Gatchina Military Airfield

The Gatchina Military Airfield in the Aerodrom microdistrict of the city of Gatchina has a rich history associated with the development of domestic aviation. In the summer of 1944, the 27th Guards Fighter Regiment based here was re-equipped with Spitfire fighters of the LF IXE modification, and in 1926–1928, test pilot V. P. Chkalov served at the airfield as part of the 1st Red Banner Fighter Aviation Squadron. A cross, consecrated by Bishop Ambrose of Gatchina in 2010, has been erected on the former airfield in honor of the laying of the Church of the Prophet Elijah for the facility's 100th anniversary. Since 1963, the site has been used by agricultural aviation for spreading fertilizers, and one of the hangars housed the workshop of Ya. M. Gakkel, where aircraft of original design were created.