Ukrainian Falcons
The Ukrainian Falcons (Ukrainian: Українські Соколи, Ukrayins’ki Sokoly) was 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) and disbanded in 2002.
Ukrainian Falcons | |
---|---|
![]() 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 |
%252C_Ukraine_-_Air_Force_AN1185894.jpg.webp)
The Ukrainian Falcons represented the elite of the Ukrainian Air Force's fighter pilots. This team was commanded by Colonel V. Rososhansky (Test Pilot First Class). Other members of the team were Colonels Korolyov and Dudkin, Lieutenant Colonels Kovolyov and Vecherinsky, Majors Sotnikov, Ovchinnikov, and Lieutenant Colonel Nickolay Mekhed. The Falcons were 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.