Ivan Orlov (aviator)
| Ivan Alexandrovich Orlov | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 19 January 1895 St. Petersburg, Russian Empire |
| Died | 4 July 1917 |
| Allegiance | Russian Empire |
| Service/ |
Imperial Russian Air Service |
| Years of service | 1914-1917 |
| Rank | Podporuchik |
| Unit | 5th Corps Air Detachment, IRAS; First Army Aviation Detachment, IRAS; Escadrille 3, Aéronautique Militaire |
| Awards |
Cross of St. George Fourth Class, Cross of St. George Third Class, Cross of St. George Second Class, Order of Saint Anne Fourth Class, Order of Saint Anne Third Class, Order of Saint George Fourth Class, Order of Saint Stanislas Third Class with Crossed Swords and Bow, Order of Saint Vladimir Fourth Class with Crossed Swords and Bow, Gold Sword for Bravery, French Croix de guerre with palm |
Podporuchik Ivan Aleksandrovich Orlov (19 January 1895 – 4 July 1917) was a Russian flying ace during World War I. He was a prewar flier, having built both gliders and an airplane, and having earned pilot's license no. 229 just prior to start of the war. He volunteered his experience and his personal airplane to his country's military service. His experience and his valor made him both a mentor and leader of less experienced pilots, as Orlov rose to command the 7th Aviatsionniy Ostryad Istrebitelei (7th Fighter Aviation Detachment) of the Imperial Russian Air Service. After an exchange duty assignment to the Escadrille 3, Aéronautique Militaire, he wrote the first Russian text on aerial combat, Ways to Conduct an Air Combat. He was killed in action after scoring five confirmed aerial victories.
Ivan Aleksandrovich Orlov was born into Russian nobility in Saint Petersburg on 19 January 1895. He attended the Imperial Alexandovsky Middle School. He developed an early interest in aviation after attending an air show. His generous allowance allowed him to indulge his obsession for flying. At first, he built gliders. Later, in 1913, he built a monoplane powered by a 35-horsepower Anzani engine, which he dubbed the "Orlov No. 1". He joined the All-Russian Aero Club and earned pilot's license No. 229 on 13 June 1914. At the time, he was studying law at Petrograd University.
When World I began, Orlov joined Russian military aviation as a Private. He submitted his enlistment application on 2 August 1914 and was accepted on the following day. He was posted to the 5th Corps Air Detachment, and brought his personal Farman S.7 to the new unit, which consisted of six Farman F.22 biplanes. The detachment was shipped off to serve in the Battle of Tannenberg under General Alexander Samsonov on 9 August. On 20 August 1914, Orlov flew a reconnaissance mission over Stalupepen, the first of 18 military sorties he would fly that month. His dash and courage flying these hazardous scouting missions in Voisins soon earned him both promotion and honors. After being decorated on 2 September, Orlov was promoted to Efreitor on 14 September. On 3 October, he was promoted again, to Feldwebel. Orlov moved to staff duty with the 5th Air Corps Detachment; on 21 November 1914, he was decorated for organizing communications with 2nd Army. He had not ceased flying however; on 18 November 1914, he was decorated for bombing a railroad. On 19 December, he was sent for advanced training on Voisins.
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