Torzhok Air Base

Torzhok is a military airfield located in Torzhok, Tver Oblast, Russia. It has been in use since 2002 and is owned by the Ministry of Defence, operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces. The base is home to the 696th Instructor Test Helicopter Regiment and the Aerobatic Team - Eagles, both operating as part of the 344th Centre for Combat use and Retraining of Flight Personnel of Army Aviation. The 344th Center for Combat Employment and Retraining of Personnel of Army Aviation operates the "Golden Eagles" combat helicopter aerobatic team. The 696th Regiment is responsible for testing all current models and modifications of Russian military helicopters. The center utilizes Ka-50, Mi-8, Mi-24, Mi-26, and Mil Mi-28N helicopters for training purposes. In 2002, the center included the 696th Research-Instructor Helicopter Regiment, the 92nd Research-Instructor Helicopter Squadron, the 118th independent Helicopter Squadron (later absorbed by the 4215th Aircraft Reserve Base), the 2881st Helicopter Reserve Base, and the Kushalino test range (from 2005). The center also features a helicopter museum, which is accessible by prior arrangement.