1925-1946

The aircraft construction in Russia has a long-standing and glorious history.

Started in the twentieth of the last century, the aircraft construction was actively supported by the authorities in the thirties and was rapidly developing. In that period were founded many research and development bureaus and aircraft construction plants. 

All aircrafts in Russia at that period, as a rule, were equipped by wheels, brakes and control units produced either abroad or directly at the aircraft construction plants. There was no special domestic industry to manufacture aircraft units.

It was necessary to create a home industrial base for aircraft units and systems manufacturing to strengthen the state defensive capacity. So in 1934 in Balashikha, near Moscow, were built mechanical plant (#120) and  foundry (#121). Their production was used in aircraft construction.

The first one produced aircraft wheels and control units, and the second manufactured cast, magnesium and aluminum  billets for aircraft wheels, brakes, control units and other aircraft elements and motors.

From 1936 the R&D Department of the plant (#120) designed wheels, brakes and units of brakes control systems for different aircraft types.

At the beginning of World War II the production capacities were evacuated to Siberia.

Productive capacities in Balashikha were used for aircraft technique repairing.

In 1942 in Balashikha was established casting and mechanical plant no.129.

All aircrafts produced in Soviet Union during the war (MiG-3, Yak-7, Yak-9, La-5, La-7 and some other) was equipped by wheels produced from magnesium and aluminum casting. Tires had low pressure inner tubes. Aircrafts had pneumatic control systems with the reduction valve, differential and starters. Nonskid automation was absent. Plastic was used as a friction material.

All these aircraft units were produced in Balashikha.