Pilot Production

The Institute’s department for pilot production was first headed by Krotov (until 1971), then Yu.A. Romanov (1971–1975), Yu.G. Bryankin (1975–2002). In the early 1970s the production worked in two shifts, and the number of staff exceeded 120 people.

In 1986 some of the employees got state awards for the results of the Vega program.

After the difficult period of the 1990–2000s a major overhaul of the pilot production began from 2010. Its ideologist and “champion of this activity” is the current head Sergey Gusev, who was employed in the 1980–1990s and then returned to IKI in 2010. By order of the director of the Institute additional premises were given for new sections and new equipment, and the primary premises (floor) were prepared. A new machining section was created, with a modern five-axis machining center, new lathes, small milling and engraving machines, etc. were purchased in 2012; an adequate assembly section is revived.

In 2010 IKI joined Inna Kolmakova. By her efforts the IKI chemical laboratory (chemical coating section) was renewed, and practically every obsolete and failed equipment was replaced.