Ukrainian Falcons
The Ukrainian Falcons (Ukrainian: Українські Соколи, Ukrayins’ki Sokoly) is the aerobatic demonstration team of the Ukrainian Air Force.[1][2] It was established in 1995 as a team of 6 MiG-29s aircraft (5 MiG-29 9-13s and 1 MiG-29UB).
Ukrainian Falcons | |
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Logo Ukrainian Falcons | |
Active | 1995 – 2002 |
Country | Ukraine |
Branch | Ukrainian Air Force |
Role | Aerobatic flight display team |
Size | 6 Aircraft |
Colours | White, Yellow, Blue |
Aircraft flown | |
Fighter | MiG-29 Aero L-39 Albatros |
The Ukrainian Falcons represents the elite of the Ukrainian Air Force's fighter pilots. This team is commanded by Colonel V. Rososhansky (Test Pilot First Class). Also, members of the team are Colonels Korolyov and Dudkin, Lieutenant Colonels Kovolyov and Vecherinsky, Majors Sotnikov, Ovchinnikov, and Lieutenant Colonel Nickolay Mekhed. The “Falcons” are based at the Kirovs’ke Air Base (Kirovs’ke raion, Eastern Crimea).
Ukrainian Falcons member Lt. Col. Volodymyr Toponar was the chief pilot of the Sukhoi Su-27 that crashed during the Sknyliv airshow disaster in 2002 (survived with injuries). He was found guilty of causing the crash and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.