Russian airframer Irkut has announced the death of senior civil aircraft certification figure Igor Vinogradov.
Vinogradov had been instrumental in advancing certification of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 which Irkut subsequently absorbed into its product line through the establishment of a regional aircraft division.
He was also active in the work to secure certification for the new MC-21 twinjet which is still undergoing its test-flight campaign.
Vinogradov was 63 years of age and held the role of deputy general director for certification and aviation engineering quality. Irkut says his death followed a short illness, without elaborating.
“His contribution to the development of the domestic aircraft industry is invaluable,” the airframer states, highlighting his “huge personal contribution” to the certification of the Superjet to both Russia and European standards.
Vinogradov had spent four decades in civil aviation airworthiness and inspection roles, including posts at the Interstate Aviation Committee, since graduating as an aeronautical engineer in 1980.
He held several senior positions at Sukhoi Civil Aircraft – now Irkut Regional Aircraft – during the development, programme co-ordination, and certification of the Superjet 100.
Superjet programme chief designer Vladimir Lavrov says Vinogradov “distinguished” himself through “exceptional human qualities and the highest professionalism”, while former United Aircraft president Mikhail Pogosyan says: “He was, and perhaps remains, one of the best Russian specialists in the certification of aviation technology.”
