April 2, 1890 † Alexander Fyodorovich Mozhaysky

Alexander Fyodorovich Mozhaysky was a Russian military figure, rear admiral, inventor, and one of the world's early aviation pioneers. He designed and built the first full-scale aircraft in Russia and one of the first in the world. According to some reports, during testing, Mozhaysky's aircraft was able to take to the air.

He was born on March 9, 1825, in Rochenzalm, Vyborg Governorate, into the family of Fyodor Timofeyevich Mozhaysky, an admiral in the Russian Navy. His godfather was the commander of the Rochenzalm port, captain commander I.G. Stepanov. He received his education at the Naval Cadet Corps, which he successfully graduated from on January 19, 1841.

In 1876, Alexander Mozhaysky began developing a heavier-than-air flying machine, a long-held dream of his. While serving in the Naval Corps, he continued to refine the project, consulting with leading Russian scientists. In July 1882, Mozhaysky, then a captain of the 1st rank, was promoted to major general and was discharged from service "due to family circumstances." He was later awarded the rank of rear admiral.

The aircraft was built with Mozhaysky's personal funds and was tested on July 20, 1882. During the run, it took to the air but then lost speed and fell onto its wing, sustaining damage. Mozhaysky attempted to repair the aircraft and continue testing, but he lacked the funds. There is an opinion that his aviation experiments caused discontent among local peasants, who believed he was associated with dark forces and thought that it "carried him through the air in a tub." As a result, young peasant women would turn away and cover their faces with their hands upon encountering him.

Alexander Fyodorovich Mozhaysky died in St. Petersburg on March 21, 1890, from pneumonia. He is buried at Smolensk Cemetery.