Cover «First Day. Kharkiv Aviation Plant: 100 Years»

The Kharkiv State Aircraft Manufacturing Company, better known as KhAZ (Kharkiv Aviation Plant), was founded in September 1926 on the basis of the aircraft workshops of Ukrpovitroshliakh Joint-Stock Company. As early as 1927, the first aircraft, the K-2 and the K-3 air ambulance, were built, followed by the start of serial production of the K-4 and K-5.

Throughout its 100-year history, the Kharkiv Aviation Plant has mastered the production of dozens of aircraft types, including the KhAI-5, Yak-18, MiG-15UTI, Tu-104, Tu-124, Tu-134, An-72, An-74, and An-140. At least 3,700 aircraft were manufactured in total. Among the legendary aircraft associated with KhAZ are the K-7, a giant aircraft; the KhAI-1, one of the fastest passenger aircraft of its time; and the Su-2, one of the most widely produced combat aircraft.

At various times, the Kharkiv Aviation Plant was associated with renowned aircraft designers Konstantin Kalinin, Yosyp Neman, Pavel Sukhoi, Pyotr Grushin, and Oleg Antonov.

During russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kharkiv Aircraft Plant was subjected to massive missile and bomb attacks, forcing it to suspend operations.