Peter Maksimovich Ostapenko 1928-

Peter Maksimovich Ostapenko was born in Prokhladny town of Kabardino-Balkariya. He served in the Army from 1947. In 1951 he graduated from Armavir high military aviation pilot school. After graduation appointed there as pilot-instructor (till 1957). In 1958 graduated from Test-pilot school and in 1967 graduated from MAI.

Between 1958 -1983 he worked as test-pilot and since 1983 as leading engineer at A.I.Mikoyan EDB. Tested sixty four plane types. Tested MiG-21U(E-6U), MiG-25P(E-155P) fighters,MiG-21PD(23-31) and MiG-23PD (23-01) prototypes from their first flights. He took part in testing MiG-19, MiG-21,E-152A, E-152, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29 and MiG-31 aircraft. Set eight world records (one from them is absolute).

State Premium of USSR (1981). Awarded with Lenin Order, Order of Red Banner, Order of Labor Red Banner, Order of Red Star, medals. Awarded with Medal de Lavo (FAI) (1963).

Jacob Ilich Vernikov 1920-1993

Jacob Ilich Vernikov

Boris Ivanovich Veremey 1935-2002

TU-160 a/c performed its maiden flight 18 December, 1981 by crew of Leading test-pilot Boris Veremey.

Vasiliy Petrovich Borisov 1929-2001

Vasiliy Borisov was a leading test-pilot of various versions of TU-22M a/c. Test and development of TU-22, TU-22MO, TU-22M1, TU-22M2 and TU-22M3

Eduard Vaganovich Elyan 1926-

Tu-144 prototype performed its first flight on 31 December 1968, with test pilot Eduard Elyan at the controls
TU-144 photograph signed by Elyan (Commander) and Sevastinov(Test Engineer)

Eduard Elyan was born on August, 20th, 1926 in city Baku (Azerbaijan). In 1944 he finished the Sverdlovsk special school of the Air Forces and entered the army. He became a pilot-instructor.
in 1951 and in 1953 graduated from the Test Pilot school. From June 1953 till March 1958 he was employed on flight test work in LII. In 1958-1960 he was a test pilot at OKB Sukhoi.
Between 1960-1982 he was test pilot with OKB Tupolev, making the first flight of the TU-144 and participating in flight tests of the TU-22 and other types. He participated in tests of aviation survival suits.

He was made a Colonel in 1967 and a hero of Soviet Union in 1971. Awarded Nagrazhden Lenin's awards, the Red Banner, the Red Star, medals and the Tissande Diploma from the FAI in 1969.

Valery Sergeyevich Zaitsev 1937-1984

Served as pilot in Air Force front-line units. Graduated from MAI in 1969. Since 1971 worked as leading engineer at A.I.Mikoyan EDB. Since 1975 was a test-navigator at A.I. Mikoyan EDB. Worked on development of armament systems, electronic and navigational equipment of MiG-31 airplane. As test-navigator logged 946 flying hours.

Died in test flight on MiG-31 together with A.V.Fedotov, test-pilot. Awarded with Honor Mark Order, medals.

Valery Eugenyevich Menitsky 1944-2008

Menitsky (2nd from left) with MIG-31

Valery Eugenyevich Menitsky was born in Moscow. Served in Army since 1961. In 1965 graduated from Tambov high military aviation school. Appointed there as pilot-instructor (till 1968). In 1969 graduated from Test-pilot school.

In 1969-1992 worked as test-pilot at A.I.Mikoyan EDB. Conducted testing and development of newest aircraft models.
He tested and flew on 65 aircraft types MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-29, MiG-31 included. He made the first flights and tested MiG-27 and MiG-29 M planes.

Awarded with Lenin premium, Lenin and Honor Mark Orders, medals.

Igor Pterovich Volk 1937-

Igor Volk was born in Zmiiv,Kharkiv Oblast. Igor Volk was selected as a cosmonaut in 1980, and flew as Research Cosmonauton Soyuz T-12. One goal of the mission was to test the effects of long-duration spaceflight on Volk's return flight piloting as a precursor to piloting the Buran Space Shuttle. He served as the head of the cosmonauts training for the Buran program and since the project's cancellation, as a Flight Tests Deputy at the Gromov Flight Research Institute before retiring in 1996. He has previously served as President of the National Aero Club of Russia and Vice President of the FAI. As recognition for his contributions as a test pilot and cosmonaut he was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union.

Magomed Tolboev 1951-

In 1969 after finishing the Gunib secondary school Tolboev entered Eysk High Military Pilot School and finished studies in 1973. In 1973 – 1980 he served in USSR Air Force. In 1980 –1981 Magomed took courses in Test Pilot School. In 1981 he entered Moscow State Aviation University and was graduated in 1984, later, in 1984 – 1986, he studied at Cosmonaut School named after Yuri Gagarin. Since 1981 till 1993 Tobloev was engaged as a test pilot and test cosmonaut, he took position of Deputy Commander in the special cosmonaut division BURAN.
In 1993 Magomed was elected to the State Duma of RF Federal Assembly and executed duties of Deputy Head of the Committee on Industry, Transport, Energy and Construction till 1995. In 1993 Tolboev entered the magistracy of Russian University of International Friendship (RUDN) and in 1995 he was graduated as PHD in History (Diploma No 009990 of RF Certification Committee). From 1994 till 1995 he was a member of Presidium of the Russian Congress of Businessmen and Manufacturers. In 1996 - 1998 Tolboev was a Secretary of Security Soviet of Dagestan Republic.

Magomed Tolboev is awarded with some medals and a USSR award.
He is awarded with the USSR award of Work Red Banner for implementation of the program in space exploration in 1988.
Tolboev is awarded with the Gold Star of Hero of Russia No 009 for test flights in 1992.

Toktar Ongarbaevich Aubakirov 1946-

Toktar Ongarbaevich Aubakirov was born in Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan. Since 1965 served in army. In 1969 he graduated from Armavir high military aviation pilot school. Served in front-line units of Air Force (till 1974). In 1976 graduated from Test Pilot School. Same year became a test-pilot at aviation plant in Ulan-Ude city.

In 1976-92 worked as test pilot at A.I. Mikoyan EDB. Tested more than fifty plane types - MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27, MiG-29K and MiG-31 included. In 1989 he made the first carrier launch in the USSR in a MiG-29K aircraft.

In October of 1991 he made a space flight on board the Soyuz TM-12 spaceship and "Mir" orbital complex as member of international crew. In 1992 Toktar Aubakirov became 1st Deputy Chairman of State Defense Committee in Republic of Kazakhstan. Since 1993 he has been the General director of Kazakhstan National Aerospace Agency.

Awarded with Lenin Order, Order of October Revolution, medals.

At present Toktar is the Kazakhstan Republic President's advisor on defense, defense industry and space.

Grigory Alexandrovich Sedov 1917-

Grigory Alexandrovich Sedov was born in Baku city (Azerbaijan). In 1937 he graduated from pilot school of Leningrad aeroclub. Served in Army since 1938. In 1938 graduated from second Military fighter pilot school(Borisoglebsk city). Served in Air Force front-line units (till 1940). In 1942 graduated from Air Force Engineering Academy named after N.E.Zhukovsky. In 1942-1950 worked as test-pilot -engineer of Science Research Institute of Air Force.

In 1950-1959 worked as test-pilot and in 1958-1970 as deputy Chief designer on flight testing at A.I.Mikoyan EDB. In 1970-1997 was chief of the research. Chief designer on development of latest aircraft including MiG-23 and MiG-27 planes. Since 1997 works as General designer Adviser.

Was the first to take off and test MiG-17 (SI-02) I-350 (M),SM-2(I-360), SM-9, E-4, E-2A aircraft. As a leading test-pilot G.A. Sedov tested MiG-19 the first Soviet supersonic fighter.

Awarded with Lenin premium (1976), USSR State premium (1952).

Awarded with two Lenin Orders, Order of October Revolution, two Orders of Red Banner, 1st degree Order of Patriotic War, two Orders of Red Star, medals. Honored member of Experimental Aircraft test-pilot Association (USA).

Alexander Yurevich Garnaev 1960-

Alexander Garnaev was born in Zhukovsky town of Moscow Region. Since 1977 served in Army. In 1981 graduated from Armavir high military aviation pilot school. Served in Air force front-line units (till 1985). In 1987 graduated from Test-pilot school, in 1989 graduated from MAI.

In 1987-1994 worked as test-pilot at A.I. Mikoyan EDB. Tested more than twenty five plane types. Participated in testing MiG-29M, MiG-31B, MiG-29LL. Tested armament on MiG-27, MiG-29 and MiG-31.

Since 1994 works as test-pilot at M.M.Gromov FRI.

Anatoly Nikolayevich Kvochur 1952-

Anatoly Nikolayevich Kvochur was born in Mazurovka village of Mogilev-Podolsk Area of Vinnitsy Region. Served in Army since 1969. In 1973 graduated from Yeisk high military aviation pilot school. Served in Air Force front-line units (till 1977). In 1978 graduated from Test-pilot school, in 1981 graduated from MAI. In 1978-1981 worked as test-pilot at Komsomolsk-on-Amur aviation plant.

In 1981-1991 worked as test-pilot of A.I.Mikoyan EDB. Tested more than 80 types of aircraft. Carried out flight tests of MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29, MiG-31. From 1991 he has been working as test-pilot at FRI. He is is the M.M.Gromov FRI Deputy Chief on flight testing.

Awarded with Orders of Labor Red Banner, ''For Achievements made for Fatherland'' 3rd degree Order, medals.

Roman Petrovich Taskayev 1954-

Roman Petrovich Taskayev was born in the town of Khilok of Chita Region. From 1971 he served in Army. In 1975 graduated from Kharkov high military aviation school. Served in Air Force front-line units (till 1981). Graduated from Test-pilot school in 1983.

In 1983-1998 worked as test-pilot at A.I.Mikoyan EDB, testing more than 40 plane types. Worked a lot on development of prototype models of MiG-29, MiG-31, MiG-AT aircraft. He was the the first in Russian Aviation history to make a transit flight over North Pole in a MiG-31 with in-flight refuelling. From 1998 he has worked as test-pilot at A.S.Yakovlev EDB. Set one world aviation record. Awarded with Order of Labor Red Banner, Order of Courage, medals.

Vladimir Mikhailovich Gorbunov 1946-

Vladimir Gorbunov was born in Viatskiye Poliany town of Kirov Region. He studied in MAI, joining the Army in 1965. In 1968 he graduated from Kachinskoye high military aviation pilot school. Served in Air Force front-line units till 1973. In 1974 graduated from Test-pilot training center. Graduated from MAI in 1978.

In 1974-1982 worked as test-pilot at Chief Committee of Science Research Institute of Air Force. In 1982-1991 worked as test-pilot at Flight Research Institute (FRI).

In 1991 he started to work as test-pilot at A.I.Mikoyan EDB. After starting work there he tested more than 70 planes and helicopters types. Took part in testing MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27, Mig-29, MiG-AT.

Awarded with Order of Courage, two Orders of Red Star, medals. Awarded also with Prize of International Fund of flight safety after recovery from emergency situation at testing MiG-31.

Viktor Georgievich Pugachev

Viktor Georgievich Pugachev

Ural Nazibovich Sultanov 1948-

Ural Sultanov

Aviard Gavrilovich Fastovets 1937-1991

Aviard Fastovets was born in Kovrov town of Vladimir Region. Graduated from Air Force special school (Ivanovo town). Since 1954 served in Army. In 1955 graduated from Military aviation school of pilot elementary training (Aktiubinsk town), and in 1957 graduated from Kachinskoye military aviation pilot school. Was given a position of pilot-instructor in the school (till 1965). In 1967 graduated from Test-pilot School.

In 1967-1987 worked as test-pilot and in 1987-1991 as leading engineer at A.I.Mikoyan EDB. Took part in flight testing MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27, MiG-29, MiG-29K and MiG-31 aircraft. Awarded with Lenin Order, Order of October Revolution, Honor Mark Order, medals.

Georgy Konstantinovich Mosolov 1926-

Georgy Mosolov was born in Ufa city. From 1944 he served in the Army, and in1948 he graduated from Chuguievskoye military aviation pilot school.He stayed there as pilot-instructor until 1951, and in 1953 he graduated from Test-pilot school, and then in 1959 he graduated from MAI with distinction.

Between 1953 to 1962 he worked as a test-pilot, between 1963-1969 as the leading engineer at A.I.Mikoyan EDB. He conducted flight tests of the MiG-17, MiG-19, MiG-21 fighters and their modifications. He made the maiden flights of the Å-2, Å-8, I-7Ó, I-75, Å-152À è Å-152/1 . He set six world aviation records (three of them were absolute).

Awarded with two Lenin Orders, Order of Red Star, medals. Has three medals de Lavo (FAI) (1960, 1962, 1963)

Vladimir Sergeyevich Ilyushin 1927-

Vladimir Ilyushin was born on 31 March, 1927, the eldest son of leading Soviet aircraft designer Sergei Vladimirovich Ilyushin. Ilyushin's father was a favoured member of the Soviet establishment. It may be noted that aircraft designer Tupolev blamed Ilyushin's father for the denunciation that sent Tupolev to a special engineering prison in the Soviet Gulag in 1937. Vladimir's ambition was to be a test pilot of leading-edge, fast aircraft. He fulfilled this in an illustrious career that won him the highest state prizes and military promotions several years ahead of the norm throughout his life. In his spare time he was active in rugby and collecting automobiles (among them a 1966 Chevrolet Bel Air). He was Deputy Chief Designer and Lead Test Pilot for the Sukhoi design bureau until his retirement. Over his life he flew 145 different types of aircraft and made a number of important first and record flights. The following are the known and public highlights of his life:

• 1952 - Completed qualification as a Soviet test pilot
• 1953 - Began work at LII state test flight centre
• 1957 - Began working for the Sukhoi design bureau, first as part of the test team for the T-3 (Su-7 supersonic fighter prototype)
• 1957, September 10 - made first flight of Su-9 production aircraft
• 1959, July 14 - Achieved world record altitude of 28,857 m aboard the T-431, a modified Su-9 fighter
• 1960 - Awarded prize as Hero of the Soviet Union
• 1961 - Named Merited Master of Sport of the USSR
• 1962, September 7- Achieved record sustained altitude of 21,270 m aboard the T-431
• 1965, June - Made first flight of T-6, prototype of the Su-24
• 1966 - Named Merited Test Pilot of the USSR
• 1966, August 2 - Made first flight of S-22I, prototype of Su-17
• 1966-1967 - Worked as instructor at Chkalov test pilot school (cosmonaut Titov among his students)
• 1971 - Named Deputy Chief Designer of Sukhoi and Lead Test Pilot
• 1972, August 22 - Made first flight of T-4 tri-sonic bomber prototype
• 1973 - Promoted to Lieutenant-General of the Air Force
• 1975, February 22 - Major-General Sukhoi made the first flight of the T-8, prototype of the Su-25
• 1976, Named Lenin Prize Laureate
• 1977, May 29 -Made first flight of T-10, predecessor of the Su-27
• 1981, April 20 - Made first flight of T-10S, prototype of the Su-27

Aleksandr Vasilyevich Fedotov 1932-1984

One of the leading test pilots of his era, Aleksandr Fedotov was a Major General in the Russian Airforce, he graduated from Flight School Stalingrad in 1950. He was a pilot in the airforce from 1950 to 1957,graduating from the Aravmir School for Military Pilots in 1952 and worked then as an instructor pilot.

In 1958 he graduated from testpilot school and worked for the OKB Mikoyan. In 1965 he worked for the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI). Between 1961 and 1977 he achieved 18 world records, including three absolute records on E-166 and MiG-25-jets. He held since August 31, 1977 the world altitude record for planes that take off under their own power (123,524 feet).

Between 1976 and 1978 he was involved in the EPOS "Spiral"-Program. In 1977 he performed the maiden flight of the MiG-29. He died in a crash of a MiG-31 (together with V. S. Zaytsev) in 1984.

He became a Hero of the Soviet Union in 1966 and in 1969 a Meritious test pilot of the Soviet Union.