06.05, 14:34 2 comments Aerobatic team Strizhi celebrate two decades of wowing the world
06.05, 14:34 2 comments Aerobatic team Strizhi celebrate two decades of wowing the world
One of the world’s most-famous aerobatic teams, the Russian Strizhi, is celebrating 20 years since formation.
19.08.2009, 20:17 2 comments Cream of Russian aviation showcased at MAKS air show
All eyes are on the skies on day two of Russia's top aviation show. Aerobatics teams are giving some light relief for the aviation industry's big-hitters, who are clinching multi-million dollar deals at MAKS 2009.
22.08.2009, 16:38 Mig: the high-flying family
One of Russia's oldest and most famous aircraft, the Mig, was the star of the MAKS air show on Friday. Despite being 70 years old, the Mig remains a world leader in military aviation.
29.01.2010, 09:30 12 comments Russian fifth-generation fighter jet takes to the air
The maiden flight of the first Russian fifth-generation fighter jet was completed successfully on Friday morning.
23.12.2009, 11:20 New Russian strategic bomber expected in 15-20 years
A new strategic bomber for Russia’s long-range aviation is scheduled to be ready for deployment by 2025-2030, the military branch’s head said.
16.08.2009, 20:11 7 comments Fighter jets collide ahead of Moscow aviation show
Two Su-27 fighter jets of the “Russian Knights” aerobatics team have crashed during a final rehearsal ahead of the MAKS 2009 Air Show in the Moscow region. The squadron leader died in the collision. permalink email story to a friend print version
Published: 16 August, 2011, 09:46Edited: 16 August, 2011, 14:43
The biennial MAKS air show has taken off on Tuesday, showcasing cutting-edge aviation technology alongside breathtaking aerobatic stunts as the world of aviation takes to the runway.
Today is one of the last chances for two of the most famous aerobatic teams in the world – the Russian Knights and the Swifts – to practice their new routines ahead of their performance at the MAKS air show. The atmosphere at their base at the Kubinka Air Force airfield is tense – even in rehearsal, there is no margin for error.
Their trademark showstopper is a nine-plane diamond of two very different aircraft – the lighter MIGs in formation with the heavier SUKHOIs
From the ground, the super-fast jets look to be in perfect sync, but as the pilots touch down, tempers run high.
“That's normal. Everybody cares. Everybody is in the mood to work. We all want to put on a good show,” says Col. Igor Shpak, lead pilot of the Russian Knights
But these pilots do not think of themselves as entertainers. They are serving officers, part of a flying elite, hand-picked from the ranks of the Russian Air Force.
These days, dogfights are not as big a part of air combat as they once were. As technology develops, top gun-style maneuvers are being abandoned in favor of long-range missiles and advanced radar.
But these demonstrations of piloting prowess are not destined to become a sideshow, believes Col. Valeriy Morozov, lead pilot of The Swifts.
“I don't think so at all. In a real war all of our electronics could often be jammed, so we would go back to who sees whom, and how they can respond to this situation. Our skills will never become obsolete,” the colonel explains.
Through hours of practice, they hone skills that only a handful of the world’s pilots are able to perfect, and keep the art of stunt flying alive.
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