“In terms of mobility, it is unrivalled in the world. It is the only machine of its kind able to move at speeds of 80 km/h and faster, which enables it not only to pass through an action zone, but also cover long distances at maximum speed,” explained Igor Shumakov, Director General of the Transport Design Bureau.

Its speed and maneuverability can have a hypnotizing effect on audiences.

It easily tackles all the jumps and dips, and even water obstacles, at the range.

But it got its famous nickname for one particular stunt – the flying tank.

The main secret that allows it to show-off such impressive characteristics is the 1250 h/p gas turbine engine. That’s over 27 h/p for each ton of this iron monster. But all this comes at a major cost in fuel terms.

These skills may seem remarkable even today, but this piece of military hardware was first produced by the Soviet Union back in 1976.

Modifications on this tank are ongoing, and it still seems to impress foreign guests.

The latest Russian tank, the T-90, mostly relies on the technological achievements of the Flying Tank.

It has inherited the T-80’s gun, its sophisticated fire-control and many other systems.

Thanks to this heritage, the T-90 is managing to gain a leading position on the export market.

India alone bought 310 of these tanks and plans to order 1,500 more.