China News Service, February 23. According to a report by the Russian Satellite Network on the 22nd, Russian President Vladimir Putin completed a flight on an improved Tu-160M supersonic strategic bomber.
Image source: Russian Satellite Network video screenshot
According to reports, Putin stayed in the air for 30 minutes on the plane.
In addition, approximately 45 minutes were spent on preflight preparations.
Putin told the media after landing: "This is a real new aircraft, and many parts (whole body) are new. It has better controllability...the aircraft is very reliable."
Putin also said that "this is an excellent piece of equipment" and that the flight left a good impression on him.
Reports pointed out that in March 2000, Putin flew from Krasnodar to Chechnya on a Su-27 interceptor plane.
During the return trip, Putin took the same Su-27 and for a period of time he was controlling the aircraft himself.
Putin himself has said that during the flight, Air Force Major General Alexander Kharchevsky taught him how to do a "barrel roll" in the air.
In August 2005, Putin took off on a flight on the Tu-160 long-range strategic bomber "Pavel Taran".
He and his crew took off from Chkalovsky Airport in Moscow Region and headed to the Russian Air Force's long-range aviation and Northern Fleet exercise areas.
The report also stated that the Tu-160 supersonic strategic bomber can carry nuclear weapons and is an important part of the Russian Federation’s “Trinity” nuclear force.