Valerian Abakovsky (1895–1921), Latvia/Russia – Aerowagon

Valerian Ivanovich Abakovsky (Russian: Валериа́н Ива́нович Абако́вский, Latvian:Valerians Abakovskis) (5 October, 1895 – 24 July, 1921) is best remembered as the inventor of the Aerowagon.

Early life[edit]

Ethnically Latvian, he was born in Riga on October 5, 1895. Although a talented inventor, he worked as a chauffeur for the Tambov Cheka.

The Aerowagon[edit]

The invention for which Abakovsky is remembered is the Aerowagon; it was an experimental high-speed railcar fitted with an aero engine and propeller traction. It was originally intended to carry Soviet officials.

Death[edit]

On 24 July 1921, a group of communists led by Fyodor Sergeyev took the Aerowagon from Moscow to the Tula collieries to test it. Abakovsky was also on board. Although they successfully arrived in Tula, on the return route to Moscow the Aerowagon derailed at high speed, killing everyone on board. The following people died in the accident