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Russia's new ultra-modern “spy-in-the-sky” plane has been dubbed the "flying mushroom" thanks to its distinctive appearance.
Despite the less-than-fearsome moniker, the craft is seen as “far superior” to Western models - and it has successfully completed its first flight trials, say reports.
The Beriev A-100 is now tipped to be showcased alongside 70-plus warplanes in a fly-past at Moscow’s giant annual Victory Day Parade on May 9.
A final decision on the “flying radar’s” appearance is to be made soon by Vladimir Putin’s government.
The aircraft is nicknamed “The All-Seeing Eye” and carries some 20 tons of “unique” espionage equipment.