Valeriy Kartavenko Soviet and Russian military leader Date of Birth: 13.06.1944 Country: Russia

Content:

1. Early Life and Career
2. Service in the Air Force
3. Test Pilot Career
4. Deputy Leadership
5. First Deputy Chief
6. Notable Achievements
7. Leadership of GLIC
8. Recognition and Retirement
9. Retirement and Honors

Early Life and Career

Born into Service

In 1962, the young Alexander Sytchev embarked on his military journey by joining the ranks of the Soviet Army. Four years later, in 1966, he graduated from the Kachinsk Higher Military Aviation School for Pilots.

Service in the Air Force

Flight Operations and Education

From 1966 to 1973, Sytchev served as a pilot in active squadrons of the Air Force in the Carpathian Military District. In 1974, he completed the first course of the Flight Test Pilot Training Center. Subsequently, in 1978, he obtained his degree from the Moscow Aviation Institute.

Test Pilot Career

Pioneering Flight Testing

From 1974 to 1999, Sytchev dedicated himself to flight testing as a Test Pilot for the State Flight Research Institute of the Air Force (GK NII VVS). During these years, he played a crucial role in the service's Flight Test Division for Fighter Aviation (SLI IA).

Deputy Leadership

Sytchev swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Chief of the 3rd Directorate in 1987. He held a similar position in the 1st Directorate from 1987 to 1992.

First Deputy Chief

From 1992 to 1996, Sytchev ascended to the position of First Deputy Chief of the State Flight Test Center of the Ministry of Defense (GLIC).

Notable Achievements

As a Test Pilot, Sytchev conducted state tests for the Su-15UM (1976), MiG-27, and T-10 (1980-1981). Furthermore, he performed numerous test missions on various aircraft models, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-29, Su-15, Su-17, Su-24, Su-25, and Su-27.

Leadership of GLIC

Modernization and Reorganization

In 1996, Sytchev assumed the role of Chief of GLIC until 1999. Under his leadership, the center underwent significant reorganization to reduce personnel levels.

Recognition and Retirement

Honored Test Pilot

In 1986, Sytchev was awarded the title of Honored Test Pilot of the USSR.

Retirement and Honors

Sytchev retired from active service in August 1999. His distinguished career was marked by the Order of the Red Star (1981) and various medals.

Commander

Carl Clausewitz	Vasiliy Kuznetsov	Ye Ting
Ahmad Shah Massoud	Nguen Loan	Ivan Akutin