The Kazan Helicopter Plant, part of Russian Helicopters under Rostec State Corporation, recently welcomed Alexander Devyatayev, son of Hero of the Soviet Union Mikhail Devyatayev, for a commemorative visit that bridged generations of Russian aviation heritage.

His visit began at the plant’s Museum of Labour Glory, where exhibits honour both the legendary Po-2 aircraft and the extraordinary feat of his father — the wartime pilot who famously escaped a Nazi concentration camp by commandeering a German bomber. Among those greeting Devyatayev were honoured veterans of Kazan Helicopters: Vladimir Antonov, Ilgiz Vafin, and Zhanna Egorycheva. The tour concluded with a symbolic photograph beside the Po-2 aircraft, the same model his father once flew as an army air ambulance pilot.

The delegation then toured the plant’s main production workshops, witnessing rotorcraft assembly in progress, before moving on to the Production and Training Center. Here, veterans and young trainees connected, with the visit highlighted by a meeting with the Ochpochdron factory team, fresh from victory at the Cyberdrome All-Russian competition. The students proudly displayed the technology they had used to clinch their win.

Addressing students from Kazan’s School No. 54 — who are earning vocational qualifications through the centre — Alexander Devyatayev shared his father’s heroic story in a special historical lesson. The session left a lasting impression, as children and teachers alike expressed their gratitude. To mark the occasion, Marina Finokhina, head of the Production and Training Center, presented Devyatayev with a commemorative souvenir.

“Patriotic education is an important part of any educational process,” said Nikolay Yakovlev, General Director of Kazan Helicopters. “Students here not only master working professions, but also learn about the history of the enterprise and the heroic figures associated with it. Pride in the place where you study and work is essential for successful professional and personal growth.”

The Kazan Helicopter Plant carries a storied legacy. During the Second World War, the then Kazan Plant No. 387 produced over 11,000 Po-2 aircraft, including nearly 10,000 armed variants. It was from Kazan-built Po-2s that the famous “night witches” of the 46th Guards Night Bomber Regiment conducted their daring missions. At its wartime peak in 1943, the plant produced up to 11 aircraft a day, contributing significantly to the Soviet war effort. The plant was later honoured with the Order of the Red Banner of Labour and in 2022, it received the title “Enterprise of Labour Valour. 1941-1945.”

Today, Russian Helicopters stands as a global leader in the rotorcraft industry, uniting design, production, and service capabilities across Russia. As part of Rostec, Russia’s largest machine-building corporation, the group remains at the forefront of defence and aerospace technology.