Mikhail Gurevich, Russian engineer and businessman, co-founded the Russian Aircraft Corporation (d. 1976)

Mikhail Iosifovich Gurevich, born on January 12, 1893 (or December 31, 1892, according to the Old Style calendar prevalent in Russia before 1918), and passing away on November 12, 1976, was a profoundly influential Soviet aircraft designer. His legacy is inextricably linked with the development of high-performance military aviation. Gurevich is best known as the co-founder of the legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) military aviation design bureau, an organization that would go on to define Soviet airpower during much of the 20th century.

The Genesis of a Giant: Mikoyan-Gurevich Bureau

Established in December 1939 as the OKB-155, the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau, popularly known as MiG, was the brainchild of Mikhail Gurevich and his equally brilliant colleague, Artem Ivanovich Mikoyan. Their collaboration formed one of the most prolific and successful aircraft design teams in history. The bureau's primary mission was to develop cutting-edge military aircraft, particularly focusing on interceptors and fighter jets capable of outpacing and outmaneuvering contemporary threats. This strategic focus made MiG aircraft foundational elements of the Soviet Air Forces' strength, especially crucial during the intense technological arms race of the Cold War era.

A Legacy of Innovation: Iconic MiG Aircraft

The Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau rapidly gained global recognition for its innovative designs, which were consistently at the forefront of aviation technology. Their portfolio includes a wide array of aircraft renowned for their speed, agility, and robust performance. While the bureau developed a staggering 170 distinct projects over its active period, 94 of these concepts progressed beyond the drawing board and entered serial production, indicating a remarkable rate of successful implementation. This commitment to practical development resulted in some of the most iconic combat aircraft ever built.

• Fighter Aircraft: MiG's early success included the MiG-9, the Soviet Union's first jet fighter, paving the way for future designs.
• Rapid Interceptors: Aircraft like the MiG-15, which saw extensive combat during the Korean War, and the versatile MiG-21, the most produced supersonic jet aircraft in history, showcased MiG's mastery in developing high-speed interceptors crucial for air superiority.
• Multi-Role Combat Aircraft: Over time, the bureau also evolved its designs to encompass multi-role capabilities, allowing their jets to perform various missions from air-to-air combat to ground attack, ensuring their adaptability to diverse operational requirements.

Global Reach and Manufacturing Prowess

The scale of Mikoyan-Gurevich's impact is quantifiable and truly immense. In total, an astounding 45,000 MiG aircraft were manufactured domestically within the Soviet Union and subsequently Russia, making them one of the most widely produced series of military aircraft in the world. Furthermore, approximately 11,000 of these formidable aircraft were exported to numerous allied nations across the globe, including countries in the Warsaw Pact, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This extensive export record not only solidified the Soviet Union's influence but also made MiG jets a ubiquitous presence in air forces worldwide, actively participating in various conflicts and shaping military aviation strategy on a global scale.

Mikhail Gurevich's Final Masterpiece: The MiG-25

Mikhail Gurevich remained an active and pivotal figure in the design bureau for decades. The last significant aircraft project he personally contributed to before his retirement in 1964 was the legendary MiG-25, NATO reporting name "Foxbat." This supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft was a marvel of engineering for its time, designed to counter the perceived threat of high-speed American bombers and reconnaissance planes. The MiG-25 was celebrated for its extraordinary speed, capable of reaching Mach 2.83 (and even briefly exceeding Mach 3) and its high-altitude performance, which made it a formidable asset. Its development marked a pinnacle in Soviet aviation design and underscored Gurevich's enduring dedication to pushing the boundaries of aircraft capabilities, solidifying his immense contribution to aerospace history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mikhail Gurevich and MiG

Who was Mikhail Iosifovich Gurevich?

Mikhail Gurevich was a highly esteemed Soviet aircraft designer who, alongside Artem Mikoyan, co-founded the renowned Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) military aviation design bureau. He was instrumental in developing many of the Soviet Union's most iconic and effective fighter and interceptor aircraft during the 20th century.

When was the Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) bureau founded?

The Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau, officially known as OKB-155, was founded in December 1939 by Mikhail Gurevich and Artem Mikoyan.

What types of aircraft is the MiG bureau famous for?

The MiG bureau is celebrated for designing and producing a wide range of high-performance military aircraft, most notably fighter aircraft, rapid interceptors, and multi-role combat aircraft. These include world-famous models like the MiG-15, MiG-21, and MiG-25, which were central to the Soviet Air Forces and widely exported globally.

How many MiG aircraft were produced and exported?

In total, approximately 45,000 MiG aircraft were manufactured domestically in the Soviet Union. Of these, around 11,000 aircraft were exported to various countries worldwide, making MiG one of the most prolific aircraft manufacturers in history.

What was the last aircraft Mikhail Gurevich worked on?

Before his retirement in 1964, Mikhail Gurevich personally worked on the design and development of the MiG-25, a groundbreaking supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft known for its exceptional speed and high-altitude capabilities.