Pikalov is a common Russian surname.
The most notable individual bearing this name is:
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Vladimir Pikalov (1927–2003) was a Soviet military officer who served as the commander of the Chemical Troops of the USSR Ministry of Defence from 1968 to 1989. He is widely recognized for his critical role in the immediate response to the Chernobyl disaster in April 1986.
Pikalov arrived at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant hours after the explosion on April 26, 1986. Leading a special military unit, he personally supervised the deployment of specialized vehicles, including armored reconnaissance vehicles (like the STR-1), to assess the radiation levels around the damaged reactor, often exposing himself to extremely high doses of radiation. His initial assessments were crucial for understanding the scale of the catastrophe and for guiding the subsequent liquidation efforts. He coordinated the military's response to decontamination and radiation control in the initial chaotic phase.
For his actions and leadership during the Chernobyl disaster, Vladimir Pikalov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union in December 1986. He continued to serve until his retirement from active duty.