CONTRIBUTION OF AGRO-ENGINEERING SCIENTISTS TO THE VICTORY

Abstract

This article presents and evaluates the contribution of agricultural engineering scientists to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. First and foremost, it pays tribute to the scientists who served at the front, defending their country with arms in hand and who returned to science after the war. It describes and illustrates in detail the developments of agricultural specialists that assisted the Soviet people both on the front lines and in the rear. Specifically, it discusses gas generator propulsion systems for automobiles and tractors, developed under conditions of resource efficiency, which allowed for savings on diesel fuel and gasoline, and a horse-drawn turf cutter amidst a severe shortage of building materials. For medical purposes a special design of surgical bone scissors was developed. Thanks to the work of scientists during the war, stable potato harvests were achieved, which became a second bread and butter crop. The article also describes the development of several designs of wind turbines for powering field hospitals, front-line workshops, headquarters, soldiers' barracks, and various machinery. Furthermore, accelerated training of engineering personnel and their advanced training were important issues, successfully addressed by agricultural scientists. During the war, active publishing activities were also conducted, aimed at the rapid implementation of the latest developments in production. All this brought Victory closer and helped the Soviet Union to withstand the enemy and prevail.