Liftoff!

24 March 2023. Fedor Konyukhov and Ivan Menyalo took off for double record (distance and duration) attempt in AX 12 build by Rusbal.

• the current distance record of 2,360 km, which was set in 1997 by the Japanese pilot Michio Kanda, flying over Australia;
• the current flight duration record of 55 hours, which was set by Konyukhov and Menyalo in 2017.

Obviously, distance record is a priority.

Fedor and Ivan chosen Murmansk region (Kirovsk) as it situated above Polar circle and provides reliable low temperature even in late March. This morning launch crew experienced minus 29 Celsius on the airfield. At the same time polar day is rolling in, so pilots should enjoy extended day light during the flight.

Currently pilots aiming for second largest Siberian river – Yenisei (Krasnoyarsk region).

Flight tracker by Iridium  https://www.iridium360.ru