Nikolai II as the founder of Russian aviation

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

Nicholas II's naval aviation was created from scratch, but became the best in the world.

The history of Russian aviation dates back to the reign of Nicholas II. Yes, contrary to the myths of Soviet history, he was a man of progress. Under him, a variety of advanced technologies for military and peaceful purposes were actively developed. Aviation is created under him from scratch and becomes the best and most numerous in the world.

At the beginning of the century, Russia did not have its own aviation, or even the technical base for its creation. There was only a firm desire of the emperor to give Russia the sky.

The idea of creating aviation met with a certain lack of understanding among Nikolai's entourage.

The memoirs of Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich are indicative: “… The Minister of War, General Sukhomlinov, shook with laughter. “I understood you correctly, Your Highness,” he asked me between two fits of laughter: “are you going to use these toys in our army?” [1] (We are talking about airplanes)

From scratch to world leaders

In 1911, the first experiment on the creation of an armed aircraft was carried out in Russia, but just three years later, the imperial military air fleet becomes a full-fledged military formation.

According to estimates published in the Soviet Military Encyclopedia, the tsarist air fleet consisted of 263 aircraft. Comparing this figure with other countries, the authors conclude that at the beginning of the war, the Russian Imperial Navy was the largest in the world. [2]

6 years after the encyclopedia was published, a separate monograph by V. B. Shavrov on aviation of the 20th century was published, where the author, on the basis of archival data, systematizes information about all aircraft produced.

The author publishes data that by 1914 the tsarist air fleet consisted of 600 aircraft. [3]

The Great War (World War I) did not become an obstacle to the development of this type of weapon. Until 1917, 20 aircraft factories were built on the territory of the empire. During the war years, the air fleet was replenished by 5,600 aircraft. By 1917, the Imperial Navy numbered 6,200 aircraft. [4]

For comparison: In England, only by 1919, the air fleet had 4,000 aircraft (30% less than we have by 1917) [5]

Germany was the only country that surpassed Russia in terms of the number of aircraft. Until 1917, Germany built more than 20 thousand aircraft. [6]

From scratch and not having any technical base, Nicholas II manages to create an advanced type of weapon. The largest in the world before the First World War and the second after Germany by 1917.

There are detailed data on the production volumes of domestic aircraft manufacturers. For example, the Dux plant produced 60 aircraft per month, the Shchetinin plant - 50, Anatra - 40, the Lebedev plant - 35, RBVZ - 25 aircraft [7]

The lineup of domestic aircraft was distinguished by a wide variety. The author of the specialized monograph on aviation discussed by us above fixes that “the complete list of aircraft built in Russia includes 315 names of original Russian designs, of which 38 were serially built, and 75 projects had the status of promising developments. The list of authors-designers of Russian aircraft includes 120 names and 4 organizations. " [eight]

It is noteworthy that the researcher V. B. Shavrov, who published these figures in Soviet times on the basis of data from the Central State Military Historical Archive (Central State Military Historical Archive), openly admits the high quality of the tsarist aircraft.

"In terms of the total number of experimental aircraft, Russia did not lag behind the advanced capitalist countries of those years" and "The level of technical performance of Russian aircraft in general was not lower than that of foreign countries." [9]

And this despite the fact that in the west the first plane took off in 1903, and in Russia in 1911 (8 years later), but after six years the lag was completely overcome. Our speed of development of technical thought was more than twice as fast as in the West.

But catching up with the west was not enough for us. Russian aviation is setting a number of world records.

For example, the Ilya Muromets aircraft, which appeared in 1913, became the world's first bomber. This aircraft set world records for carrying capacity, number of passengers, time and maximum flight altitude. [10]

Igor Ivanovich SIKORSKY as the creator of Russian aircraft

Since 1908, together with his colleague from the institute F. Bylinkin, Sikorsky begins to build aircraft, including two helicopter models (which have not yet flown due to the lack of a powerful engine).

In 1908-1909. he consults with leading domestic and foreign experts, visits France and Germany again.

In 1910 he took off for the first time on a C-2 aircraft of his own design. The real success came when in the spring of 1911. the C-5 aircraft was built. On it, Sikorsky received a pilot's diploma and during military exercises demonstrated the superiority of his aircraft over foreign vehicles.

I. I. Sikorsky on his plane

In the same 1911, Sikorsky developed his sixth aircraft (C-6) with a more powerful engine and a three-seater cockpit. On it, he set the world speed record in flight with two passengers.

In April 1912, this aircraft was shown at the Moscow Aeronautics Exhibition, where it received the Great Gold Medal. The Russian Technical Society awarded Sikorsky a medal "for useful work in aeronautics and for the independent development of an airplane of its own system, which gave remarkable results."

A successful designer (a student who did not graduate!) Was invited to St. Petersburg to the post of chief engineer of the newly established Russian naval aviation - this is how Sikorsky became its creator.

However, after serving only a year, he resigned from the naval service, becoming a leading specialist in the aeronautical department of the joint-stock company "Russian-Baltic Wagon Plant" (RBVZ).

In the summer of 1912, he became both chief designer and manager at this plant. There Sikorsky in 1912-1914. Among many military vehicles were created the world's first four-engine air giant "Russian Knight" and then on its basis - "Ilya Muromets", distinguished by a long flight range and laid the foundation for multi-engine aviation.

The Russian Knight set a world record by flying 1 hour 54 minutes with seven passengers. Machines of a similar design appeared abroad only a few years later

Tsar Nicholas II expressed a desire to see the "Russian Knight". The plane flew to Krasnoe Selo, the Tsar climbed aboard and was delighted with what he saw. Soon Sikorsky was given a gift from the Emperor - a gold watch.

"Ilya Muromets" became the best aircraft of the First World War. It was effectively used as heavy bombers and long-range reconnaissance aircraft. They formed the "Air Squadron" - the first formation of strategic aviation.

Sikorsky himself participated in the organization of the squadron, trained the crews and practiced the tactics of their combat use. He spent a lot of time at the front, observing his planes in action, and making the necessary changes to their design. A total of 85 "Muromtsy" of six main types were built.

In addition to heavy bombers, Sikorsky created in 1914-1917. light fighters, naval reconnaissance aircraft, light fighter reconnaissance aircraft, twin-engine fighter-bomber and attack aircraft, i.e. almost a complete fleet of aircraft of all types used in the World War.

In addition, under the leadership of Igor Ivanovich, aircraft engines, equipment and weapons were developed and mass-produced, new factories were erected for their production. This is how a powerful diversified domestic aviation industry was created.

At the age of 25, I. I. Sikorsky was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, IV degree

The revolutionary devastation put an end to the fruitful activity of the brilliant designer at home. In addition, he perceived the new government as anti-Russian.

“Igor Ivanovich left Russia because he was threatened with execution,” recalls his son Sergei Igorevich, who continued his father’s work.- At the beginning of 1918, one of his former employees, who worked for the Bolsheviks, came to his house at night and said: "…" The situation is very dangerous. I saw the order for your execution."

It was the time of the Red Terror, when they were shot on the spot, without trial. And Sikorsky posed a double danger for the communists: as a friend of the Tsar and as a very popular person. All Petrograd knew him, many looked at him as a hero …"

He left via Murmansk. He first lived in France, from 1919 in the United States.

Creation of long-range aviation

On December 23, 1914, by decree of Emperor Nicholas II, a squadron of air ships "Ilya Muromets" was created, the head of which was Mikhail Shidlovsky.

This is how the world's first formation of heavy four-engined bombers appeared and the long-range aviation of Russia was "born". At the same time, the "great-grandfather" of modern bombers himself first took to the air on December 23, 1913.

It was a huge wooden biplane with four motors, which were supposed to lift a car weighing more than five tons into the air. "Muromets" had two machine-gun platforms - one was between the runners of the chassis, the second was to be located on the fuselage.

During the first flight of the biplane, Sikorsky himself sat at the helm, and six months after testing the machine, the first order for ten aircraft was received for the Russian army. "Muromtsy" were of particular importance, so the flight crew was formed only by officers. Even a flight mechanic was required to have an officer's rank.

In the spring of 1914, the first "Ilya Muromets" was converted into a seaplane with more powerful engines - this is how the serial "B" bombers appeared.

They were equipped with two machine guns, bomb racks and a simple bomb sight. The car's crew consisted of six people. On June 5, 1914, the aircraft set a flight duration record of 6 hours 33 minutes and 10 seconds.

Long-range aviation of Russia in the First world war

The squadron was equipped with a large staff of flight and ground personnel, its own repair shops, warehouses, communications units, a meteorological service, a flight school with training aircraft, a fleet of vehicles and even anti-aircraft artillery.

Between 1914 and 1918 aircraft of the Ilya Muromets series performed about 400 sorties for reconnaissance and bombardment of enemy targets. During this time, 12 enemy fighters were destroyed, while Russia lost only one "Muromets".

During the war, the aircraft were actively modernized. By the summer of 1916, the squadron had received two new E-type aircraft, the take-off weight of which exceeded seven tons. These bombers had eight firing points, providing spherical shelling, and a bomb load of 800 kilograms.

By 1917, Sikorsky had created blueprints for a new, even more powerful "Muromets" "type Zh". It was planned to build up to 120 heavy bombers. But the February Revolution took place, and a gradual collapse of the unique structure of the squadron began.

Shydlouski was declared a monarchist and removed from office. The squadron was first deprived of its exclusivity, and after a while it was suggested that it be disbanded altogether.

In September 1917, the German army approached Vinnitsa, where a squadron of air ships was stationed at that time. During the retreat, it was decided to burn the planes so that they would not get to the enemy.

The Ilya Muromets made its last sortie on November 21, 1920. Later, the planes were used on the post-passenger airline and in the aviation school.

This plane terrified the enemy during the First World War.

Historian Pyotr Multatuli in his work "Russian Pilots of the German War of 1914-1917" records data that "on June 14, 1915," Ilya Muromets "under the control of pilot Bashko carried out a successful bombardment at the station Prezherovsk, where a large number of German trains had accumulated.

With a direct hit, Bashko blew up a train with shells. The enemy also suffered heavy losses in manpower. The panic that arose among the Austro-German troops ended with the capture of 15,000 people. " [eleven]

Russia - the homeland of aerobatics

The first practical measures for training flight personnel in the Russian army were carried out in the spring of 1910. They were carried out by the Main Engineering Directorate, to which the aeronautical units of the army were subordinate.

In March 1910, seven Russian officers and six lower ranks were sent to France: the first for flight training, the second for training in mechanics.

The first flight training formations appeared in Russia in 1910. This was preceded by the creation of aviation clubs and societies with the aim of building aircraft, training flights, developing theoretical problems, organizing competitions and promoting aviation.

Such public organizations worked in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kiev, Odessa, Saratov and other cities. The formation of the Russian military aviation school was largely facilitated by the All-Russian Aero Club (VAK), the Moscow and Kiev Aeronautics Societies, and the Odessa Aero Club.

By the time these institutions were created in Russia, the Aeronautical Training Park (UVP), located on the outskirts of St. Petersburg, had been operating for about 25 years.

The organization of training for military pilots was set very high in Russia at that time. Before embarking on practical flight training, all future pilots underwent a special theoretical course, which included the basics of aerodynamics, meteorology, aviation technology and other disciplines. The best Russian scientists and specialists in the relevant fields of science were involved in delivering lectures for the pilots.

By the end of 1911, the Russian military department had at its disposal about 50 trained pilots, which made it possible to begin the formation of the first aviation detachments.

Flight schools personally controlled by Nicholas II graduated the highest class professionals.

Already in 1913, just 3 years later, after the founding of the first flight school in Russia, the Russian pilot Pyotr Nesterov performed the first aerobatics figure in world history - the Loop.

When the Germans attacked Russia, Nesterov went to the front and became an ace. For the shot down of Nesterov's plane, the enemies promised huge rewards, but no one was destined to shoot it down. He died doing the first air ram in history.

The war made it possible for many aviator-heroes to prove themselves, for example, such as A. A. Kozakov. Isseldovatels note that "A deeply religious Orthodox Christian, Kozakov always ascended into the sky with the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker." [12] On account of this ace - 17 German aircraft (this is only officially registered). According to unofficial estimates - 32).

The imperial aviation is famous for its aces pilots. During the First World War, numerous cases of the skill of Russian pilots are known. Particularly known: Captain E. N. Kruten, Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Kazakov, Captain P. V. Argeev, who shot down about 20 enemy aircraft each.

The German Emperor Wilhelm II, who attacked Russia in 1914, demanded from his subordinates: "I wish my aviators stood at the same height of art as the Russians do." [14]

High technologies to defend the Motherland

Nicholas II manages to overtake the Europeans in just 6 years in what they have been doing for 14 years, but also to step further. It is Russia that creates the first bomber, it is the Russian pilots who become the founders of aerobatics, it is Russia that creates and uses the world's first seaplane carriers in combat operations. Deck-based naval aviation was born.

In 1916, under the leadership of DP Grigorovich, the first domestic torpedo bomber GASN (a special-purpose hydroaeroplane) was built at the Gamayun plant, the former PRTV.

The torpedo was suspended under the fuselage. GASN entered trials in August 1917.

In 1916, D. P. Grigorovich created a number of unique machines.

The fact that there are 315 names of original Russian constructions testifies to the genius of Russian scientists and the talent of the authorities that gave them the opportunity. Such a rich variety of models was born in just 6 years.

Nicholas II showed what Russian scientists can do if we give them such an opportunity and provide competent state support.

The time of Nicholas II breaks records even of Stalin's industrialization.20 aircraft factories and 6200 aircraft in just 6 years from scratch! This is despite the fact that 5,600 of them were made in just 3 years, and in war conditions.

By 1917, despite the war, the Russian industry had reached the level of production of 1,897 aircraft per year. [15]

And this is all without any repression and dispossession

In the period from 1913 to 1917, Nicholas II brought 12 aircraft carriers equipped with M-5 and M-9 flying boats into the army.

Nicholas II's naval aviation was created from scratch, but became the best in the world.

As of January 1, 1917, the Russian Naval Aviation was an impressive force and included 264 airplanes of various types.

Of these, 152 aircraft and 4 small controlled balloons were in the Black Sea Fleet, 88 aircraft in the Baltic. Another 29 aircraft were available in the Petrograd and Baku officer aviation schools.

From September 1916 to May 1917 alone, the naval department received 61 seaplanes designed by Grigorovich M-11 and M-12; 26 of them flew on the Black Sea, about 20 entered the Baltic. In the Black Sea and Baltic aviation units, respectively, 115 and 96 officers, 1039 and 1339 conductors, non-commissioned officers and privates served.

This is the rich legacy that the Red Army received and which later served as one of the sources of its victories.

Sources:

1. Romanov. A. Yu. Memoirs of the Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov. M. 2014.

2. Russian army // Soviet military encyclopedia. / ed. N. V. Ogarkov. Volume 7. M., Voyenizdat, 1979. p. 167-175

3. Shavrov VB History of aircraft designs in the USSR until 1938 - 3rd ed., Corrected - M.: Mechanical engineering, 1985

4. Ibid.

5. D. A. Sobolev. History of aircraft 1919 - 1945. M. 1997.

6. O. S. Smyslov. Aces against aces. In the fight for heavenly domination. M. 2013

7. Shavrov VB History of aircraft designs in the USSR until 1938 - 3rd ed., Corrected - M.: Mechanical engineering, 1985

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.

10. Andreev IA Combat aircraft. M., 1994, p. 34.

11. Multatuli P. V. Russian pilots of the German war 1914-1917 URL:

12. Ibid.

13. Ibid.

14. Ibid. With reference to the State Archives of the Russian Federation. F. 601. op. 1.d. 2326. l. 3.

15. Shavrov V. B. History of aircraft designs in the USSR until 1938 - 3rd ed., Corrected - M.: Mechanical engineering, 1985

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