About Us

The Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute named after N.E. Zhukovsky (TsAGI) was founded on December 1, 1918

The Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute named after N.E. Zhukovsky (TsAGI) was founded on December 1, 1918 under the initiative and leadership of N.E. Zhukovsky, the father of Russian Aviation. Today TsAGI is the largest scientific research center in the world. Under the Russian Federation Government Decree No.247 of March 29, 1994 TsAGI was designated a State Research Center.

It was the first scientific institution to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing. During its distinguished history TsAGI has developed new aerodynamic configurations, aircraft stability/controllability criteria, and strength requirements. TsAGI was a pioneer in the theory of flutter along with many other theories, applications and experimental studies.

During the last two decades TsAGI has achieved significant advances in Aerodynamics, Flight dynamics and Flight control systems, as well as improving static material strength, service life and reliability of civil airplanes. Our methods for structural analyses and optimization make it possible to reliably design new-generation aircraft so as to ensure a 50,000- to 60, 000-hour service life.

These results were applied while developing the Tu-204 (by General Designer A.A. Tupolev) and the Il-96-300 (by General Designer G.V. Novozhilov).

In the 1980s the TsAGI scientists worked on improving the maneuverability of modern fighters. Solutions were obtained for many problems concerning the aircraft control when flow separation conditions took place at high incidences.

This is demonstrated in the maneuverability of the MiG-29 (by General Designer R.A. Belyakov) and the Su-27 (by General Designer M.P. Simonov) and has been verified through performance of the «Pugachev Cobra» maneuver.

While developing the «Energia» launcher and the «Buran» reusable aerospaceplane, TsAGI made significant investigations into aerogasdynamics and flight dynamics, assessing structural strength for velocities from orbital to landing.

These new designs met challenges of hypersonic flight physics, new control systems for a wide range of velocities, while mathematically modeling numerous processes and studying a wide range of motion on flight simulators.

Today TsAGI understands that aerospace technology and the prospects for aircraft development are directly related to research in the area of super high flight speeds. The theory of mechanics in this direction has called significant attention to TsAGI.

The latest example of this type of research is the development of the orbital spacecraft «Buran». Extensive achievements have been attained also in the areas of civil aviation. For example, TsAGI modernization efforts have increased the maximum flight distance of the Tu-154 by 500 miles and simultaneously increased passenger capacity by 16 people. Fuel consumption also has been reduced by 20% per passenger.

At present, TsAGI participates in several joint research programs on the development of next-generation aircraft. Some of its most significant recent accomplishments are in the areas of structural strength, finite element method analysis, and optimization of structural weight. The next generation of TsAGI aircraft is conceptualized to have a life of 50,000 — 60,000 flight hours.

Results of these developments have been used in the construction of the new IL-96-300 and Tu-204. This new generation of aircraft has nearly doubled the efficiency and flight characteristics of the most recent airplanes.

Some other recent developments include the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters, as well as, the An-124/An-225 cargo planes and the Buran orbiter.

The achievements in aviation technology of the Institute have been demonstrated in aviation exhibitions around the world.

All Soviet aircrafts ever flown have been created in accordance with TsAGI recommendations and with continuous use of its testing facilities.

TsAGI is proud not only of its contribution to the development of outstanding examples of aerospace technology, but also of the talented staff of scientists, engineers, and technicians working on solutions for the most complex aviation problems.

TsAGI is a leader in aviation theory and experimentation. It has extensive experience in designing aircraft and thorough traditions in comprehensive scientific research.

Its engineering staff has a continuous influx of talented people prepared in unique educational programs at leading scientific Russian universities, such as:

the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and the Moscow Aviation Institute.

Over the last several years, TsAGI established contacts with a majority of research and development centers and aircraft manufacturers in Europe, the United States and Asia.

TsAGI considers these relationships to be only the beginning of new international cooperation in the future of flight.