsevo Cemetery. His legacy as an innovative engineer who improved Soviet aircraft during World War II continues to be remembered today.
Military Ranks
- Brigadier Engineer - April 30, 1941- Major General of the Engineering-Aviation Service - June 3, 1942
- Lieutenant General of the Engineering-Technical Service - February 4, 1944
Awards
- Two Orders of Lenin- Three Orders of the Red Banner
- Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class
- Order of the Red Star
- Numerous other medals
