The multi-role “4++”-generation Su-30SM fighter took part in demonstration flights performed by Sokoli Rossiyi (Falcons of Russia) aerobatic team, RIA Novosti reports with reference to the representative of Russian air forces, Colonel Igor Klimov.

"Falcons of Russia" is the aerobatic team of the Russian air forces. It was established in 2006 at an airbase of Lipetsk retraining center in order to demonstrate the capabilities of Russian-produced military aircraft. The team’s pilots perform solo and formation flying using fourth-generation Su-27 fighters.

"Falcons of Russia demonstrated a new program in Tambov on May 31st 2014. The new multi-role Su-30SM fighter took part in demonstration flights performed by the team for the first time ever. The jet was piloted by the head of Lipetsk retraining center – Major General Alexander Kharchevskiy", — Klimov said.

He explained that Kharchevskiy led the team during formation flying and performed solo flying. Only test pilots have piloted the Su-30SM fighters before.

"High maneuverability of the jet and the pilot’s skills allow demonstrating new aerobatic maneuvers to the spectators: controlled spin, passing over the runway at low speed in horizontal flight with a pitch angle of 60 degrees, tight vertical loop. These maneuvers expand the combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter and allow the pilot to use weapons efficiently during air superiority operations", — Klimov explained.

Falcons of Russia also demonstrated their trademark maneuvering air combat. In addition, the aircraft of long-range aviation (Tu-22M3, Il-78, Tu-95MS and Tu-160) flew over Tambov to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the long-range aviation. Strategic bombers and tankers performed flight at altitudes varying from 100 to 250 meters and at speed of 550 km/h.

Falcons of Russia aerobatic team took part in the following international airshows: MAKS — 2007, MAKS— 2009, MAKS-2011 and MAKS-2013, "Nizhny Tagil" (in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013). The pilots demonstrated their skills in Norway, Kazakhstan, Kirgizia, and Belarus. In September 2006 the team flew over Paris together with Normandie-Niemen team operating Mirage-2000 aircraft to celebrate the opening of a monument to pilots and technicians of Normandie-Niemen, which took part in the Great Patriotic War in 1941-1945. Presidents of Russia and France took part in the opening ceremony.