13 Facts About Alexander Mozhaysky

Alexander Mozhaysky's father was an admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy, and Mozhaysky graduated from the Sea Cadet Corps in 1841.

Alexander Mozhaysky spent the next seven years on voyages in the Baltic Sea and in the White Sea on various vessels, and was commissioned as a lieutenant in 1849.

Alexander Mozhaysky served with the Baltic Fleet from 1850 to 1852.

Alexander Mozhaysky assisted in the construction of the schooner Heda in 1855, which enabled the Russian delegation negotiating the Treaty of Shimoda to return home.

In 1858 Alexander Mozhaysky was selected to participate in an expedition to Khiva in Central Asia, and published an account of the Aral Sea and the Amu Darya River.

Alexander Mozhaysky was awarded the Order of St Vladimir, 4th class, for his participation in this expedition.

Alexander Mozhaysky began work on a project to develop a heavier-than-air aircraft from 1876.

Alexander Mozhaysky re-enlisted in the navy in 1879 and was granted the rank of captain, 1st class.

Alexander Mozhaysky became an instructor at the Sea Cadet Corps.

Alexander Mozhaysky was promoted to rear admiral in July 1882, but resigned shortly thereafter due to domestic reasons.

Alexander Mozhaysky's design relied upon a ramp rather than on engine power to generate sufficient speed for lift.

Alexander Mozhaysky died on April 1,1890; his tomb is at the Smolensk Cemetery in Saint Petersburg.

In 1909 a Russian newspaper claimed Alexander Mozhaysky's hop was the first powered flight.