Nikolai Polikarpov 1892 – 1944

Biography

Nikolai Polikarpov was a pioneering Russian and Soviet aerospace engineer whose innovations shaped aviation history during a transformative era. Born on June 9, 1892, in Oryol, he came of age during a period of rapid technological advancement and witnessed the evolution of flight from its earliest days into a powerful instrument of modern warfare and transportation.

Throughout his career, Polikarpov dedicated himself to advancing aircraft design and engineering, contributing significantly to Soviet aviation development. His work reflected both technical skill and the ability to adapt to the demanding requirements of his time, establishing him as a respected figure in the aerospace field.

Polikarpov spent his final years in Moscow, where he continued his work until his death on July 30, 1944, from stomach cancer. His legacy endured beyond his lifetime, remembered as a key figure in Soviet aeronautical progress. He was laid to rest at Novodevichy Cemetery in the Khamovniki District, a fitting resting place for a man whose contributions to engineering and aviation left a lasting mark on history.