MiG-29 Fulcrum, Russia

[Hammad Ahmad]

MiG-29 FULCRUM (MIKOYAN-GUREVICH)

The MiG-29 is marketed worldwide and equals or surpasses the F-15C in several areas. The MiG-29's wings are swept-back and tapered with square tips. LERXs are wide and curved down to the front. LERX begins on the nose below the mid-mount point, and the wings’ trailing edges end at a high-mounted point. Twin jet engines are mounted low and to the sides of the fuselage. Diagonal-shaped air intakes give a box-like appearance. There is a large exhausts. The fuselage is made of a long, thin, slender body with long, pointed drooping nose. There is a high-mounted bubble canopy. The tail fins have sharply tapered leading edges, canted outward with angular, cutoff tips. Flats are high-mounted on the fuselage, movable, swept-back, and tapered with a negative slant.

http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003677183258424544

The MiG-29 is a widely exported aircraft, flown by Iran, North Korea and Cuba. The MiG-29 has a few advantages over its more electronically advanced American counterparts. At about 40 miles apart, the American planes have the advantage because of avionics. At 10 miles the advantage is turning to the MiG. At five miles out, because of the MiG weapons sight and better manoeuvrability, the advantage is to the MiG. The weapons sight is a helmet-mounted system that allows the missile to follow the line of sight of the pilot's helmet. Where the pilot looks is where it goes.

http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003698455907347909

The US Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova reached an agreement to implement the Cooperative Threat Reduction accord signed on June 23, 1997, in Moldova. The Pentagon pounced on the planes after learning Iran had inspected the jets and expressed an interest in adding them to their inventory. Although Iran already flies the less-capable Fulcrum A, it doesn't own any of the more advanced C-models. Of the 21 Fulcrums the United States bought, 14 are the frontline Fulcrum C's, which contain an active radar jammer in its spine, six older A's and one B-model two-seat trainer. This agreement authorized the United States Government to purchase nuclear-capable MiG-29 fighter planes from the Government of Moldova. This is a joint effort by both Governments to ensure that these dual-use military weapons do not fall into the hands of rogue states. Since Oct. 1997, loadmasters and aerial port experts squeezed two MiGs apiece, sans wings and tails, into the cargo holds of C-17 Globemaster III transports from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. The Charleston airlifters delivered the MiGs to the National Air Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio. The NAIC can discover how the Fulcrum works, Air Force pilots might gain an edge if they face the Fulcrum in future combat.

http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003622153892056750

The MiG-29K was initiated in 1984 as a Russian Air Force development program for a multi-role fighter, and in 1989 - 1991 the MiG-29K underwent tests aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying cruiser. The MiG-29K differed from the MiG-29 production model, featuring a new multi-function radar, dubbed Zhuk; a cabin with monochrome display and use of the HOTAS (hands-on-throttle-and-stick) principle; the RVV-AE air-to-air active homing missiles; antiship and antiradar missiles; as well as air-to-ground precision-guided weapons. The MiG-29K program was revived in response to the decision of the Indian Navy to acquire the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier. This called for the provision of the ship with a multi-role ship-based arrested- landing fighter of the MiG-29K size. The ship's combat group include 12 MiG-29K planes. The aircraft has a remote control system, large-area (42 m2 vs 38 m2) folding wing, adjustable center-line air intakes with retractable screens protecting the engines during operation from ground airfields, reinforced landing gear, hook, corrosion- protected reinforced fuselage made specifically for deck-based aircraft.

Specifications​

Similar Aircraft
• F/A-18 Hornet
• F-16 Fighting Falcon
• F-15 Eagle
• Su-27 Flanker

MANUFACTURER Moscow Air Production Organization

TYPE
• all-weather
• single-seat counter-air fighter
• attack capability

Crew One

Power Plant Two Klimov/Sarkisov RD-33 turbofans

Thrust 22,200 pounds

Wingspan 36 feet and 5 inches

Height 15 feet and 6.25 inches

Length 56 feet and 10 inches

Weight (empty): 24,030 pounds

Maximum Speed Mach 2.3, 1,520 mph

Ceiling 18400 meters

Cruise range 905 nm

In-Flight Refueling No

Internal Fuel 4000kg

Payload 4000kg

Sensors Slot Back radar, IRST,RWR, Balistic bombsight

Drop Tanks Drop tank with 800kg of fuel for 90 nm range
Ferry tank with 1500kg of fuel for 255nm range

Armament • One 30mm GSh-30L cannon with 150 rounds
Six AAMs including a mix of SARH and
• AA- 8 Aphid (R60)
• AA-10 Alamo (R27T)
• AA-11 Archer (R73)
• FAB 500-M62, FAB-1000, TN-100, ECM Pods, S-24
• AS-12, AS-14

 

[Imran Khan]

nice info abut mig 29 but what abut indian mig 29 s model or that one difrent then this i read they modifay migs for air spererty

 

[TexasJohn]

Some inaccuracies in this report. The Flanker (SU-27) is a different class than the MIG-29. Most of the specs relate to the early MIG-29s. The newer ones have a OVT designation with 3D thrust vectoring nozzles.

Check out his video

9y_9tcQymGs[/media] - Backward Rolling MIG-29 Fulcrum on ILA 2006 flight display

 

[Energon]

nice info abut mig 29 but what abut indian mig 29 s model or that one difrent then this i read they modifay migs for air spererty

The information listed above is a bit misleading. The Mig-29 as Texas John has rightly pointed out is in a completely different category than the Flanker family. It was the latter heavy class fighter that was designed to combat/compete with the F-15 whereas the Mig-29 was primarily designed as an air superiority fighter for interception/air defense to combat aircrafts like the F-14, F-16 and the F-18. These fighters are designed to be excellent dog fighters. Apparently in exercises with ex East German Luftwaffe, the Mig29s did very well against their American and western counterparts in close air combat.

The original Mig29 complement acquired by the IAF in the 80s was the Mig29B, which was a downgraded variant of the one serving with the USSR and other Warsaw Pact nations. The IAF and HAL had a lot of problems with this platform since it was heavily downgraded and wasn't as yet mature. Also, these fighters are extremely difficult to fly and have an extremely steep learning curve especially in the absence of sophisticated training mechanisms such as simulators. India did however manage to adapt a wide array of long and medium range missiles to this platform and have recently decided to go for more elaborate upgrades. The operational costs of the aircraft still remain pretty high from what I understand.

The Indian Navy's Mig29K (Naval variant) however will be very different from the IAF's version. The later variants were designed to be more multirole fighters with a greater operational scope and a new digital FBW system but at the expense of lower dog fighting capabilities (which are no longer as critical in the new age of BVR and sophisticated targeting systems).

 

[blain2]

Apparently in exercises with ex East German Luftwaffe, the Mig29s did very well against their American and western counterparts in close air combat.

Albeit with a couple of disadvantages to the western aircraft including lack of HMS and OBS AAMs being the biggest and the second but a smaller one that the German Luftwaffe pilots flying the ex-Luftstreitkrafte Mig-29s were trained in NATO tactics and flew western aircraft prior to flying the Fulcrums.

PAF's own experience with the Mig-29 was that they did not like it. PAF had asked Russians to beef up the SU-27 instead of the Mig-29s. Back when it was tested by the PAF (1990s), the aircraft was fairly crude (nothing like the avionics upgrades which would be available now).

 

[Energon]

I only know a couple of pilots who fly (or rather used to fly the Mig29) and based on what they told me, this aircraft (much like most other Russian aircrafts) are extremely difficult to fly. The learning curve is super steep and it takes a lot of flying hours for a pilot to build up baseline flying skills let alone pushing it to the max. It took the IAF pilots about 7 years of constant practice to become truly competent with their Mig29s. Many of the Arab states (particularly Syria and Egypt) who acquired vast numbers of Russian aircrafts (not necessarily the Mig29) never really got the handle on them resulting in massive losses to the Israelis who were flying simpler compound delta Mirage variants. By the time the IsAF acquired state of the art American fighters in the 70s it was lights out for the rest. The Iraqi pilots didn't fare much better; granted by then the US' technological lead was far superior. However American pilots who flew combat sorties in the first Gulf war have repeatedly pointed out poor training and competency among their Iraqi counterparts.

Nonetheless once the competence is built up, then close range/WVR combat capabilities of the Mig29 are simply amazing. However this methodology of combat is really outdated and the sheer amount of time and money required to master this platform really isn't cost effective. The SMT, M2, K, Mig35 etc will be a lot easier to fly on account of the FBW and computer assisted flight control systems, in addition to other training tools like flight simulators.

 

[Hammad Ahmad]

I agree.... that info is about the early Mig 29 Fulcrums..... 1999.... now its completely different.......

Will update this soon.....

Regards,
Hammad

 

[su-47]

The MiG-29 can be made into an excellent BVR platform by upgrading them to SMT standards or higher.

 

[IceCold]

Update on Migs:

MiG-35/MiG-35D

The MiG-35 (single seat) and MiG-35D (double seat) are the "4++" generation multi-role fighters, exhibiting the further development of the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 fighters in the field of the combat efficiency enhancement, universality and operational characteristics improvement.

The MiG-35/MiG-35D main features are the following:
– the fifth generation information-sighting systems integration into aircraft airborne avionics;
– possibility of advanced Russian and foreign origin weapons application;
– increased combat survivability due to integration of airborne integrated defense system.

State-of-the art avionics in combination with advanced weapons allow the MiG-35/MiG-35D fighters fulfill a great number of missions:
– air superiority gaining against four & fifth generation fighters;
– interception of existing and being developed air attack means;
– ground/surface targets destruction with high precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions;
– air reconnaissance using optical-electronic and radio-technical equipment;
– participation in group actions and air control over groups of fighters.

The MiG-35/MiG-35D fighters structure is based upon the following achievements obtained on the MiG-29K/KUB, MiG-29M/M2 aircraft:
– increased weapons load stored at nine external stations;
– increased fuel capacity, in-flight refueling and possibility of using as a tanker;
– airframe & main systems anti-corrosion protection technology which meets the standards developed for carrier-based aircraft thus simplifying fighters operation in tropical weather conditions;
– significantly reduced radar signature;
– three channel fly-by-wire control system with quadruple redundancy.

In the course of the MiG-35 aircraft development the most attention was paid to operational characteristics improvement:
– reliability of aircraft, engines and avionics is significantly increased;
– lifetime and service life are extended;
– mean time between overhauls (MTBO) of engines is increased;
– the MiG-35 aircraft flight hour cost is almost 2.5 times lower than those of the MiG-29 fighter;
– the MiG-35 aircraft is intended for the on-condition maintenance.

The complex of technical and technological solutions has been developed for the MiG-35/MiG-35D aircraft which provides for independent operation, like airborne oxygen generation plant.

The power plant includes two engines RD-33MK with increased thrust power, equipped with smokeless combustion chamber and new electronic control system (of FADEC type). Engines are of the module structure and have increased reliability and service life.

Upon customer request the fighters can be equipped with "all aspect" thrust vectored RD-33MK engines ensuring the aircraft superiority in the maneuvering dogfight. The power plant of two thrust vectored engines was tested on the super-maneuverable prototype-aircraft MiG-29M OVT.

The airborne avionics of the MiG-35/MiG-35D aircraft is developed on the basis of the new generation technologies.

The multi-role radar with active phased array provides for advantage over the competitors due to the following factors:
– extended range of operating frequencies;
– increased quantity of detected, tracked and attacked targets;
– possibility of simultaneous attack of air and ground targets;
– extended detection range;
– enhanced resolution in the surface mapping mode;
– high jamming protection and survivability.

The IRST system with infra-red, TV and laser sighting equipment has been developed using the space technologies which were not applied previously in aviation. The system distinctive features are the increased range, detection, tracking, identification and lock-on of air, ground/surface targets in the forward and rear hemispheres, at day and night measuring the distance with laser range-finder as well as the formation of target designation and laser illumination of ground targets. The IRST system and new helmet-mounted target designation system are integrated into the armament control system. In addition to the built-in IRST system the MiG-35 aircraft is equipped with a podded one.

The MiG-35/MiG-35D aircraft is provided with a defense system including in particular:
– radio electronic reconnaissance and electronic counter measures;
– optronic systems for detection of attacking missiles and laser emission;
– decoy dispensers to counteract the enemy in the radar and infrared ranges.

In addition to the "A-A" and "A-S" class weapons applied on the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 aircraft the advanced aircraft armament, which have not been offered earlier for export, is being included into the MiG-35/MiG-35D aircraft weapons. The long range weapons capable to attack targets without approaching the air defence zone are among them.

Avionics’ open architecture allows installation on aircraft of new equipment and weapons of Russian and foreign origin upon customer’s request.

Both the single and double seat versions of aircraft have the same airborne equipment and weapons as well as the high unification level of structure.

For the MiG-35/MiG-35D fighters the full set of training means was developed including the interactive computer-based training system and a number of simulators including the full-mission simulator with a motion system.

The basic version of the MiG-35/MiG-35D fighter is designed taking into account the international cooperation organization when developing new modifications of aircraft and during serial production.

 

[IceCold]

Its such a beauti. Just look at it. With the improved features such as the digital fly by wire, reduced rcs, improved smokeless engines with optional TVC, the multi purpose active phased array radar it can compete with any modern fighter jet of the 4.5th generation. Moreover the one problem that seemed to continue with the russians jets were its lower MTBO and more flight hour cost even with the MKI's. This has been taken care of in this version improving everything from Airframe lifespan to increased MTBO.
I dont know why have the indians neglected this jet when it came to their MRCA requirements.

 

[TexasJohn]

Anyone know what version of the RD-33 goes in the new Thunder? I don't think it's the original old RD-33... or "smokey"

 

[blain2]

Anyone know what version of the RD-33 goes in the new Thunder? I don't think it's the original old RD-33... or "smokey"

Neither. Its RD-93A.

 

[TexasJohn]

Neither. Its RD-93A.

Which is a variant of the RD-33. Smoke signature? - improved, you think? asking, cuz I don't know!

 

[IceCold]

Which is a variant of the RD-33. Smoke signature? - improved, you think? asking, cuz I don't know!

I think RD-93 was the one to power the initial batch of the JF-17 until WS-13 gets the clearence. However i did also read about a possible development of an RD-93b which was suppose to be completely smoke free and with 10% more thrust. However this is not confirmed.

 

[blain2]

Which is a variant of the RD-33. Smoke signature? - improved, you think? asking, cuz I don't know!

It is a variant but the Russians themselves refer to it as RD-93 (export version of RD-33). As far as the smoke issue is concerned, the only way to get around it is to get something different from the Chinese. I have heard some PAF guys suggest that the fuel also has some role to play here.