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MiG-29 is one of the best 4th generation fighter jets the world has ever seen. India being its first foreign customer today operates 5 different variants of it. The article below gives details about it. Its a long post, so take time to read it.
::: MiG-29B (Product 9.12B) :::
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS : MiG-29B is a downgraded variant of first MiG-29's built. It is a single seater variant that features side vents present on the Leading Edge Extensions (LERX). Initial versions lacked mid-air refuelling capability. Initial variants sported conventional analog-and-dial type cockpit.
AVIONIC CHARACTERISTICS : Early variants featured an N-109 radar, which was later replaced by Zhuk-ME radar. They lacked Electronic Counter Meaarsures (ECM) and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system.
ARMAMENTS : 30mm GSh-30 canon, R-27, R-77, etc.
CURRENT STATUS : Approximately 60 in service, being upgraded to MiG-29UPG.
::: MiG-29 UB :::
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISITCS : The two-seater variant of MiG-29B, meant for training the personnels. Featured a mirror above the canopy, meant for the trainee seated at the back-seat to look at the trainer's operations and be suitably guided.
AVIONIC CHARACTERISTICS : Has no special radar, infra-red sensors mounted only.
::: MiG-29 K :::
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS : Being a naval variant, its one of the highly reinforced variants featuring a strengthened landing gears, foldable wings, arresting hooks and slightly drooped nose to enhance pilot's visiblity. These single-seater variants are powered by 2 Klimov RD-33MK series engines. Features no vents on LERX, unlike B/UB/UPG varinats, instead had meshnets at the intakes to avoid foreign object debri (FOD) ingestion. These variants have mid-air refuelling capablity.
AVIONIC CHARACTERISTICS : A Zhuk-M1E radar, an advanced variant of Zhuk-ME is mounted on it. 3 LCD displays present. These varinats had TopGun and Topsight HMDS and had inbuilt targeting pods.
SPECIAL FEATURES : These (K and KUB) are one of the most stealthy variant of MiG-29 operated by India as these variants have radar absorbing matrial coatings and engines have less smoke and less heat signature. Hardpoint numbers can be increased to upto 13 to carry a 5.5 ton payload.
ARMAMENTS : 30mm GSh-30 canon, R-77, Kh-29 ,31 & 35 missiles
CURRENT STATUS : 29 operational with IN, atleast 10-13 on order.
::: MiG-29KUB :::
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS : Same as MiG-29K, except features a tendem-seater arrangement (pilots seated one behind the other). Front pilot does flying operations while the one seated behind (Weapon System Officer, WSO) does majority of reconaissance, attacking and defensive jobs. Deployed for training and combat missions as well.
AVIONIC CHARACTERISTIC : Same as MiG-29K. Has 7 LCD displays instead of 3.
REMARK : MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB have same sized canopy, though the crew number is different. It means the length of canopy in KUB is as big as in K variant. In K variant, the back seat is omitted and instead fuel tank is housed. So you would know the difference between K & KUB variant only when you look inside the cockpit. KUB has lesser operational range than K-variant.
ARMAMENTS : 30mm GSh-30 canon, R-77 A-A missiles, Kh-31 and 35 missiles.
CURRENT STATUS : 4 operational with the IN
::: MiG-29 UPG :::
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS : One of the highly advanced variant of MiG-29 family, these single seater variants can be easily identified with a humped/ enlarged spine meant for carrying more fuel. Mid-air refueling capablity is incorporated which further increases its range. Its basically an upgradation of MiG-29B, currently being done by HAL. Atleast 6 such aircrafts are known to be present in IAF. Powered by Klimov R-33 Series 3 engines built under license by HAL.
AVIONIC CHARACTERISTIC : Features a Zhuk-M2E radar which allows terrain mapping and following.
ARMAMENTS : 30mm GSh-30 canon, R-27, R-72, R-77, R-60, etc.
CURRENT STATUS : 6 delivered by Russia, 1 upgraded by India (HAL) and remaining are under upgradation.
Indian-Aerospace/Defence News
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