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Mikhail Simonov Obituary
Simonov died in Moscow on Friday, said Sukhoi company's spokesman Sergei Meshcheryakov. He wouldn't specify the cause of Simonov's death, but said he died after a long illness.
A former Russian air force chief lamented Simonov's death as an "irreparable loss."
Simonov started working as an aviation engineer in the 1950s, and joined the Sukhoi design bureau as a deputy chief designer in 1970. During the following nine years he led the development of the Su-24, the Su-25 and the Su-27 combat jets.
After serving as deputy minister of aircraft industries in 1979-1983, he was named the top Sukhoi designer and continued work on the Su-27 that became the Soviet Union's best fighter plane.
When state defense orders drained after the 1991 Soviet collapse, Simonov played a key role in winning lucrative contracts to sell Su-27s to China, India and other foreign customers.
Former Russian air force chief, retired Gen. Vladimir Mikhailov, praised Simonov for keeping the Sukhoi company afloat at a time when most other Russian aircraft makers have struggled to survive.
"During that difficult period, he managed to organize export sales that saved the Sukhoi design bureau and its production facilities," Mikhailov said on Rossiya 24 television. "His death is irreparable loss for the Russian aviation."
The Su-27, developed to counter the U.S. F-15 fighter, has remained a mainstay of the Russian air force after the Soviet collapse. The Sukhoi design bureau has developed a broad range of its modifications, and hundreds have been sold to China and India under contracts worth billions of dollars.
Magomed Tolboyev, a highly decorated former Sukhoi test pilot, praised Simonov as a "brilliant designer." "He trusted the pilots and had a very good attitude to our work," he said.
Simonov received a Lenin prize and two state prizes along with the Order of the Red Banner during the Soviet times, and was awarded with the Hero of Russia medal in 1999.
The company spokesman said Simonov is to be buried on Sunday at Moscow's most prestigious Novodevichy cemetery.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
13 Entries
Sharon Van Valin
March 9, 2011
Anyone interested in aviation must respect Mikhail Simonov; a genius in his field and a good businessman. Myxa K He6ecam!
Henry Tegtmeyer
March 8, 2011
Mikhail Simonov was once our foe. A man of such intelligence must have seen the sadness of conflict between fellow men. May he find something better in eternity.
David Rosa
March 8, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Henryk Zaleski
March 8, 2011
Rest in eternal peace.
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Margaret Beard
March 7, 2011
I send my condolences to the familiies and friends of Mr. Mikhail Simonov,
May you know that our Heavenly Father is close to all who are mourning, "He is healing the brokenhearted ones and binding up their painful spots." Pslam 147:3. You are in my prayers.
March 7, 2011
To the family of Mikhail Simonov, May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief and sorrow. (Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.)
March 7, 2011
Sorry for your loss. Many questions come to mind when someone died. The Scriptures answer them and also give us hope, He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will sickness nor suffering nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. And the One seated on the throne said; "Look! I am making ALL THINGS NEW........."
Sincerely
Lynette Gonzalez
Janet
March 6, 2011
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Mikhail. When you lose someone you love, it is one of the most devastating experience's a human can face. It can leave you with overwhelming emotions. It even takes time for the reality of it to settle in. Because we all want live, we want enjoy life with those we love. And it is only natural tat we yearn to see our lost loved ones again.
"And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will sickness nor suffering nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. And the One seated on the throne said; "Look! I am making ALL THINGS NEW........."
David Johnson
March 4, 2011
I have a great deal of respect for a person who's love is the airplane. RIP
B McDonald
March 4, 2011
May The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Comfort your entire family in this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
(Isaiah 65:24) . . .And it will actually occur that before they call out I myself shall answer; while they are yet speaking, I myself shall hear.
Monica Henry
March 4, 2011
I am sorry Mikhail died. It’s obvious to see that he was loved by his pilots who relied on his craftsmanship to bring them home safe. As a designer Mikhail would’ve appreciated this from the greatest designer ever, (Hebrews 3:4) …Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God.
My heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones…
R Golay
March 4, 2011
To the the family of Mikhail Simonov - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Mikhail will be missed by many.
March 4, 2011
Our heartfelt condolences to the Simonov's on your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that the God of all comfort is with you as you cope.
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