Pilots of the Russian Aerospace Forces of Russia and helicopter pilots of the army of the Syrian Arab Republic told reporters about the preparations for the Victory Day aviation parade at the Khmeimim airbase.
When practicing maneuvers, military pilots had to take into account the different flight speed and altitude for each type of aircraft, as well as the distance between some aircraft, which is tens of meters.
In the parade formation, transport and attack helicopters, fighters, bombers, as well as “air trucks”, in particular, the An-26, are moving along a parallel course. Before the exercises in the sky, all the changes were practiced on the ground.
“We stand one after the other, we also walk on foot, as we will fly in the air. After that, when the “walking on the flight” passes, the readiness control passes, the knowledge of your actions – what you will do, who and where will be and when will be, ”said the pilot Alexander.
Helicopters Ka-52, Mi-35, Mi-24 and Mi-8AMTSh, whose speed reaches about 180 km / h, will fly at an altitude of 100 meters. They will be followed by military transport An-26, Il-20 and An-72, whose height and speed are 200 meters and 350 km / h, respectively. Il-76 will fly after them. The performance will be completed by fighters with bombers, with speeds from 500 to 600 km / h at an altitude of 200 to 500 meters. It is noted that the scenario and order may change.
“We took off at the set time, in pairs. Then we dialed the assigned echelon, went into the waiting area. Then, at the appointed time, we went to the point of display. We walked at our height at exactly the specified time. Then we disbanded the group and made a landing approach, ”said the navigator of the Su-34 fighter-bomber Ivan.
The dissolution of the group will be a figure in the sky resembling a flower. Many pilots have already taken part in similar demonstrations in Russia over Red Square, as well as abroad. Among the pilots were those for whom a flight in the same ranks with the Russians would be their debut.
“We are very pleased to fly with our Russian colleagues. Moreover, on such a holiday. Now we are working out all the nuances of joint actions in the air. We also want to show everyone our skills. It will be a grand spectacle, ”Syrian Air Force General Hamid Ibn Abbas said.
Between aerial drills, the technique is carefully checked several times to ensure that there is no rejection in the sky.
The day before, it was reported that a training session for the Victory Parade took place in Moscow on Red Square. It was attended by the commanders and mechanics-drivers of all combat vehicles, which will drive across Red Square on the day of the holiday. In connection with the event, several metropolitan streets were blocked for the passage of vehicles.
On April 26, the dress rehearsal of the air part of the Victory Parade took place over the Moscow Region Alabino. For the first time in the parade on May 9, heavy transport aircraft Mi-26 will fly over Red Square, followed by the formation of Mi-8 and Mi-35.
More than 12.5 thousand people, more than 190 pieces of weapons, military and special equipment, as well as 76 helicopters and aircraft will take part in the parade on Red Square.