Semyon Lavochkin

Semyon Alekseyevich Lavochkin ( _ru. Семён Алексе́евич Ла́вочкин; August 29, 1900 - June 9, 1960), a Soviet aircraft designer, Corresponding Member of the Soviet Academy of Sciences (1958), Major General of the Aviation Engineering (1944), Hero of Socialist Labor (1943 and 1956), member of the CPSU from 1953.

Lavochkin was born in Smolensk, Russia, in 1900 to Jewish parents. After having enlisted in the Red Army, Lavochkin was sent to the Moscow State Technical University in 1920, from which he would graduate in 1927. He worked in a number of design bureaus and then in the Chief Directorate of the Aircraft Industry. Lavochkin had become the principal Soviet aircraft designer by 1939. He is responsible for several important fighter aircraft in World War II. A three-time Hero of the Soviet Union, pilot Ivan Kozhedub shot down 62 German airplanes, flying in fighters designed by Lavochkin. Lavochkin received a few Soviet State Awards (1941, 1943, 1946, 1948), 3 Orders of Lenin, 3 other orders and numerous medals.

Lavochkin's fortunes faded after the war, his aircraft consistently placing second in competitions with other design bureaux, notably that of Artem Ivanovich Mikoyan, and upon his death his design bureau was closed.

For Lavochkin's designs, see Lavochkin OKB page.