Andrei Leonidovich Lyapin

Andrei Leonidovich Lyapin (1912–1983) headed the Vympel State Engineering Bureau of the Ministry of Aviation Industry of the USSR from 1961 to 1981. During the time he was chief designer, the development of air-to-air missiles R-ZR, R-23R, R-23T, R-24 was continued R-24T, R-73, R-27R, R-27T, R-33 and others. At the same time, the development of the ZM9 surface-to-air missile (Cube complex) was completed.

Andrey Liapin was born on June 27, 1912 in Moscow. He worked in engineering and management positions in the aviation industry system, including the head of the workshop of one of the aircraft factories, the head of production of the aviation plant No. 135 Narcomat (since March 1946 - Ministry) of the aviation industry of the USSR. In 1947 he graduated from the Moscow Aviation Institute.

From 1961 to 1981 he was the chief designer and responsible head of the State Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (GosMKB) Vimpel.

Under his leadership, the State-Owned Vimpel was continued to develop r-air missiles, R-23R, R-23T, R-24, R-24T, R-73, R-27R, R-27T, R-27T, R-33 and others. At the same time, the development of the surface-to-air missile of the SM9 (Cub complex) was completed. In 1963, the development of a bomb weapons complex (BV-PLO) for the Be-12 aircraft was completed. In 1965, the tests of the Complex of Small Arms and Cannon Weapons (SV-90A-037) on the Tu-95 aircraft were completed. The development of the R-3R missile, the BV-PLO complex for the Ka-25 helicopter and the BV-PLO complex for the Il-38 helicopter has been completed.

In 1967, Plant No. 134 was renamed the Vympel Machinery Plant (Mh Vympel). The development of the BV-PLO complex for the Tu-142 aircraft has been completed. On November 7, 1967, the 3M9 missile was first demonstrated at a military parade in Moscow on Red Square. In 1968, the development of the R-33 missile for the MiG-31 interceptor fighter began. In 1970, the development of the first specialized missile for short-range R-60 began. The development of the second-generation bomb weapon system for the Su-24M aircraft has been completed. In 1973, the R-60 short-range air-to-air missile, the medium-range R-23 air-to-air missile with two interchangeable homing heads (GSN), a semi-active radar and thermal for MiG-23 aircraft, was adopted. On October 11, 1974, in connection with the 25th anniversary of the formation of the State McSc, Vympel was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour. A large group of employees of the company has been awarded government awards. The chief designer of the State McScoff "Vympel" was awarded no less high.

By decree of the Presidency of the Supreme Council of the USSR ("closed") of October 11, 1974 for the successful implementation of government tasks to create new models of aviation weapons and missile equipment Lyapin Andrei Leonidovich assigned to Andrei Leonidovich title of Hero of Socialist Labour with the award of the Order of Lenin and the gold medal "Serp and Hammer."

In 1978, under his leadership, a bomb-making system for the MiG-25RB supersonic fighter-bomber was developed. The R-24 missile has been adopted. In 1980, the Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile R-33 was launched with a semi-active radar GSN for MiG-31 interceptor fighters. The Kh-29 air-to-surface missile has been adopted to arm fighter-bombers and attack aircraft (MiG-27, Su-17, Su-25, etc.). The rocket has two modifications: the X-29L with semi-active laser GSN and X-29T with passive television GSN. Under his leadership, a guided Air-to-Air missile of the medium-range K-23 for the MiG-23 fighter was developed. Serial production began in 1973 under the designation P-23. The r-23R was the first domestic missile capable of hitting targets against the ground.

Since 1981 he was on a well-deserved rest.

Andrei Leonidovich lived in Moscow, and died on May 13, 1985. He was buried in Moscow at Khimkin Cemetery.

Lyapin was awarded 2 Orders of Lenin (26.04.1971, 11.10.1974), Order of the October Revolution (02.02.1982), 2 Orders of the Red Banner of Labour (05.12.1949, 12.07.1957), Order of Honour (11.07.1943), Medals of Honor.