Nikolai Zhukovsky was a prominent Russian scientist and engineer, known as the father of aerodynamics. Born in 1847, he made significant contributions to the field of fluid dynamics and is credited with developing the first theoretical foundations for aircraft design. His work laid the groundwork for modern aviation and influenced many future engineers and scientists. Zhukovsky also founded the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy, which became a key institution for training engineers in aeronautics. His research on the lift and drag of airfoils helped improve the efficiency of aircraft, making him a pivotal figure in the history of flight.