Who Is Mikhail Kalashnikov? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Mikhail Kalashnikov, born on November 10, 1919, in Kurya, Russia, was a renowned firearms designer who passed away in December 2013. Best known for creating the AK-47 assault rifle, Kalashnikov's designs revolutionized modern warfare and solidified his legacy as one of the most influential figures in military history. At the time of his passing, he was 94 years old, and his contributions to firearm design continue to be widely recognized and studied.
Occupation | Politician |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 10, 1919 |
Age | 94 Years |
Birth Place | Kurya,, Russian SFSR |
Horoscope | Scorpio |
Country | Russia |
Date of death | 23 December, 2013 |
Died Place | Izhevsk, Udmurtia, Russia |
Popularity
Mikhail Kalashnikov's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mikhail Kalashnikov stood at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighed around 150 pounds (68 kg) during his active years. His physical characteristics may not be the defining aspects of his legacy, but his intellect and innovative spirit set him apart in the firearms industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mikhail Kalashnikov was married to his wife, Natalya, for many years until his passing. Together, they had several children, fostering a family that continued to honor his legacy. Throughout his life, Kalashnikov remained committed to his family, balancing his professional pursuits with personal responsibilities. His devotion to his family is often highlighted by his loved ones, reflecting his caring nature.
In his youth, Mikhail suffered from various illnesses and was on the verge of death at age six. He was attracted to all kinds of machinery, but also wrote poetry, dreaming of becoming a poet. He later went on to write six books and continued to write poetry all of his life.
In 1930, his father and most of his family had their properties confiscated and were deported as kulaks to the village of Nizhnyaya Mokhovaya, Tomsk Oblast. After deportation, his family had to combine farming with hunting, and thus Mikhail frequently used his father's rifle in his teens. Kalashnikov continued hunting into his 90s.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Mikhail Kalashnikov's net worth was estimated to be around $50 million. Despite the controversies surrounding his creations, he earned significant income from royalties on his designs and has left an impactful financial legacy. His innovations have undoubtedly influenced global markets, and his intellectual property continues to be valuable.
Career, Business and Investments
Kalashnikov's career began during World War II when he designed the AK-47 as a solution to the Soviet military's need for an efficient, reliable automatic rifle. His creation became the standard infantry weapon for several nations, leading to widespread adoption and adaptation. Beyond firearm design, Kalashnikov was involved in various endeavors, including writing, research, and investments in defense-related businesses. His name became synonymous with firearms, making him a prominent figure in both military and popular culture.
Kalashnikov was, according to himself, a self-taught tinkerer who combined innate mechanical skills with the study of weaponry to design arms that achieved battlefield ubiquity.
Even though Kalashnikov felt sorrow at the weapons' uncontrolled distribution, he took pride in his inventions and in their reputation for reliability, emphasizing that his rifle is "a weapon of defense" and "not a weapon for offense".
Social Network
Mikhail Kalashnikov may not have been a social media influencer in the traditional sense, given that he was primarily active before the rise of social networks. However, his legacy has gained traction in the digital space. Various platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, feature tributes, discussions, and historical analyses of his work and impact on modern weaponry and warfare.
Education
Mikhail Kalashnikov received limited formal education, especially during the tumultuous years of the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, he was incredibly resourceful and continuously educated himself through hands-on experience and self-study. His ingenuity allowed him to rise through the ranks in military engineering and firearm design, proving that academic credentials do not solely define success.
From 1949, Mikhail Kalashnikov lived and worked in Izhevsk, Udmurtia. He held a degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences (1971) and was a member of 16 academies.