December 09

Artem Ivanovich Mikoyan (1905–1970) was a pioneering Soviet aircraft designer of Armenian descent. In 1939, he co-founded the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau, popularly known as MiG. Under his leadership, MiG produced iconic fighter aircraft such as the MiG-15 and MiG-21. Mikoyan's engineering innovations contributed significantly to Soviet air superiority during the Cold War. He balanced practical design with advanced aerodynamics to create reliable, high-performance jets. Beyond design, Mikoyan navigated political challenges within the Soviet military-industrial complex. His legacy endures in the continued global use of MiG aircraft and influence on modern aerospace engineering.

Born in 1920, Alex Moulton studied engineering and pioneered the development of the Moulton bicycle, introducing a compact frame with a revolutionary suspension system in 1962. He founded the Moulton Bicycle Company, whose innovative designs influenced modern cycling and remain sought after by collectors. Beyond bicycles, Moulton contributed to automotive suspension design, collaborating with major manufacturers. His work earned him an OBE for services to transport innovation. Moulton's legacy lives on through his enduring impact on engineering and design until his death in 2012.