The Russian Centre of Aeronautical Science and Technology in Zhukovsky, a Moscow satellite town, is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary on Friday.

The settlement of Stakhanovo, located twenty-five kilometres from Moscow, acquired the status of town on April 23, 1947 and was renamed to commemorate the outstanding Russian scientist and founder of the science, now known as aerohydrodynamics, Nikolai Zhukovsky.

Thousands of top-class specialists and scientists visit the town every day, because the Centre has the biggest aerohydrodynamic test tunnel in Europe, which is the “heart” of the TsAGI experimental complex, having all necessary facilities for aerodynamic tests. Research fellows perform tests of aerodynamic sturdiness not only for flying machines, but also for terrestrial vehicles and even stationary pearls of civil engineering, such as large bridges and extremely tall buildings. An interesting fact is that the Victory Stele, located on Moscow’s Mount Poklonnaya, was subjected to tests, comparable with the most violent hurricanes, within said tunnel.

The Gromov Flight Research Institute is also located in the town of Zhukovsky. The Institute had top rank among the most secret institutions of the country in Soviet times and became known abroad only in 1993, when the MAKS International Aerospace Show was held there (and still takes place there once in two years).

The “Agat”, one of the leading defence centres of the country, is also situated in Zhukovsky. The centre manufactures not only radar warheads for anti-aircraft defence missiles, but up-to-date medical instruments as well, combining military and civil science achievements and developments.

The Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design is among scientific diamonds of the town. The Institute designs and produces armaments control systems for fighters and anti-aircraft complexes, while another science and production enterprise – the Institute of Aircraft Equipment – produces a variety of electronic devices and equipment for spaceships and aircrafts. This town, known for its high-tech achievements, also has many cultural and sports facilities, including a municipal theatre, a symphony orchestra, two art schools, and many different studios for development of creative way of thinking in children.

The “Meteor” sports complex was re-opened in Zhukovsky after a thorough reconstruction. The sport ground is now the only Russian track-and-field stadium, fitting all European standards and requirements for such kind of buildings. The sports complex welcomes both Russian and international athletes to participate in various competitions.

Flowers and wreaths will be laid on Friday to the monument to Nikolai Zhukovsky, the founder of aerohydrodynamic science, which is the heart of the very centre of the town. A festive meeting is scheduled to be held at the local House of Culture on Friday evening to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Russian Aeronautical Centre.

Source:
    ITAR-TASS
Kizilova Anna