MIKOYAN MIG-29

The 'Mikoyan MiG-29' () is a fighter aircraft designed for the air superiority role in the Soviet Union. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service in 1983 and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other nations. NATO's reporting name for the MiG-29 is "'Fulcrum'", which was unofficially used by Soviet pilots in service.^[1] It was used to counter many american fighters like: F-16 Fighting Falcon,F-15E Strike Eagle,F/A-18 Hornet and also F-14 Tomcat. Its major role was used to intercepet F-15E Strike Eagle when USAF was attacking Iraq during the Gulf War.

Contents

Development

Operational history

MiG-29 in German service

MiG-29 in Polish service

MiG-29s in the United States

Description

Design features

Powerplant

Range and fuel system

Cockpit

Sensors

Armament

Variants

Operators

Current operators

Former operators

MiG-29s on display

Specifications

References

External links

Related content

Development

The history of the MiG-29, like that of the larger Sukhoi Su-27, started in 1969 when the Soviet Union learned of the U.S. Air Force’s 'FX' program, which resulted in the F-15 Eagle. The Soviet leadership soon realized that the new American fighter would represent a serious technological advantage over all existing Soviet fighters. The MiG-21 was agile by the standards of its day, but had deficiencies in range, armament, and growth potential. The MiG-23, developed to match the F-4 Phantom II, was fast and had more space for fuel and equipment, but lacked in maneuverability and dogfighting ability. What was needed was a better-balanced fighter with both good agility and sophisticated systems. In response, the Soviet General Staff issued a requirement for a '''Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel''' ('PFI', roughly "Advanced Frontline Fighter", literally "Perspective Frontline Fighter"). Specifications were extremely ambitious, calling for long range, good short-field performance (including the ability to use austere runways), excellent agility, Mach 2+ speed, and heavy armament. The aerodynamic design for the new aircraft was largely carried out by TsAGI, the Russian aerodynamics institute, in collaboration with the Sukhoi design bureau.
However, in 1971 the Soviets determined that the PFI aircraft would be too expensive to procure in the quantities needed, and divided the requirement into the 'TPFI' (''Tyazhyolyy Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel'', "Heavy Advanced Tactical Fighter") and the 'LPFI' (''Lyogkiy Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel'', "Lightweight Advanced Tactical Fighter") programs, the latter paralleling the contemporary USAF decision that led to the "Lightweight Fighter" program and the F-16 Fighting Falcon and YF-17 Cobra. The heavy fighter remained with Sukhoi, resulting in the Sukhoi Su-27, while the lightweight fighter went to Mikoyan. Detailed design work on the resultant 'Product 9', designated 'MiG-29A', began in 1974, with the first flight taking place on October 6 1977. The pre-production aircraft was first spotted by United States reconnaissance satellites in November of that year; it was dubbed 'Ram-L' because it was observed at the Zhukovsky flight test center near the town of Ramenskoye. Early Western speculations suggested that the Ram-L was very similar in appearance to the YF-17 Cobra and powered by afterburning Tumansky R-25 turbojets.

Despite program delays caused by the loss of two prototypes in engine-related accidents, the 'MiG-29B' production version entered service in August 1983 at the Kubinka air base. State acceptance trials were completed in 1984, and deliveries began the same year to the Soviet Frontal Aviation.
The workload split between TPFI and PFI became more apparent as the MiG-29 filtered into front-line service with the VVS in the mid-1980s. While the heavy, long range Su-27 was tasked with the more exotic and dangerous role of deep air-to-air sweeps of NATO high-value assets, the smaller MiG-29 directly replaced the MiG-23 in the frontal aviation role. The MiG-29 was positioned relatively close to the front lines, tasked with providing local air superiority to advancing Soviet motorized army units. Rugged landing gear and protective intake grates meant the MiG-29 could operate from the damaged or under-prepared airstrips Soviet war planners expected to encounter during a rapid armored advance. The MiG-29 was also tasked with escort duties for local strike and interdiction air packages, protecting vulnerable ground attack aircraft from NATO fighters such as the F-15 and F-16. Frontal aviation MiG-29s would ensure Soviet ground forces could operate under a safe air umbrella, moving forward with the troops as they advanced.
In the West, the new fighter was given the NATO reporting name "'Fulcrum-A'" because the pre-production MiG-29A, which should have logically received this designation, remained unknown in the West at that time. The MiG-29B was widely exported in downgraded versions known as 'MiG-29B 9-12A' and 'MiG-29B 9-12B' (for Warsaw Pact and non-Warsaw Pact nations, respectively), with less capable avionics and no capability for delivering nuclear weapons. Total production was about 840 aircraft.
Refined versions of the MiG-29 with improved avionics were fielded by the Soviet Union, but Mikoyan's multi-role variants, including a carrier-based version designated 'MiG-29K', were never produced in large numbers. In the post-Soviet era, MiG-29 development was frustrated by the Mikoyan bureau's apparent lack of political clout compared to rival Sukhoi. Some more advanced versions are still being pursued for export, and updates of existing Russian aircraft are likely. New versions of the plane called 'MiG-29SMT' and 'MiG-29M1/M2' are being developed. Furthermore, development of a carrier version, the 'MiG-29K', has been resumed for the Indian Navy's INS ''Vikramaditya'' aircraft carrier (formerly the Russian aircraft carrier ''Admiral Gorshkov''). This version was originally meant for Soviet service onboard the ''Admiral Kuznetsov'', but the bigger Sukhoi Su-33 was preferred instead.
The Soviet Union did not assign official "popular names" to its aircraft, although unofficial nicknames were common. Unusually, some Soviet pilots found the MiG-29s NATO reporting name, "Fulcrum", to be a flattering description of the aircraft's intended purpose, and it is sometimes unofficially called "Fulcrum" in Russian service.¹

Operational history

''See 4th generation jet fighter for a comparative overview of the MiG-29 and contemporary aircraft.''





The MiG-29 was first publicly seen in the West during a visit to Finland in July 1986. Two were displayed at the Farnborough Air Show in Britain in September 1988. Western observers were impressed by its apparent capability and exceptional agility, but found fault with the excessive smoke generated by its Klimov powerplants.
The MiG-29 first saw action in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq war, where unguided bombs and rockets were used to devastating effect. During the Soviet war in Afghanistan, a Soviet MiG-29 shot down an Afghan Su-20 which had defected. In the following decade, MiG-29s saw combat in the Gulf War at the hands of Iraqi pilots, who were then thought to be among the best in the region after a decade of war and simmering tensions with Iran. Its success in combat encounters is believed to be mixed, it is generally believed that external factors such as inadequate pilot training skills, air-defense infrastructure, and poor maintenance, rather than the quality of the aircraft, are primarily responsible for this lack of success. Code On, 1995-07.
Many pundits, such as the Federation of American Scientists, assert that in an individual dogfight, the MiG-29 is potentially better than the F-15 Eagle or F-16 Fighting Falcon. MiG-29s of the German Luftwaffe have demonstrated their advantage in within-visual-range (WVR) engagements during training missions against Western F-14, F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 fighters. Buzzards, AeroWeb. The success of the MiG-29 during DACT was partly due to its ability to use its helmet-mounted sight (HMS) to achieve high off-boresight targeting solutions for the Archer SRM. The HMS allowed German pilots to achieve a lock on any target the pilot could see within the missile field of regard, including those almost 45 degrees off boresight.^[2] In contrast, the U.S. aircraft were only able to lock onto targets in a narrow window directly in front of the aircraft's nose. However, the USAF and US Navy achieved Initial Operational Capability of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and AIM-9X in late 2003.
In the Iraqi and Yugoslav theaters, the U.S. and its allies had taken the initiative and established complete air superiority very early on, giving the MiG-29s little chance to respond and put up a challenge. In the Iran-Iraq War, the only Iraqi MiG-29 kill was the friendly-fire shoot down of another MiG-29. In another case of friendly fire, an Iraqi MiG-29 shot down a MiG-23 during the Gulf War. Eight MiG-29 pilots fled to Iran where the MiGs now serve in the Iranian Air Force. According to the U.S., allied aircraft downed five MiG-29s USA Air Force Milestones, 1999-12-31. in the war, most of which were reportedly trying to flee to Iran.
Yugoslav MiGs were 15 years old and deprived of spare parts due to the long arms embargo placed upon the country. Once thrown into battle, most were found to have some non-functioning systems that altered the plane's performance. Six (out of 14 + 2 trainers) were shot down, one combat-damaged (later placed as a decoy and destroyed on ground), and an additional 3 destroyed on the ground (10 altogether). One more was lost in an accident when its pilot, who survived, stalled his aircraft during a landing approach. Two Yugoslav pilots lost their lives in the war. ACIG 380. The MiGs were also used in the Yugoslav Civil War, mostly in ground-attack missions.
A Cuban MiG-29 shot down two unarmed civilian Cessna 337s belonging to the organization Brothers to the Rescue in 1996, after the planes illegally entered Cuban airspace.
In 1999 and 2000, Ethiopian Su-27s (flown by Russian pilots) shot down five Eritrean MiG-29s (flown by Ukrainian pilots) according to some reportsACIG 189ACIG 192.
In Syrian service, the MiG-29s have provided round-the-clock air defense and patrol over Syria and Lebanon. Syrian pilots have praised the aircraft's agility and weapon systems.
Indian MiG-29s saw action during the Kargil War in Kashmir. They provided fighter escort for Mirage 2000s dropping laser-guided bombs on enemy targets and played a major role in maintaining the air superiority. However after shooting down of a MiG-21 and a Mil Mi-17 helicopter by Pakistan Army Air Defence and the flame-out of a MiG-23 ground attack bomber leading to taking the pilot POW, the Indian Aircraft started flying at higher altitudes. The Indian MiG-29s are known as Baaz (Eagle in Hindi). The Indian Air Force has modified and successfully tested their MiG-29s to fire the advanced R-77 Adder BVR missile. It is believed that all the MiG-29s in the Indian inventory are upgraded to use the Adder as standard armament. They are also being worked upon to be compatible with the Indian Astra BVR missile that is being developed. It is reported that Indian MiG-29s were even before the Kargil conflict equipped with self-defense equipment like chaff & flares and also ECM/ECCM pods. Hence when the MiG-29s were giving top cover to the Mirage 2000s strafing Pakistani positions in Kargil and other heights, it is known that they carried BVRAAM missiles like the AA-10 and AA-12 which prevented PAF F-16s from coming even 40 kilometers close to the Line of Control (LoC). Indian Air Force currently employs the fourth largest fleet of MiG-29s.

MiG-29 in German service

The German Democratic Republic bought 24 MiG-29 airplanes (20 MiG-29A and 4 MiG-29UB) which entered service in 1988–1989. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 and reunification of Germany in October 1990, the MiG-29s and other planes of the Luftstreitkräfte der NVA were integrated into the German Luftwaffe. After upgrades by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (now EADS) for NATO compatibility, they were designated 'MiG-29G' and 'MiG-29GT'. In March 1991, one of the MiG-29s in German service was transferred to the USAF for evaluation, along with several Su-22s and MiG-23s.
Since 1993 the MiGs were stationed with 1./JG73 "''Steinhoff''" in Laage near Rostock. During the service in the Luftwaffe one MiG-29 ("29+09") was destroyed during an accident on 25 June 1996 due to pilot error. By 2003, Luftwaffe pilots had flown over 30,000 hours in the MiG-29. In September 2003, 22 of the 23 remaining machines were sold to the Polish Air Force for the symbolic price of €1 per plane.^[3] The last planes were transferred in August 2004 [1].
The 23rd MiG-29 ("29+03") remained on display in Laage before being moved to the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in Berlin's Gatow Airport in 2006. [2]

MiG-29 in Polish service

After the retirement of their MiG-21 and MiG-23 jets in 2003, Poland was left for a time with only 22 MiG-29s in the interceptor role. The arrival of the 23 ex-Luftwaffe MiG-29s brought the number of Polish fighters of this type to a total of 45 (8 of them are trainer versions), hence Poland is the biggest NATO MiG-29 user (only 36 are in active use at present). Polish MiG-29s are currently stationed in the 1st Tactical Squadron (1. elt) at the 23rd Air Base near Mińsk Mazowiecki and the 41st Tactical Squadron (41. elt) at the 22nd Air Base near Malbork. The Poles had also previously leased a MiG-29 from their own inventory to Israel for evaluation and the aircraft has since been returned to Poland.

MiG-29s in the United States

In 1997, the United States purchased 21 Moldovan aircraft for evaluation and analysis, under the Cooperative Threat Reduction accord. Fourteen of the aircraft were the MiG-29S model, which is equipped with an active radar jammer in its spine and is capable of being armed with nuclear weapons. Part of the United States motive to purchase the Moldovan MiG-29s, was to prevent these aircraft from being sold to nations it deemed to be "rogue states", especially Iran.[3] In late 1997, the MiGs were delivered to the National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. One former Moldovan MiG-29S is currently on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson, and a MiG-29UB is on display at the NAIC headquarters of the base. The fate of all but one of the former Moldovan MiG-29s is unknown, although many are believed to have been scrapped. The one known MIG-29UB is on display at the "petting zoo" at Nellis AFB, Nevada
A private collector, Don Kirlin, has two MiG-29s that he purchased from Kyrgyzstan. They are supposedly lacking the avionics package, due to State Department restrictions, and so a Western avionics system would need to be sourced. They are currently located at the Quincy Regional Airport in Quincy, Illinois. According to airport workers, Kirlin paid US$100,000 for both planes. The planes are currently not flightworthy and need a complete refurbishment. ^[4]

Description

Design features

Because it was developed from the same basic parameters laid out by TsAGI for the original PFI, the MiG-29 is aerodynamically broadly similar to the Sukhoi Su-27, but with some notable differences. It is built largely out of aluminium with some composite materials. It has a mid-mounted swept wing with blended leading-edge root extensions (LERXs) swept at around 40°. There are swept tailplanes and two vertical fins, mounted on booms outboard of the engines. Automatic slats are mounted on the leading edges of the wings; they are four-segment on early models and five-segment on some later variants. On the trailing edge, there are maneuvering flaps and wingtip ailerons.
The MiG-29 has hydraulic controls and a SAU-451 three-axis autopilot but, unlike the Su-27, does not have a fly-by-wire control system. Nonetheless, it is very agile, with excellent instantaneous and sustained turn performance, high alpha capability, and a general resistance to spins. The airframe is stressed for 9-''g'' (88 m/s²) maneuvers. The controls have "soft" limiters to prevent the pilot from exceeding the ''g'' and alpha limits, but these can be disabled manually. In joint USAF-Luftwaffe exercises, the MiG-29 that the Luftwaffe fielded defeated the F-16 Fighting Falcon in close-range combat almost every time using its highly practical infra-red search and track (IRST) sensor and helmet-mounted sight, together with the Vympel R-73 (NATO reporting name AA-11 'Archer') missile.

Powerplant

Main articles: Klimov RD-33


The MiG-29 has two widely spaced Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines, each rated at 50.0 kN (11,240.45 lbs.) dry and 81.3 kN (18,276.97 lbs.) in afterburner. The space between the engines generates lift, thereby reducing effective wing loading, to improve maneuverability. The engines are fed through wedge-type intakes fitted under the LERXs, which have variable ramps to allow high-Mach speeds. As an adaptation to rough-field operations, they can be closed completely for takeoff, landing and low-speed flying, thereby preventing ingestion of ground debris. In those cases, the engines receive air through louvers on the LERXs which open automatically when intakes are closed. Later variants replace these dorsal louvers with mesh screens in the main intakes, similar to those fitted to the Su-27.^[5]

Range and fuel system

The internal fuel capacity of the original MiG-29B is only 4,365 liters distributed between six fuel tanks, four in the fuselage and one in each wing. As a result, the aircraft has a very limited range in line with the original Soviet requirements for a point-defense fighter. For longer flights, this can be supplemented by a 1,500 liter drop tank carried on the centerline and, on later production batches, by two underwing drop tanks, each capable of 1,150 liters. In addition, a small number of MiG-29s have been fitted with port-side inflight refueling probes, allowing much longer flight times by using a probe-and-drogue system. Some MiG-29B airframes have been upgraded to the "Fatback" configuration ('MiG-29 9-13'), which adds a dorsal-mounted internal fuel tank. Advanced variants, such as the MiG-35, can be fitted with a conformal fuel tank on the dorsal spine, although none of them have yet entered service.

Cockpit

The pilot is seated on a Zvezda K-36DM zero-zero ejection seat which has had impressive performance in emergency escapes.
The cockpit has conventional dials, with a head-up display (HUD) and a Shchel-3UM helmet-mounted sight, but no HOTAS ("hands-on-throttle-and-stick") capability. Emphasis seems to have been placed on making the cockpit similar to the earlier MiG-23 and other Soviet aircraft for ease of conversion, rather than on ergonomics. Nonetheless, the MiG-29 does have substantially better visibility than most previous Russian jet fighters, thanks to a high-mounted bubble canopy. Upgraded models introduce "glass cockpits" with modern liquid-crystal (LCD) multi-function displays (MFDs) and true HOTAS.

Sensors

The baseline MiG-29B has a Phazotron RLPK-29 (''Radiolokatsyonnui Pritselnui Kompleks'') radar attack system which includes the coherent pulse-Doppler N019 (Sapfir 29; NATO reporting name 'Slot Back') look-down/shoot-down coherent pulse-Doppler radar and a Ts100.02-02 digital computer. The original N-019A radar unit, which was supposed to put the MiG-29 on par with its Western counterparts, was a disappointment to the Soviet VVS. It had serious shortcomings in beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements. Tracking range against a fighter-sized target was only about 70 km (38 nm) in the frontal aspect and 35 km (19 nm) in the rear aspect. Range against bomber-sized targets was roughly double. Ten targets could be displayed in search mode, but the radar had to lock onto a single target for semi-active radar-homing (SARH) missile guidance. The signal processor also had trouble with ground clutter, and ranges in the look-down mode were consequently further reduced. It was also quite susceptible to electronic jamming. These problems meant the MiG-29 was not able to reliably utilize the new Vympel R-27R (NATO reporting name AA-10 'Alamo') long-range SARH missile at its maximum ranges.
The N-019 was further compromised by Phazotron designer Adolf Tolkachev's betrayal of the radar to the CIA, for which he was executed in 1986. In response to all of these problems, the Soviets hastily developed a modified N019M ''Topaz'' radar for the upgraded 'MiG-29S' aircraft. However, the VVS was reportedly still not satisfied with the performance of the system and demanded another upgrade. The latest upgraded aircraft offer the N-010 ''Zhuk''-M, which has a planar array antenna rather than a dish, improving range, and a much superior processing ability, with multiple target engagement capability and compatibility with the Vympel R-77 (or RVV-AE) (NATO reporting name AA-12 'Adder') air-to-air missile. A useful feature the MiG-29 shares with the Su-27 is the S-31E2 KOLS, a combined laser rangefinder and IRST in an 'eyeball' mount forward of the cockpit canopy. This can be slaved to the radar or used independently, and provides exceptional gun-laying accuracy.

Armament

Armament for the MiG-29 includes a single GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon in the port wing root. This originally had a 150-round magazine, which was reduced to 100 rounds in later variants. Original production MiG-29B aircraft cannot fire the cannon when carrying a centerline fuel tank as it blocks the shell ejection port. This issue was corrected in the MiG-29S and later versions. Three pylons are provided under each wing (four in some variants), for a total of six (or eight). The inboard pylons can carry either a 1,150 liter (300 US gallon) fuel tank, one R-27 (AA-10 'Alamo') medium-range air-to-air missile, or unguided bombs or rockets. Some Soviet aircraft could carry a single nuclear bomb on the port inboard station. The outer pylons usually carry R-73 (AA-11 'Archer') dogfight missiles, although some users still retain the older R-60 (AA-8 'Aphid'). A single 1,500 liter (400 US gallon) tank can be fitted to the centerline, between the engines, for ferry flights, but this position is not used for combat stores. The original MiG-29B can carry general-purpose bombs and unguided rocket pods, but not precision-guided munitions. Upgraded models have provision for laser-guided and electro-optical bombs, as well as air-to-surface missiles.

Variants

;MiG-29 "Fulcrum-A" (Product 9.12)
:Initial production version; entered service in 1983.
;MiG-29B-12 "Fulcrum-A" (Product 9.12A)
:Downgraded export version for non-Warsaw Pact nations. Lacked a nuclear weapon delivery system and possessed downgraded radar, ECM and IFF.

;MiG-29UB-12 "Fulcrum-B" (Product 9.51)
:Twin seat training model. Lacks radar and GSh-30 cannon.
;MiG-29S
:The 'MiG-29S' ('Fulcrum-C') is virtually identical in external appearance to older "Fatback" MiG-29B airframes. Differences start with the improvements in the flight control system. Four new computers provide better stability augmentation and controllability with an increase of 2° in angle of attack (AoA). Its improved mechanical-hydraulic flight control system allows for greater control surface deflections. The MiG-29S added a dorsal 'hump' to the upper fuselage (earning it the nickname "Fatback" in service) which was originally believed to be for additional fuel, but in fact, most of its volume is used for the new L-203BE Gardenyia-1 ECM system. Internal fuel is only slightly increased by 75 liters, making the aircraft's fuel fraction about 0.27, thus comparable to that of the F-16. It can also carry 1150 liter (304 US gal, 2000 lb) drop tanks under each wing and the traditional centerline tank. Inboard underwing hardpoints are upgraded to allow for a tandem pylon arrangement for a larger payload of 4,000 kg (8,820 lb). Overall maximum gross weight has been raised to 20,000 kg (44,000 lb).
:In the MiG-29S, the GSh-30-1 cannon has had its expended round ejector port modified to allow for firing while the centerline tank is still attached. As with the MiG-29, there are six underwing hardpoints, but these can be expanded to eight. The MiG-29S improvement would also allow for new missiles like the R-27E (AA-10 'Alamo') which has 1.5 times the range of the basic model R-27 due to its larger rocket motor. These long-burn variants have previously been only found on the Su-27 Flanker. The new hardpoint configuration also adds the capability to mount the new R-77 (AA-12 'Adder') active-radar long-range air-to-air missile.
:Initially, the avionics of the MiG-29S only added a new IRST sighting system combined with a better imbedded training system that allowed for IR and radar target simulation. However, the final MiG-29S improvement kit also provides for the Phazotron N-019M radar and more built-in test equipment (BITE) (especially for the radar) to reduce dependence on ground support equipment; MiG MAPO calls this model the 'MiG-29SD'. Revised weapon system algorithms in the MiG-29S's software, combined with an increase in processing capacity, allows for the tracking of up to ten targets and the simultaneous engagement of two with the R-77 missile.
:The MiG-29S also has a limited ground-attack capability with unguided munitions, but in order to transform the MiG-29 into a true multi-role fighter, MAPO designed the 'MiG-29SM' variant with the improved avionics necessary to carry and employ precision-guided weapons. The 'SE/SD/SM' improvements in the MiG-29S, combined with the development money made available for the naval MiG-29K, gave MAPO the incentive to forge ahead with the multirole MiG-29M (aka MiG-33) "Super Fulcrum".
:Flight performance of the MiG-29S is but slightly reduced compared to the original MiG-29 due to the weight of the additional fuel and avionics. Only 48 MiG-29S airframes were produced for the Russian VVS before funding was cut. Of this number, it is unknown how many are the standard air-superiority 'S' version and how many are the multi-role 'SM' version.
;MiG-29S-13 "Fulcrum-C" (Product 9.13)
:MiG-29 variant similar to the 9.12, but with an enlarged fuselage spine containing additional fuel and a ''Gardeniya'' active jammer.
;MiG-29S-13 "Fulcrum-C" (Product 9.13S)
:Version with the same airframe as the 9.13, but with an increased external weapons load of 4,000 kg, and provision for two underwing fuel tanks. Radar upgraded to N019ME, providing an ability to track 10 targets and engage 2 simultaneously. Compatible with the Vympel R-77 (AA-12 'Adder') air-to-air missile (similar to the AIM-120 AMRAAM).
;MiG-29SM "Fulcrum-C" (Product 9.13M)
:Similar to the 9.13, but with the ability to carry guided air-to-surface missiles and TV- and laser-guided bombs.
;MiG-29K "Fulcrum-D" (Product 9.31)
:Naval variant, the latter "K" stands for "Korabelnogo bazirovaniya" (Deck-based ), with equipment such as folding wings, arrestor gear, and reinforced landing gear. Originally intended for the ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' class aircraft carriers, had even received series production approval from Russian Ministry of Defence but was later grounded in 1992 due to shift in military doctrine and state financial difficulty.^[6] MiG Corporation restarted the program in 1999 and made vital improvement to the previous design. On January 20, 2004, Indian Navy signed a contract of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and 4 two-seat MiG-29KUB set delivery in the period from 2007 to 2009.^[7][8] Modification was made for Indian Navy requirement featured Zhuk-ME radar, RD-33MK engine, combat payload up to 5,500 kg, 13 hardpoints (inclusive of the multi-lock bomb carriers), additional fuel tanks situated in dorsal spine fairing and wing LERXs, increased total fuel capacity by 50% comparing to first variant of MiG-29 and updated 4-channel digital fly-by-wire flight control system. With special coatings Mig-29K radar reflecting surface is 4-5 times smaller than of basic MiG-29. Cockpit displays consist of wide HUD and 3 (7 on MiG-29KUB) colour LCD MFDs and French Sigma-95 satellite GPS module and Topsight E helmet-mounted targeting system. Compatible with the full range of weapons carried by the MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT.^[9]
;MiG-29KUB "Fulcrum-D" (Product 9.47)
:Identical characteristic to the MiG-29K but with tandem twin seat configuration. The design is to serve as trainer for MiG-29K pilot and is full combat capable. The first MiG-29KUB developed for the Indian Navy made its maiden flight at the Russian Zhukovsky aircraft test centre on January 22, 2007.^[10]
;MiG-29M / MiG-33 "Fulcrum-E" (Product 9.15)
Main articles: Mikoyan MiG-33

:Advanced multi-role variant, with a redesigned airframe, mechanical flight controls replaced by an fly-by-wire system and powered by enhanced RD-33 ser.3M engines
;MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61)
:Two-seat training variant of the MiG-29M. Never built.
;MiG-29SMT (Product 9.17)
:An upgrade package of the first-generation MiG-29s (9.12 to 9.13) containing many enhancements intended for the MiG-29M. Additional fuel tanks in a further enlarged spine provide a maximum flight range of 2,100 km (on internal fuel). Cockpit enhanced HOTAS design, two 152 × 203 mm (6 × 8 inch) colour liquid-crystal MFDs and two smaller monochrome liquid-crystal displays (LCD). Upgraded Zhuk-ME radar provides similar feature to the MiG-29M. Power plant upgraded the RD-33 ser.3 engines, after burn thrust rated same at 8,300 kgf (81.4 kN) each. Weapons load increased to 4,500 kg on six underwing and one ventral hardpoints, with similar weapon choices as for the MiG-29M variant. The upgraded aircraft has also painted path for non-Russian origin avionics and weapon.^[11] This version is currently serving the air forces of Russia, Yemen, Algeria, Syria, and Iran.
;MiG-29UBT (Product 9.51T)
:SMT Standard upgrade for the MiG-29UB. Namely users, Algeria and Yeman.^[12][13]
;MiG-29M2 / MiG-29MRCA
:Two-seat version of MiG-29M (possibly based on the cancelled MiG-29UBM). Identical characteristics to MiG-29M, with a slightly lesser operational range of 1800km. RAC MiG presented in various air shows, to name a few, Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE 2004),^[14] AERO INDIA 2005,^{[7] [16]} MAKS 2005.^[17]. It was once given designation MiG-29MRCA for marketing purpose and now evolved into the current MiG-35.

;MiG-29OVT
:Some source suggested NATO code name "Fulcrum-F". The aircraft is one of the six pre-built MiG-29M before 1991, later received thrust-vectoring engine and fly-by-wire technology. It served as a thrust vector engine test bed and also the technology demonstrator in various air shows to show future improvement in the MiG-29M. It has an identical avionic characteristic as the MiG-29M. The only difference in the cockpit layout is an additional switch to turn on vector thrust function. The 2 RD-133 thrust vector engines, each features a unique designed round turning nozzles which can provide thrust vector deflection in all direction. However despite its thrust vector engine, other specifications were not officially emphasized. The aircraft is being demonstrated along with the MiG-29M2 in various air shows around the world for potential export. The aircraft demonstrates aerobatic flight for most of the time.^[18]
;MiG-35 "Fulcrum-F"
Main articles: Mikoyan MiG-35

:A recently unveiled mass upgraded MiG-29M2.

;MiG-29G / MiG-29GT
:MiG-29 / 29UB planes modified in Germany by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace for NATO compatibility.
;MiG-29AS / MiG-29UBS
:MiG-29 / 29UB planes upgraded in Slovakia by RSK MiG and Western firms, starting from 2005, for NATO compatibility.
;MiG-29 ''Sniper''
:attempt of upgrade Romanian MiG-29s, by Israeli firms. The program was halted along with the retiring of Romanian MiG-29's in 2003. The latter occurred because of high maintenance costs, which led to the Romanian Government's decision to halt the MiG-29 program and further invest in the MiG-21 LanceR program.

Operators

Current operators

★ : 76 in service.

★ : 48 in service.

★ : 8 in service.

★ : 50 in service.

★ : 20 MiG-29B in service, including 4 MiG-29UB.

★ : 14 in service. Only 3 of them remain in flying condition

★ : 5 in service.

★ : 21 in service.

★ : 63 in service.

★ : around 50 in service (some reports claim 75)

★ : 40 in service.

★ : 18 in service.

★ : 12 in service.

★ : 40 in service.

★ : 19 in service, two crashed.

★ : 45 in service including 8 MiG-29UB, from 1989 (36 operational).

★ : 380 in service.

★ : 5 in service, including 1 MiG-29UB.

★ : 4 MiG-29SM and one MiG-29UB to be included to the service.^[19]

★ : 21 in service (13 operational - in 2005-2006 upgraded to MiG-29AS (S - Slovak) and MiG-29UBS).

★ : 10 in service.

★ : 42 in service.

★ : 20 in service.

★ : 225 in service.

★ : 30 in service.

★ : 24 in service.

Former operators

★ : 18 MiG-29A, 2 MiG-29UB, from 1989. Passed on to Czech Republic and Slovakia.

★ : 9 MiG-29A, 1 MiG-29UB. No longer in service. Exchanged with Poland for 11 PZL W-3 Sokół helicopters in 1996.

★ : 24 delivered in 1988-1989, including 4 MiG-29UBs. Passed on to united Germany in 1990.

★ : inherited 24 from East Germany in 1990. Upgraded to NATO compatibility. One was lost, and one was kept for display when the remaining 22 were transferred to Poland in 2003.

★ : 41 delivered, some destroyed in Gulf War, 7 fled to Iran. No longer in service.

★ : 34 inherited from USSR, 6 sold to Yemen, 21 bought by USA, 1 MiG-29S to Romania, 6 MiG-29S overhauled recently in Ukraine.

★ : 20 delivered from USSR starting in 1989 plus 1 from Moldova. 18 in storage after funding was cut for upgrade programme.^[20]

★ : Passed on to successor states.

★ /: 14 MiG-29B, 2 MiG-29UB, but during the Kosovo war, 6 MiG-29B destroyed in air combat and 5 MiG-29B and one MiG-29UB destroyed on ground. 4 MiG-29B and 1 MiG-29UB passed to .

MiG-29s on display

There are several museums in Russia that display MiG-29s:

★ 3 are stationed in Central Air Force Museum in Monino near Moscow. One is a prototype, one an early production model (both with ventral fins), and one a MiG-29KVP

★ One MiG-29 (9-13) is on display of the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow on the Poklonnaya Hill

★ Another MiG-29 can be found at the Central Armed Forces Museum in Moscow
One MiG-29 is on display in Germany. The only remaining German MiG-29G (29+03) was transferred from Laage to the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in Berlin's Gatow Airport, being part of the exhibition "50 Jahre Luftwaffe".[4]
Six former Moldova Air Force MiG-29s are currently on display in the United States at the following locations:

★ Goodfellow AFB in Texas [5]

★ NAS Fallon Airpark in Nevada

★ A two seat MiG-29UB is on display at the NAIC at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio

★ Two MiG-29s are on display at Nellis AFB in Nevada. One is at the outside of the ''Threat Training facility''[6] and another, in better shape, inside a hangar alongside a MiG-23.[7]

★ One is currently stored in a restoration hangar at the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio. As of June 2007, the aircraft has been put in display at the Cold War Exhibit of the Museum and continues to receive minor upgrading while on display.[8][9]

Specifications

References

1. Zuyev, A.; McConnell, M.. ''Fulcrum: A Top Gun Pilot's Escape From the Soviet Empire''. Warner Books, 1993. ISBN 0-446-36498-3.
2. Lake, John: "Jane's How to Fly and Fight in the Mikoyan MiG-29. ", page 70. HarperCollins, 1997. ISBN 0-00472144-6
3. MiGi za 1 euro w Bydgoszczy .
4. http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.10/kirlin_pr.html
5. Lake, John: "Jane's How to Fly and Fight in the Mikoyan MiG-29. ", page 94. HarperCollins, 1997. ISBN 0-00472144-6
6. http://www.migavia.ru/eng/production/?tid=1&id=4
7. http://www.migavia.ru/eng/news/?id=19&tid=4
8. http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/2077.asp
9. http://www.migavia.ru/eng/news/?id=18&tid=4&page=1
10. http://en.rian.ru/photolents/20070123/59541189.html
11. http://www.migavia.ru/eng/production/?tid=1&id=3
12. http://www.cast.ru/eng/?id=274
13. http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/1-2005/ff/largest_identified/
14. http://english.people.com.cn/200410/27/eng20041027_161780.html
15. http://www.migavia.ru/eng/news/?id=19&tid=4
16. http://www.acig.org/exclusives/aero/acig_aero05_mrca.htm
17. http://www.richard-seaman.com/Aircraft/AirShows/Maks2005/Highlights/
18. http://www.aviapedia.com/fighters/mig-29vft-video-smotr
19. http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070805/Columns/sitreport.html Situation Report, The Sunday Times
20. Romania retires its MiG-29 fleet Adevărul, January 2003.

External links

★ RAC MiG official site

★ German Luftwaffe's former MiG-29 Staffel 1./JG 73"Steinhoff" in Laage

★ Mig-29K Image Gallery 2007

★ MiG-29 by Easy Tartar

★ MiG-29 "Fulcrum" page by the Federation of American Scientists

★ MiG-29 "Fulcrum" page by GlobalSecurity.org

★ Cuban MiG-29

★ India buys cutting-edge Russian warplanes MiG-29KUB

★ US purchases MiG-29 fighters from Moldova

★ Mig-29K video

★ MiG-29 OVT-1 video

★ MIG-29OVT Acrobatics video at Farnborough Airshow 2006 on DefenseNews.com

★ MiG-29 page on CombatAircraft.com

★ DVD: Soviet MiG-29 over Germany in December 1990

★ Video at YouTube [10] [11]

Related content