'Oktyabryonok' by A.I.Mikoyan, K.Samarin, N.A.Pavlov, V.Tertsiyev, A.Rodin

48k b/w photo (only known one!) of 'Oktyabryonok' from "OKB MiG" by P. Butowski and J. Miller, p.117.

The 'Oktyabryonok' ('October Child') was the first aircraft design in which Artyom (in fact Anushavan, Artyom originally being nickname, but later adopted as standard) Ivanovich Mikoyan participated. It was conceived by A.I.Mikoyan and his fellow student K. Samarin during his final studies at the N.Ye.Zhukovskij Air Force Engineering Academy.

After inspection of the drawings and related data by Academy professors V.Pyshnov and V.Bolkhovitinov - resulting in only marginal changes - approval for the construction of this aircraft was granted in spring of 1936. The two designers now were joined by three more Academy friends - V.Tertsiyev, A.Rodin and N.Pavlov.

The first two undertook the restoration of the small two-cylinder, two-stroke Labur engine and Pavlov contributed to the design effort. Mikoyan himself became the de facto-leader of the team.

While construction was moving ahead, the aircraft received a very favorable assessment by the Aviakhim, most important attribute being its exceptionally low cost of 12,000 roubles (currency of that time). It was estimated that series production easily could reduce this figure to 5,000 roubles. Furthermore, its wings were foldable for transport and storage.

Construction of the aircraft was made of wood and fabric. The engine drove a two-bladed wooden pusher propeller. The tailwheel (or tailskid?) undercarriage was non-retractable, its main members had long-stroke oleo shock absorbers. In mid-November 1937 the aircraft successfully passed its maiden flight, piloted by V. V. Bubnov. The aircraft displayed easy handling and exceptional stability.

The aircraft was recommended for mass production as a primary trainer and as a do-it-yourself construction kit for aero clubs. But during the fourth test flight the well-worn engine failed, resulting in an emergency landing. Despite only minimal damage, this setback (together with the fact that the paths of the designers were beginning to take different directions) proved fatal for the project.

In post-War period layout of the 'Oktyabryonok' re-appeared in ultra-light aircraft of MAI, KhAI, Aeroprakt and other developers and manufacturers.

Drawing from "OKB MiG" used as a background for this page.