Alexander Yakovlevich Bereznyak

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Bereznyak, Isayev, Bakhchivadzhi, and Bolkhovitinov in front of BI-1

Alexander Yakovlevich Bereznyak (Russian: Александр Яковлевич Березняк December 29 N.S. 1912 - July 7, 1974) -- Soviet aircraft and missile designer. Chief of MKB "Raduga" since March 1957.

He was born 29(16) December 1912 in Boyarkino village, Ozerski district, Moscow region. Soviet aircraft designer, doctor of technical science (1968), honoured worker of science and technology of RSFSR (1973). Member of CPSU since 1932. He was employed in aviation industries since 1931. Graduate of Moscow Aviation Institute named after Ordzhonikidze (1938). Engineer of experimental design bureau of V.F.Bolkhovitinov (the first soviet jet BI-1 equipped with liquid fuel rocket engine was created in 1942 in co-operation with A.M.Isayev). Vice-chief designer of OKB-2 since 1946. The chief designer since 1957. Awarded with Lenin Prize, USSR State Prize, Order of Lenin, Order of October Revolution, Order of Labour Red Banner, and medals. Dead 7 July 1974 in Dubna, Moscow region.

[edit] Aircraft (conventional)

BI-1 -- World's first rocket fighter Bereznyak-Isaev BI (1942), a small straight-wing aircraft. Eight built. It flew earlier (first flights without engine in Autumn 1941, 15 May 1942 first jet flight by test pilot captain G.Ya.Bakhchivandzhu) similar to notorious Me-163 Komet. Although not as advanced, it had impressive performance and armament. The BI was the world's first rocket-engined fighter, but production was cancelled after a crash (27 March 1943, test pilot captain G.Ya.Bakhchivandzhu was killed) revealed serious handling problems. One was fitted with ramjet engines in an attempt to extend the range.
BI-7 -- serial (20..25 units) version. mostly similar to BI-1.
302P
346 -- experimental, trans-sonic speed, 1946.
468 -- jet, project, 1948..1949.