Russia tests upgraded MiG-29 jets for India

[Lankan Ranger]

Russia tests upgraded MiG-29 jets for India

Russia's MiG corporation Friday carried out the first test fight of a MiG-29 fighter modernized under a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

"On Feb 4, a MiG-29UPG fighter carried out its first test flight. The flight lasted for an hour and was flawless," MiG said in a statement.

The IAF has awarded the MiG corporation a $900 million contract to upgrade all of its 69 operational MiG-29s.

These upgrades include a new avionics kit, with the N-109 radar being replaced by a Phazatron Zhuk-M radar.

The aircraft is also being equipped to enhance beyond-visual-range combat ability and for air-to-air refueling to increase flying time.

In 2007, Russia also gave India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a license to manufacture 120 RD-33 series three turbojet engines for the upgrade.

The first six aircraft are being upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 will be refitted at the HAL facility in India.

Mangalorean.Com- Serving Mangaloreans Around The World!

 

[jack220]

Russia tests upgraded MiG-29 fighter for IAF
Russia's RAC MiG Corporation has carried out the first test flight of an upgraded MiG-29 fighter for the Indian Air Force's $900 million upgrade programme for the fourth generation combat jets.

The maiden test flight of the MiG-29UPG took place at Zhukovski airfield of M M Gromov Flight Research Institute.

RAC "MiG" has successfully performed upgrade of MiG-29 fighter to MiG-29UPG version for the Indian Air Force. The duration of the flight was about 1 hour and has passed without remarks," RAC MiG said in a release e-mailed to PTI.

The flight was performed by Chief of Flight Service, senior test pilot of RAC "MiG", the Hero of Russia Michael Belyaev.
The IAF has awarded the $900 million contract to upgrade all of its 69 operational MiG-29s.

The first six aircraft are being upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 will be refitted by HAL in India.

These upgrades include a new avionics kit, with its older radar being replaced by a Fazatron Zhuk-M radar.
The aircraft is also being equipped to enhance BVR (beyond-visual-range) combat ability and for mid-air refuelling to increase flying time.

Under the project Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) acquired a license in 2007 for the assembly of 120 RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines for the upgraded jets.