Mikhail Kalashnikov

Inventor

Birthday November 10, 1919

Birth Sign Scorpio

Birthplace Kurya, Russia

DEATH DATE Dec 23, 2013 (94)

#55990 Most Popular

About

Russian small arms designer who most notably designed the world's most popular automatic weapon, the AK-47. He was named a Hero of the Russian Federation in 2009.

Before Fame

His family had to survive by hunting game, and young Mihail frequently used his father's rifle to feed his parents.

Trivia

As a testament to his weapon's worldwide adoption, it is featured on the flags of several countries.

Family Life

He was married to Ekaterina Kalashnikova from 1921 until 1977 and they had a son named Victor Kalashnikov.

Associated With

Russian President Boris Yeltsin personally promoted Mihail to the honorary rank of Major General.