In Russia, there are enterprises that do not produce finished aircraft and rockets, but rather materials for their production. One such plant is located in the village of Redkino, Tver Oblast.

The Redkino Experimental Plant specializes in chemical products, including materials for the aviation and space industries.

'Pervy Tekhnichesky' investigates how the enterprise came into being, what it produces, and what place it occupies in the Russian chemical industry.

From peat processing to complex chemistry

The Redkino plant was founded in August 1902 as a peat-coking enterprise. In the early 20th century, it produced coke, paraffin, phenol, cresols, and other peat processing products.

In 1957, the plant was transferred to the Ministry of Chemical Industry of the USSR. Chemical processes began to be mastered on its site, and experimental productions were created for further implementation at other plants in the country.

What the Redkino Experimental Plant produces

Today, the enterprise produces over 40 types of chemical products. Among them are materials for aviation and space technology, composite materials, protective coatings, and special technological processes.

Jointly with VIAM specialists, the plant has mastered the production of silicon carbide whiskers for composite reinforcement, aluminum oxide fibers for thermal insulation, and boron nitride for coating metal surfaces.

Who uses the plant's products

According to the enterprise, its products are purchased by more than 400 organizations. Among them are enterprises of the aviation and rocket-space complex, including NPO Energomash, Ufa Engine Industrial Association, and Proton-Perm Motors.

The plant also has another direction – the production of medicines, which began to develop in 1994. At the same time, the enterprise continues to work with chemical technologies and is ready to master new types of products.