The developer of Topol and Iskander, Valerian Sobolev, has passed away

The creator of “Topol” Valerian Sobolev died in Volgograd

At the age of 88, Valerian Sobolev, one of the key developers of domestic launch systems, who stood at the origins of several generations of Russian rocket technology, died in Volgograd.

According to local media reports, Sobolev was born in Stalingrad in 1938 and from the first steps in his profession connected his fate with the defense industry. After graduating from the Mechanical Engineering Institute, he worked in the design bureaus of tractor and drilling plants, and then became the chief designer of the Titan Central Design Bureau in Volgograd. At the Barrikady enterprise he worked his way up from an engineer to the head of the design department.

Under his direct supervision, the Luna, Oka, Temp-2S, Pioneer, Topol and Iskander launch complexes were created. Sobolev was engaged in scientific activities, was a doctor of technical sciences, a professor, and headed the department of theoretical mechanics at the Volgograd Polytechnic Institute. He also served as first deputy head of the administration of the Volgograd region and participated in the work of the Congress of People’s Deputies of the USSR.

Sobolev is the author of more than 100 scientific works and the holder of over 190 copyright certificates and patents. His developments were known far beyond the country’s borders. According to the designer, foreign companies have repeatedly offered him cooperation.

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