Reality behind MIG-29

[Thunder]

Mig-29 Fulcrum

The MiG29 Fulcrum is the pride of the Russian airforce and by many considered the best fighter today. That is not far from the truth.
The MiG29 is capable of making manouvers no other aircraft can do. And the manouvers others can do, it can do faster and tighter, giving it an edge in dog fights. ( Keep reading )


The MiG-29 is a widely exported aircraft, flown by Russia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, North Korea, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Syria, Turkemenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen and Yugoslavia. In total, over 800 were delivered to the Soviet / Russian Tactical Air Forces and around 500 airframes prepared for initial export customers.
By 1989, it was serving in 12 different air forces around the world.
Presently, it is the only Russian aircraft on operational duty in NATO and serves in 21 air forces.
Brassey's reports that a total of 1216 MiG-29 single-seaters and 197 MiG-29UB dual-seaters were built by January 1985 (total of 1413). Since 1990, production was exclusively for export.

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 maneuverability, the advantage is to the MiG. ( Last i checked F-16 was a american fighter. And thus can destory mig-29 40 miles away Makes us wonder why PAF wants it so badily and why Indian ACM are to ticked :banana:

The mission of the MiG-29 is to destroy hostile air targets within radar coverage limits and also to destroy ground targets using unguided weapons in visual flight conditions.
The aircraft's fixed-wing profile with large-wing leading-edge root extensions gives good manoeuvrability and control at subsonic speed, including manoeuvres at high angles of attack. The maximum operational g-loading is 9g.

The MiG29B was designed later on as a two-seated combat trainer. There is also a MiG29C with extended fuel capacity, of the 21 Fulcrums the United States bought, 14 are the frontline Fulcrum C's, which also contains an active radar jammer in its spine, six Mig 29A versions and one B-model of training.
During 1989 and 1990 a naval version was also under testing under the name MiG29D.


The latest version of MiG29 is the Super Fulcrum, MiG29K. The MiG-29K differed from the MiG-29 production model, featuring a new multi-function radar.
It is a highly improved MiG29, but unfortuately it hasn't been produced in great numbers.
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.


The German 'Bundeswehr' inherited 20 single-seater and 4 twin-seater MiG-29 aircraft from the former East German forces after the cold war.
After these Fulcrum aircraft had been upgraded to western standards, they received the designations MiG-29G (for Germany) and MiG-29GT (Germany/Trainer).

The MiG-29 fighter is equipped with seven external weapon hardpoints.
The aircraft can carry: up to two R-27 air-to-air medium-range missiles; six R-73 and R-60 air-to-air short range missiles; four pods of S-5, S-8, S-24 unguided rockets; air bombs weighing up to 3,000kg; and 30mm built-in aircraft gun with 150 rounds of ammunition.


During the NATO actions in Kosovo, on the 24th of March 1999, a Dutch F-16 shot down a Serbian Mig-29.

http://www.air-attack.com/page.php?pid=50

 

[miroslav]

MiG-29 FULCRUM The Indian Air Force

Origin: Russia.

NATO Codename: Fulcrum.

Indian Name: Baaz (Eagle).

Type: All weather air-superiority fighter.

Current versions in IAF service: MiG-29B Fulcrum-A; Fitted with the N-109 radar that has a look-down/shoot-down capability and can display ten targets in search and lock-on to one of the highest priority assigned by the computer. Has extended dorsal fins containing IRCM flare dispensers, extended chord rudders and a hydro-mechanical flight control system (hydraulic actuator).

MiG-29S Fulcrum-C; Fitted with N-019M radar capable of tracking ten targets with two simultaneous engagements, a new weapon system, improved flight control system and additional fuel capacity.

MiG-29UB Fulcrum-B; A dual-seat trainer without radar and with continuous canopy. Has imbedded training system and a functioning IRST/helmet sighting system. A weapons capability under wing stores pylons is retained, but no chaff or flares. The airframe is 100mm longer with the instructor's cockpit taking up a small amount of the number one tank capacity. Has a periscope for the rear occupant.

Design Features: Has fire control and mission computers link radar with a laser rangefinder and IRST sensor in conjunction with helmet mounted laser target designator. Targets can be approached and engaged without emission of detectable radar or radio signals. The MiG-29 is capable of a 23º per sec stabilized turn rate.

Accommodation: Pilot seated on a 10º inclined K-36DM/2-06 zero/zero ejection seat under rearward hinged transparent blister canopy in high seat cockpit. Sharply inclined one piece covered windscreen. Three internal mirrors provide the rearward view.

Avionics: Has a coherent, multimode pulse Doppler look-down/shoot-down engagement radar which has search and tracking capabilities. Has a HUD (head-up display) and helmet mounted target designation system, which is tied in with a laser range finder and an infra-red search & track. The IRST ball is mounted on a three-axis gimballed turret protruding above the nose in front of the cockpit.

The radar is supported by an optical-electronic navigation-attack system, which comprises a sighting system, a navigation system, a digital computer, a weapons control system, and a data presentation system with a HUD. The helmet mounted sight & target designator is available for use with the R-60MK and the R-73RDM2 close-combat missiles.

The navigation system includes a radio compass, a radar altimeter, a marker beacon receiver, and a short-range navigation and instrument landing system. The ground-air & air-ground data link for target indication from land-based radars, is joined by a communications radio. The aircraft also has an IFF transponder & interrogator.

Engine: Two Klimov RD-33 turbofans each rated at 18,300 lbs. of maximum thrust.

Maximum Speed: Mach 2.35

Service Ceiling: 18,500 metres; 60,700 feet

Maximum Range: 1500 km; 932 miles - without in-flight refuelling. 2495 km; 1550 miles - with one in-flight refuelling.

G Limit: 9.5+

Armament: Fitted with a 30mm GSh-30 gun with 170 rounds capacity and 150 rounds loaded. The gun has a maximum effective range of 1200 to 1800 meters against air targets and 200 to 800 meters against ground targets. It has a maximum firing rate of 25 to 30 rounds per second. IAF MiG-29s can be armed with a range of Russian air-to-air missiles, like the close-combat R-60MK and R-73RDM2, the medium-range R-27RE1/TE1 and the long-range R-77RVV-AE. French air-to-air missiles such as the Super 530D and Magic-II can also be carried.

Maximum External Stores Load: 3000 kg; 6614 lbs.

Self Defence: The electronic warfare suite is centered around the Sirena-3 Radar Warning Receivers, two ECM transponders in the wing strake and chaff/flare dispensers built into the upper surfaces of the main wing. Each dispenser contains flares or chaff cartridges.

Comments: The MiG-29 forms three operational squadrons (No.28, No.47 and No.223) in the IAF. A fourth squadron was expected to be raised, however plans for that have been scrapped. IAF MiG-29s have had their share of technical problems, since its induction in 1986. In 1994, a joint aviation venture, the Indo-Russian Aviation Private Ltd., in maintenance & support was set up by HAL and MiG-MAPO and the technical problems were rectified to a satisfactory level. SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) reports that eight MiG-29S Fulcrum-Cs were ordered in 1994 and were delivered by 1996. Also from a SIPRI report is a 1995 order of two MiG-29UB Fulcrum-Bs, which were delivered by 1996.

Pushpinder Singh Chopra, in a June 2001 AW&ST issue, said HAL had prepared production plans for 350 RD-33 turbofans at its Koraput plant. Upon further examination it was revealed that between 1990 and 1998, that HAL indeed had produced 350 RD-33 turbofans at its Koraput plant. On 15 July 1998, HAL delivered the first fully rebuilt and upgraded MiG-29 to the Indian Air Force. The upgrade has enabled the aircraft to fire the R-77RVV-AE (AA-12 Adder) air-to-air missile, also known as the Amraamski. A test of the Amraamski from an Indian Air Force MiG-29 was conducted in October 1998. Future upgrades will include a new avionics fit, with the N-109 radar being replaced by a Phazatron Zhuk-M radar. The aircraft is also being equipped for air-to-air refuelling to increase endurance.

Miro

 

[miroslav]

MiG-29K FULCRUM-D The Indian Navy

Type: Fleet air defense with an anti-surface vessel and recon role.

Versions in Service by 2007: MiG-29K - Single-seat fighter.
MiG-29KUB - Dual-seat trainer.

Design Features: The 'export' MiG-29K is based on the 'basic' MiG-29K airframe, but is lighter in answer to the Indian Navy's requirements for the smallest possible dimensions to maximise use of space on the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov). Details of the variant were confirmed by Nikolai Nikitin, RSK-MiG's General Designer. Nikitin says the aircraft is based on the original MiG-29K airframe, but without the high-cost welded aluminium lithium fuel tanks and forward fuselage. The land-based MiG-29's over-wing auxiliary tanks have been deleted, and the sharp-edged leading-edge root extensions are filled with fuel to extend the aircraft's range.

With a 25-year design life, the 'export' MiG-29K features a larger wing area, incorporating a longer chord double-slotted flap and drooped elevons over the 'basic' MiG-29K. The wing root has a sharp leading edge. In addition, the central fuselage integral tank and a fuselage load-carrying section, to which the arrester hook and main struts are attached, were considerably strengthened, and additional fuel is carried in the fuselage spine. The nose undercarriage is able to steer through +/- 90º and houses a three-colour lamp which indicates the aircraft's position on the glide path, and its landing speed, to a visual landing signal officer. The arrester hook is also fitted with an illumination system to indicate when it is lowered.

The aircraft will have an improved navigation equipment commensurate with its maritime role. For deck landing, the aircraft will be fitted with a special navigation system comprising instrument landing systems interacting with the ship's markers, jam-resistant coded data link and automated built-in test facilities. In the event of the pilot having to eject near the aircraft carrier, the novel escape system will ensure that he is ejected clear of the ship. The export 'K' variant will feature a triplex digital fly-by-wire control system, with multiple-redundancy in all three channels and a mechanical back-up in roll-and-yaw channels. A proven control algorithm used in the analog-digital flight control system on the basic 'K' variant will be retained. It is possible that some avionics components aboard the aircraft will be produced by French or Indian companies.

The dual-seat 'KUB' trainer has identical aerodynamic characteristics to the single-seat 'K' fighter and has the same wing and tail plane platform geometry. To further ease transition from the trainer to the fighter, even the forward nose sections are identical. They are equipped with similar avionics and can carry the same armament. Both aircraft have an in-flight refuelling capability, having a retractable refuelling probe in the port forward fuselage, and may also be used as tankers. With the take-off and landing weights identical to the fighter, the trainer has 8% less fuel capacity and a 7 to 10% shorter combat radius. In addition to carrying out its main training role, the trainer has a fully operational capability. Indeed, the two man crew could open up additional roles such as airborne early warning or electronic warfare. In its combat role, the second pilot will act as a weapons systems operator.

Accommodation: The pilot is seated on a 10º inclined Zvezda K-36DM/2-06 zero/zero ejection seat under rearward hinged transparent blister canopy in high seat cockpit. It also has a sharply inclined one piece covered windscreen. Three internal mirrors provide the rearward view.

Engine: Two Klimov/Sarkisov RD-33 Series 3M turbofans each produce 11,100 lbs thrust dry, 18,300 lbs thrust in reheat and 19,180 lbs thrust in an emergency reheat. Engines for the Indian Navy's MiG-29Ks will have smokeless combustors, an anti-corrosive coating, a basic overhaul time of 1,000 hours and a short-time increased take-off-thrust rating.

Speed: Mach 1.93 - maximum level speed at altitude.
870 mph - at low level.

Operational Ceiling: 57,410 ft. (15,600 meters).

Maximum Climb Rate: 58,200 feet.

Maximum Combat Radius: 700 nautical miles - external fuel tank. 450 nautical miles - with internal fuel.
*Endurance at 32 nautical miles from carrier - 2+ hours.

Avionics: The Indian Navy's MiG-29K are more likely to be equipped with downsized NIIP N011M Bars-29 passive phased array radar, rather than the Phazatron Zhuk-MSE multifunctional radar, to ensure commonality with the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI. The Bars radar will have functions for operations in air-to-air and air-to-ground modes and a helmet-mounted sight. The cockpit will incorporates two large-screen, multi-function, liquid-crystal displays and HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick).

The aircraft's avionics will be based on MIL-STD 1533 bus. The core of the onboard computer command system will be all Russian and will include a central computer, four target designation systems (radar, TV, IR and helmet-mounted sight) and a head-up display. Although primarily to be armed with Russian weapons, Western weapons may be offered as an option. Integration of Western-made weapons is not expected to present problems, as RSK MiG has amassed experience of a variety of Western weapon systems during development of the Russian-French MiG-AT jet trainer and the mating the Kopyo radar on the MiG-21-93 for the IAF.

Weapons: Due to an integrated weapon selection panel, the MiG-29K can use a wide range of weapons, which includes no less than eight types of air-to-air missiles and 25 air-to-surface weapons. The weapon selection system enables the pilot to fire more than one type of weapon per attack. The aircraft is armed with an internal 30mm GSh-301 gun, with 150 rounds. In the air superiority role, the MiG-29K can be armed with the close-combat R-60MK and the R-73RDM2, the medium-range R-27RE1/TE1 and the beyond-visual-range R-77RVV-AE air-to-air missile. In the air-to-surface role, the AS-20 (air-launched 3M-24E) anti-ship missile can be carried.

Maximum Combat Load: 12,125 lbs.

Self Defence: The electronic warfare (EW) suite will likely consist of the Sirena-3 Radar Warning Receivers, two ECM transponders in the wing strake and chaff/flare dispensers built into the upper surfaces of the main wing. Each dispenser contains flares or chaff cartridges.

Comments: A $740 million contract was signed on 20 January 2004, which will supply the Indian Navy with 16 carrier-based MiG-29K/KUB aircraft (12 single-seat 'K' variants and 4 dual-seat 'KUB' variants). The contract also includes the full hardware for training maintenance and flying personnel, including simulators and interactive ground & sea based training systems. An option to acquire 30 additional aircraft by 2015, is also included in the contract. Delivery of the first aircraft are expected in June 2007 and is expected to commence before the upgrade of the Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov) has been completed and before the vessel is transferred to India.

Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh, FOC-in-C Western Naval Command, stated at a press conference on 13 April 2005 that the MiG-29K will be based at INS Hansa in Goa, when they arrive in 2007. He also stated that the Indian Navy plans to eventually acquire up to 40 MiG-29K aircraft. The Vice Admiral also pegged the price at $32 million per aircraft. Based on this calculation, the $740 million contract signed on 20 January 2004 works out to $46.25 million per aircraft. The additional $14.25 million per aircraft (or $228 million in total) includes the cost of the full hardware for training personnel, simulators and interactive ground & sea based training systems.

An important part of the MiG-29K/KUB program for the Indian Navy is the creation of a modern logistics system. Hence, RSK MiG has been developing such a system, involving aircraft operation with major overhauls, reduced maintenance man-hours, and full use of the infrastructure already existing in India for the servicing and repair of the MiG-29K, their equipment and engines, as well as an automated spares record & supply system.

 

[air marshal]

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum

Role: Multi-role fighter
Builder: Mikoyan-Gurevich
Variants: MiG-29 (Fulcrum-A), MiG-29UB/UBT (Fulcrum-B), MiG-29C (Fulcrum-C), MiG-29K/KVP (Fulcrum-D), MiG-29KUB, MiG-29M/ME/MT (MiG-33), MiG-29N, MiG-29S/SD/SE, MiG-29SMT, MiG-29MRCA/M2
Operators: Russia, Algeria, Angola, Belarus, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Cuba, Czech Republic, Eritrea, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Myanmar, North Korea, Peru, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, USAF (stored), Uzbekistan, Yemen, Yugoslavia

The MiG-29 (NATO reporting name 'Fulcrum&#39 is a single-seat air superiority fighter, developed by Mikoyan Design Bureau, Russia. Although it has little sophisticated avionics and no fly-by-wire flight control system, the MiG-29's agility and maneuverability make it equal to the contemporary Western fighter aircraft, like the American F-16 Falcon and F-15 Eagle. The two powerful RD-33 turbofan engines give the MiG-29 a high thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling vertical climb with acceleration. The MiG-29 was the first fighter to be equipped with dual-mode air intakes. When in the air the large intakes under the fuselage take in the air for the engines. On the ground, these intakes are closed and the much smaller intakes on top of the forward wing take in the air. This reduces the chance of objects to be sucked into the engines, enabling the MiG-29 to operate from unprepared airstrips.

The MiG-29 is equipped with the N-019 (NATO 'Slot Back&#39 radar, enabling the MiG-29 to intercept air targets beyond visual range with R-27 missiles. The forward looking infra red search and track (IRST) sensor provides target aquisation for IR guided missiles, such as the R-60 and R-73 missiles. The helmet mounted target designation reticle, combined with its high turning agility and manoeuvrability, enables the MiG-29 to engage targets with IR guided weapons at close range outside the MiG-29's forward direction.

The MiG-29 was widely exported to nearly 30 countries and is still operated in large numbers. For most East-European countries the MiG-29 remains the most capable aircraft in service. Several MiG-29 upgrade packages are offered to current operators as well as upgraded version to possible new operators. One example of this is the latest MiG-29MRCA which was offered to Austria to compete with the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen.

Specifications:
Powerplant: two 81.40 kN (18,300 lb st) Sarkisov RD-33 afterburning turbofans
Dimensions: length 17.32m (56 ft 10 in); height 4.73m (15 ft 6½ in); wing span 11.36m (37ft 3½ in)
Weights: 'clean' 15.240 kg (33,600 lb); Max Take-Off Weight 18.500 kg (40,785 lb)
Performance: max level speed at high altitude Mach 2.3 or 2.445 km/h (1,520 mph); service ceiling 17,000m (55,775 ft)
Armament: one 30mm Gsh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds; 3000 kg (6,614 lb) of disposable stores including Air-to-Air Missiles (R-60, R-73, R-27), Air-to-Surface Missiles, free-fall or guided bombs, cluster bombs, dispensor weapons, rocket launchers, drop tanks and ECM pods carried on 6 external hardpoints.

 

[Zeeshan S.]

How many Mig-29s are in the service with IAF? Can somebody tell me? thanks.

 

[miroslav]

How many Mig-29s are in the service with IAF? Can somebody tell me? thanks.

As of 15th April 2006.

48 Single Seater and 6 duel seater.

In 2007 12 Single seater MiG-29K and 4 duel seater MiG-26K for the navy are expected.

Miro

 

[Munir]

The mig29 is indeed a nice plane but the IAF has the most outdated version. It lacks everything and certainy range. I agre about the OVT. That plane is superb but do I have to tell you that the only difference between the OVT and the usual mig29 is one button to swith the OVT on and off? The plane is good and impressing but in the arena of TFT screens, highly agile WVR and BVR missiles and stealth it has no advantage of close WVR dogfight. The pilot is surrounded by outdated technology. It takes so much time to achive SA (I hope you do know these words otherwise our communication is worthless) that by then the plane is a dead chicken. And I need to see how it really performs on an aircraftcarrier. You know.. that outdated ship that will stay far from any dangerous area. With so many cruisemissiles, subs and harpoons no one would dare to come close to any shore. And how much can the plane take when stationed on an aircraftcarrier?

 

[Kaiser]

The mig-29 is dubbed as one of the most poorest fighters in history...Its ATA record is one of the worsest in history.The viper would destroy the mig-29 as it has 46 other times

 

[sword9]

In May 1999 Vipers flying CAP over Skardu were BVR missile locked by Mig-29s and were unable to respond in kind. The Vipers were withdrawn and CAPs were later performed by Mirage IIIs only.

But this was against the older A/B series of Vipers, against the later versions of F-16s, the Mig-29 in the IAF sqns are at a disadvantage.

 

[Bull]

The mig-29 is dubbed as one of the most poorest fighters in history...Its ATA record is one of the worsest in history.The viper would destroy the mig-29 as it has 46 other times

But one thing that should be considered is that most of these planes were with pathetic airorces and had recieved any upgrades.

You cannot compare the same with a Mig 29 in a modern force.

 

[melb4aust]

Mig-29 is a good fighter. i personally believe that any fighter who can give tough time in a dog fight to F-16 is Mig-29. One of the best of russian fighters.

 

[Owais]

Mig-29 is a good fighter. i personally believe that any fighter who can give tough time in a dog fight to F-16 is Mig-29. One of the best of russian fighters.

But only in dogfight, because of its TVC engine. but in BVR Combat with F16 Block 50/52, Mig29 looses down due to lack of good avionics.

 

[MOO]

But only in dogfight, because of its TVC engine. but in BVR Combat with F16 Block 50/52, Mig29 looses down due to lack of good avionics.

The Mig-29 Fulcrum today has matured greatly over the past yrs, the M/M2 series are equal in performances of an F16 C/D and that of the Mirage 2000-5 with its more powerful Zhuk-M radar. With the addition of 3-D TVC for the OVT export varient and an option for the Elta 2052 AESA radar, Zhuk-M or a downsize version of the MKI Bars-Mini avionic's suit, the Fulcrums are not likely to be push around imho.

R-77 Bvr missile depending on the model ranges from the 100km and far out as to 150km reach.:bat:


Theres also a model of the R-27 Bvr missile that can reach 200km of range, guided by AWACs or through fighter plane that has the necessary radar to detect aerial targets at such distances, cough* MKI.


Check out my Mig-29 video with TVC doing its amazing Cobra maneuvers:

 

[sword9]

Check out my Mig-29 video with TVC doing its amazing Cobra maneuvers:
[URL="

Nice video. You really are a store house of cool videos.

 

[melb4aust]

That was good video, but the quality wasnt good enough, i do have plenty of videos, infact almost the video of every aircraft, from F-16 to su-30, f-111 to f-22 raptor. But i dono how to post em.

Yes there is huge difference between the today's Mig-29 and its past model.