Indian Military

The Mikoyan MiG-29K (Russian: Микоян МиГ-29K) is an all-weather carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft developed in Russia. Developed in the late 1980s by the Mikoyan design bureau from the MiG-29M. It was not ordered into production and only two prototypes were originally built as the Russian Navy preferred the Su-27K. The programme was revived in the 1990s to meet an Indian requirement for a ship-borne fighter following the purchase of a former Soviet aircraft Carrier. It was first received by the Indian Navy in 2009. The MiG-29K's NATO’s reporting name is 'Fulcrum-D'.

New MiG-29K

MiG-29K Simulator at MAK 2009

Development

The original MiG-29K project was initiated in the early 1980s when the Soviet Navy developed a requirement for a supersonic carrier based fighter. As a first step to meet this requirement, the MiG OKB designed a "proof of concept" version of the MiG-29 fitted with a stronger undercarriage and a reinforced tail section with an arrestor hook, the MiG-29KVP (Korotkii Vzlet i Posadka - short take off and landing). The KVP first flew on 21 August 1982, and was subject to extensive trials which demonstrated the need for more power and greater wing area. It was decided to base the definitive naval version on the advanced MiG-29M (Product 9.15) that was already under development, further modified with new undercarriage and folding wings of greater area, with the new model designated the MiG-29K (Korabelniy - ship based) or Project 9-31).

The MiG-29Ks first flight was performed on 23 July 1988 at Saky by test pilot T.Aubakirov. On 1 November 1989, in the same day as the Sukhoi Su-27K, Aubakirov executed the first landing of MiG-29K on the Tbilisi deck (now Admiral Kuznetsov). Then the first take-off of the MiG-29K from the carrier's deck was successfully performed. From 1989–1991 the MiG-29K underwent further tests aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying cruiser. The MiG-29K differed considerably from the MiG-29 production model, featuring a new multi-function radar, dubbed Zhuk; a cockpit 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. To protect the engine from FOD, the engine inlets were fitted with retractable grills which replaced the more complex arrangement of land based MiG-29s.

A $740 million contract was signed on 20 January 2004, which will supply the Indian Navy with 16 MiG-29 aircraft (12 single-seat 'K' variants and 4 dual-seat 'KUB' variants). The contract also includes the full hardware for training maintenance & flying personnel, including simulators and interactive ground & sea based training systems. An option to acquire 30 additional aircraft by 2015, was also included in the contract. Reportedly in 2008, the Indian Navy exercised the option to purchase the 30 additional aircraft, which will include 4 dual-seat 'KUB' trainers. When all deliveries are completed, 38 single seat fighters and 8 dual seat trainers will have been inducted. Mikhail A Pogosyan, who serves as the head of Mikoyan, stated at Aero India '09 that the first four aircraft will be delivered in 2009 and delivery of the remaining aircraft will be completed by 2010. Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh, at a press conference on 13 April 2005, pegged the price of each aircraft at $32 million. Based on this calculation, the $740 million contract 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 Indian Navy MiG-29 program, 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/KUB, their equipment and engines, as well as an automated spares record & supply system. The maintenance plan during operations on a 'technical condition' basis, includes scheduled maintenance every 300 flight hours and technical condition checks every 1000 hours or every ten years; in other words the MiG-29K/KUB will have only three major checks during its lifetime. A switch to the technical condition' maintenance system cuts operating costs per flight hour by nearly 40%. A special warehouse for spares stocking is to be built in India for supporting these aircraft. This will reduce spares delivery time to maintenance personnel at the units, at a maximum of 72 hours, thus ensuring a fleet serviceability rate of 80 - 90%.

Rheinmetall Defence Electronics of Germany reported, on 15 March 2005, that they will be supplying the Indian Navy with a full-mission simulator for the MiG-29K/KUB fighter aircraft. The simulator was reportedly delivered to the Indian Navy in 2008 and has been commissioned at Dabolim, Goa. Dabolim is home to INS Hansa, the future land base for the MiG-29K/KUB fighter aircraft. It was reported in The Hindu that Indian Naval pilots have just commenced flight training, as the theory training was recently concluded. The intensive training takes place over six months in Russia, which began in October 2008. Once their training in Russia has been completed, the pilots will return to India and continue further training at the Shore-Based Test Facility (SBTF), that has been constructed with Russian help, at INS Hansa.

Revival

The MiG-29K program was revived in response to the decision of the Indian Navy to acquire the former Soviet Navy aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov. This called for the provision of the ship with a multi-role carrier-based arrested-landing fighter of the MiG-29K's size. The ship's combat group is likely to 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.

On 20 January 2004, it was announced that India and Russia had signed a $1.6 billion deal finalizing the sale of Admiral Gorshkov to India. According to the deal, half of the money would spent at the Northern machine-building factory in Severodvinsk, to refurbish the carrier with the other half being spent on MiG-29K fighter jets and anti-submarine helicopters. When the ship was part of the Soviet fleet, it was a 'hybrid' carrier/cruiser using vertical take-off aircraft. Now it will use MiG-29Ks, and the deck must be refurbished to accommodate the installation of a landing strip and a catapult. The rest of the money would go the acquisition of 16 MiG-29K fighter jets, and up to 10 helicopters that can fit onto the ship. The MiG-29K might also be chosen to equip medium carriers that India intends to develop and build locally.

Modification was made for Indian Navy requirement; now standard for all current production, 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. Current production MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB also share a full-sized two-seater style canopy. 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 three (seven 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.

The first MiG-29KUB developed for the Indian Navy made its maiden flight at the Russian Zhukovsky aircraft test centre on 22 January 2007.

Design Features

The 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 maximize use of space on the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov). The aircraft is based on the original MiG-29K airframe, but without the high-cost welded aluminium lithium fuel tanks and forward fuselage. The MiG-29K's fuel tanks are situated in the dorsal spine fairing and wing leading-edge root extensions. This reportedly gives the aircraft a 50% increase over the land-based MiG-29. Flight range can also be increased by in-flight refueling capability. With a 25-year design life, the 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.

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. Reportedly the radar reflecting surface of the MiG-29K is 4 to 5 times smaller than that of the standard MiG-29. 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 escape system will ensure that he is ejected clear of the ship. The export 'MiG-29K' 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 'MiG-29K' will be retained.

The dual-seat 'KUB' trainer has nearly identical (90% commonality) aerodynamic characteristics to the single-seat, export 'MiG-29K' 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 (nearly 100% commonality). The trainer variant differs from the fighter variant only in having an additional fuel tank occupying the rear-seat cockpit. Both aircraft have an in-flight refueling capability, having a retractable refueling 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.

These aircraft will be capable of day/night, all-weather, year-round operation in any climate, including tropics with ambient temperatures up to +35°C (+95°F) and air humidity up to 100%. The aircraft will be able to operate singly or in groups in the face of enemy fighter opposition and in an ECM environment, operating from CTOL carriers equipped with a ski jump or from shore bases. The take-off run on a carrier deck equipped with a bow ski jump is estimated as 125 - 195 meters (410 - 640 feet). With these aircraft operating in a salty sea environment, RSK MiG has adopted special corrosion protection measures for the airframe, avionics equipment and the RD-33MK turbofans. Radar-absorbing material (RAM) coatings will reduce the fighter's RCS by a factor of 4 to 5 as compared to the 'basic' MiG-29. Both variants feature a fully retractable L-shaped IFR probe on the port side of the nose in line with the cockpit windshield. Both variants have had their forward air intake blocker doors and spring-loaded dorsal doors - for FOD prevention - installed further down­stream. This frees up internal space inside the LERXes, allowing it to be used for additional fuel.

The MiG-29K multirole carrier-based fighter is designed to provide air cover to the ship grouping, gain air superiority and destroy sea surface and ground targets with guided high-precision weapons, day and night, in any weather. The aircraft is optimized for deployment on carriers of medium water displacement. The MiG-29KUB two-seat carrier-based fighter is intended for pilot training as well as fulfillment of combat missions identical to those of the MiG-29K single-seat fighter. MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB are equipped with in-flight refueling system and also can be used to perform aerial refueling if they are furnished with UPAZ refueling unit.

Radar

The Phazotron-NIIR Corporation's Zhuk-ME is an advanced variant of the original N010 Zhuk radar introducing advanced air to surface functions like mapping and terrain following. The radar forms part of the MiG-29K specific equipment. The radar features improved signal processing and has a range of 150 km in detection mode and 130 km in tracking mode, against a target with a RCS (Radar Cross Section) of five square meters for the export variant, and up to 10 targets tracked and up to 4 attacked at once in air to air mode. The tracking range is 0.83 - 0.85 of the detection range. In air to surface mode the radar can detect a tank from up to 25 km away and a bridge from 120 km away, a naval destroyer could be detected up to 300 km away and up to two surface targets can be tracked at once. The radar has a weight of 220 kg and a scanning area of +/- 85 degrees in azimuth and +56/-40 in elevation. The antenna is an electronically scanned slotted planar array and has a diameter of 624 mm.

Avionics

The radar will have functions for operations in air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, using Thales' TopSight E helmet-mounted targeting system. Both variants will incorporate a ShKAl wide-angle monochrome HUD (Head-Up Display) and the 'K' variant will feature three MFI-10-7 high-performance liquid-crystal multi-function displays, while the 'KUB' variant will have seven such displays. The ShKAl HUD offers a 26° field of view, which allows the pilot to keep an eye on a much wider sector of airspace and use his weapons more effectively in that sector. The 6" x 8" liquid-crystal display has a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels and can illustrate a digital terrain map & tactical situation data (information about aerial and ground/surface targets), thus enabling the pilot to maintain situational awareness.

The aircraft's nervous system comprises four multiplex databuses, which considerably speeds up communication between the miscellaneous electronic systems and increases its reliability. The more efficient data exchange system facilitates the integration of add-ons, should the need arise and the additional avionics can be connected to any of the four databuses, which creates numerous upgrade possibilities. The data transmission rate also conforms to the toughest existing standard (fibre channel). Although copper wires are still used as of now, fiber-optic cables will be incorporated later on. Both variants will feature a secure data link system enabling concerted action by a group of fighters. Due to the importance and complexity of the missions which the fighter will have to fulfill, the data link system will have set channels with a high data transmission rate making use of the latest type of interface. This avionics architecture is unique among today's fighters, rendering the aircraft extremely adaptable and upgradeable.

The aircraft's avionics will be based on MIL-STD 1533 bus. 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. The aircraft will also feature Sagem's Sigma-95 INS cum GPS receiver navigation system. Indian industry will supply the following equipment;

• A radio altimeter.
• An ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) set developed jointly with Russian avionics houses.
• An active ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) pod carried on the #8 hard point under the starboard wing.
• A UHF (ultra-high frequency) radio, which is also fitted to the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI air dominance fighter.
• Two short-range radio navigation systems (for tactical area navigation and approach/landing) manufactured under licence from

Powerplant

The two 1980s prototypes were each fitted with two RD-33K turbofan engine with afterburner thrust of 86.3 kN (19,400 lb) and a possible take-off thrust of 92.2 kN (20,723 lbf) for shipborne operations.

The MiG-29K has two widely spaced RD-33MK "Morskaya Osa" (Russian: Морская Оса: "Sea Wasp") which is the latest model of the family. Developed in 2001, it is intended to power the MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB shipborne fighters, however it is has also been adopted for the MiG-35. The new engine features a 7% higher power in comparison to the baseline model due to the usage of modern materials on the cooled blades. It retains the length and maximum diameter while increasing afterburner thrust to 9,000 kgf and dry weight to 1,145 kg. It also contains systems that reduce its infrared and optical visibility. Service life has been increased to 4,000 hours. New modifications ensure shipborne fighters to take off from aircraft carrier deck unassisted, retain performance in hot climate environment and of course, a boost in combat efficiency of the latest variant of MiG-29 fighter family.

Armament

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 aircraft features eight under wing, weapons hardpoints plus a centerline hardpoint which can likewise be used for carrying bombs. The two inboard pylons under each wing can be fitted with tandem bomb racks, which effectively increases the number of hardpoints to thirteen. The weapon selection system enables the pilot to fire more than one type of weapon per attack. The aircraft is fitted with a 30mm Gryazev/Shipunov GSh-301 (TKB-687/9A4071K) single barrel gun, with 150 AO-18 rounds.

In the air superiority role, the aircraft can be armed with the close-combat R-73E and the beyond-visual-range R-77RVV-AE air-to-air missiles. In the sea-denial role, the AS-20 and the Kh-31A anti-ship missiles can be carried. In the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) role, the passive radar homing Kh-31P missile can be carried. Pinpoint strikes against ground targets are made possible by the Kh-29T TV-guided missile and the KAB-500KR TV-guided HE bomb or the KAB-500OD fuel-air bomb. The unguided weapons to be used include ordinary & cluster bombs of up to 500 kg (1102 lb) calibre (up to eleven FAB-500 HE bombs can be carried) and 240mm S-24B heavy unguided rockets (up to six).

ECM and Defenses

The Russian-made IRCM (Infra-Red Counter Measures) system comprises two 16-round flare dispensers located on the sides of the engine nacelles, below the fins and fire downwards. The calibre of the flares has been increased to 50mm, which increases their burn time & heat signature and thus offering greater protection against heat-seeking missiles. The electronic warfare (EW) suite consists of the indigenous Tarang RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) and Elta's EL/L-8222 ECM pod. A pair of ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) transponders, in the wing strake, are built into the upper surfaces of the main wing.

Variants

MiG-29K

Single seat variant.

MiG-29KUB

Tandem two-seat operational trainer variant.

Operators

Russia

• Russian Navy-Russian Naval Aviation - Under evaluation.

India

• Indian Navy - Naval Air Arm

Specifications

Data from Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG data, Gordon and Davidson,

General characteristics

• Crew: One
• Length: 17.3 m (57.76 ft)
• Wingspan: 11.99 m (39.34 ft)
• Height: 4.40 m (14.44 ft)
• Wing area: 43 m² (462 ft²)
• Loaded weight: 18,550 kg (40,900 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 24,500 kg (54,000 lb)
• Powerplant: 2× Klimov RD-33MK afterburning turbofans, 9,000 kgf (88.2 kN, 19,800 lbf) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2+ (2,200 km/h, 1,370 mph) At low altitude: 1,400 km/h, 870 mph
• Combat radius: 850 km (528 mi)
• Ferry range: 3000 km (1,860 mi) with 3 drop tanks
• Service ceiling: 17,500 m (57,400 ft)
• Rate of climb: initial 330 m/s, average 109 m/s 0-6000 m (65,000 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 442 kg/m² (90.5 lb/ft²)
• Thrust/weight: 0.97

Armament

• 1x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 100 rounds
• 8 stations for up to 5,500 kg (12,125 lb)[19] of weapons including eight air-to-air missiles — a mix of semi-active radar homing (SARH) and AA-8 "Aphid", AA-10 "Alamo", AA-11 "Archer", AA-12 "Adder", FAB 500-M62, FAB-1000, TN-100, ECM Pods, S-24, AS-12, AS-14, Kh-31P, AS-20, Kh-31A.

MiG-29
A Hungarian Air Force MiG-29UB at Koksijde Airshow in 2005
Role	Air-superiority fighter, multirole fighter
National origin	Soviet Union Russia
Manufacturer	Mikoyan
First flight	6 October 1977
Introduced	August 1983
Status	Active service
Primary users	Russian Air Force Ukrainian Air Force Indian Air Force
Produced	1982–present
Number built	1,600+
Unit cost	US$29 million
Variants	Mikoyan MiG-29M Mikoyan MiG-29K Mikoyan MiG-35

The Mikoyan MiG-29 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-29; NATO reporting name: Fulcrum) is a 4th-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it indientered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other nations. The NATO name "Fulcrum" was unofficially used by Soviet pilots in service. The MiG-29 along with the Su-27 were developed to counter new American fighters such as the F-15 Eagle, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Development

In 1969 the Soviet Union learned of the U.S. Air Force's "F-X" 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 existing Soviet fighters. 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, literally "Perspective Frontline Fighter", roughly "Advanced 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 the Russian aerodynamics institute TsAGI in collaboration with the Sukhoi design bureau.

However, in 1971 Soviet studies determined the need for different types of fighters. So the PFI program was supplemented with the LPFI (Perspektivnyy Lyogkiy Frontovoy Istrebitel, or "Advanced Lightweight Tactical Fighter") program. The Soviet fighter force was planned to be approximately 33% PFI and 67% LPFI. PFI and LPFI paralleled the contemporary USAF decision that led to the "Lightweight Fighter" program and the F-16 Fighting Falcon and YF-17 Cobra. The PFI fighter was assigned to Sukhoi, resulting in the Sukhoi Su-27, while the lightweight fighter went to Mikoyan. Detailed design work on the resultant Mikoyan Product 9, designated MiG-29A, began in 1974, with the first flight taking place on 6 October 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 and powered by afterburning Tumansky R-25 turbojets.

MiG-29 fighter parked on the ramp after a demonstration flight at the Abbotsford Air Show, 1989.

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 LPFI became more apparent as the MiG-29 filtered into front line service with the Soviet Air Forces (Russian: Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily [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.

MiG-29UB trainer

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.

Improved versions

In the 1980s, Mikoyan developed the improved MiG-29S to use longer range R-27E and R-77 air-to-air missiles. It added a dorsal 'hump' to the upper fuselage to house a jamming system and some additional fuel capacity. The weapons load was increased to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) with airframe strengthening. These features were included in new-built fighters and upgrades to older MiG-29s.

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 influenced by the Mikoyan bureau's apparent lesser political clout than rival Sukhoi. Some more advanced versions are still being pursued for export, and updates of existing Russian aircraft are likely. New fighter versions called MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29SMT have been developed. Furthermore, development of the MiG-29K carrier version has been resumed for the Indian Navy's INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier.

The Soviet Union did not assign official names to most of its aircraft, although nicknames were common. Unusually, some Soviet pilots found the MiG-29’s NATO reporting name, 'Fulcrum', to be a flattering description of the aircraft’s intended purpose, and it is sometimes unofficially used in Russian service.

Design

Features

MiG-29UB of Swifts aerobatic team

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. At the time of its deployment, it was the first Soviet and perhaps the world's first jet fighter in service capable of executing the Pugachev Cobra maneuver.

The MiG-29 has hydraulic controls and a SAU-451 three-axis autopilot but, unlike the Su-27, no 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 in close combat almost every time using its highly practical infra-red search and track (IRST) sensor and helmet-mounted display, together with the Vympel R-73 (NATO: AA-11 'Archer') missile

Powerplant

Klimov RD-33 turbofan engine

The MiG-29 has two widely spaced Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines, each rated at 50.0 kN (11,240 lb) dry and 81.3 kN (18,277 lb) 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 leading-edge extensions (LERXs), which have variable ramps to allow high-Mach speeds. As an adaptation to rough-field operations, the main air inlet can be closed completely and alter using the auxiliary air inlet on the upper fuselage for takeoff, landing and low-altitude flying, preventing ingestion of ground debris (foreign object damage [FOD]). Thereby the engines receive air through louvers on the LERXs which open automatically when intakes are closed. However the latest variant of the family, the MiG-35, eliminated these dorsal louvers, and adopted the mesh screens design in the main intakes, similar to those fitted to the Su-27.

Range and fuel system

MiG-29 with drop tanks receiving fuel transferred from an Il-76 tanker

The internal fuel capacity of the original MiG-29B is only 4,365 litres distributed between six internal 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-litre (330 Imp gal, 395 US gal) centreline drop tank and, on later production batches, two 1,150-litre (253 Imp gal, 300 US gal) underwing drop tanks. In addition, a small number 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

MiG-29 cockpit, 1995

The cockpit features a conventional centre stick and left hand throttle controls. The pilot sits in 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 display, 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 fire control system (FCS) which includes the N019 (Sapfir 29; NATO: 'Slot Back') look-down/shoot-down coherent pulse-Doppler radar and the Ts100.02-02 digital computer. Tracking range against a fighter-sized target was only about 70 km (38 nmi) in the frontal aspect and 35 km (19 nmi) 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 homing (SARH). The signal processor had trouble with ground clutter, reducing ranges in the look-down mode. The radar was also susceptible to jamming. These problems meant the MiG-29 was not able to reliably utilize the new Vympel R-27R (NATO: AA-10 "Alamo") long-range SARH missile at its maximum ranges.

MiG-29 nose showing radome and IRST

These performance deficiencies stemmed largely from the fact the N019 radar was not, in fact, a new design. Instead, the system was a further development of the architecture already used in Phazotron's Sapfir-23ML system, then in use on the MiG-23ML. During the initial MiG-29 design specification period in the mid-1970s, Phazotron NIIR was tasked with producing a modern radar for the MiG-29. To speed development, Phazotron based its new design on the work undertaken by NPO Istok on the experimental "Soyuz" radar program. Accordingly, the N019 was originally intended to have a flat planar array antenna and full digital signal processing, giving a detection and tracking range of at least 100 km against a fighter-sized target. Given the state of Soviet avionics technology at the time, it was an ambitious goal. Testing and prototypes soon revealed this could not be attained in the required timeframe, at least not in a radar that would fit in the MiG-29's nose. Rather than design a completely new, albeit more modest radar, Phazotron reverted to a version of the twisted-polarization Cassegrain antenna used successfully on the Sapfir-23ML to save time and cost. This system used the same analog signal processors as their earlier designs, coupled with a NII Argon-designed Ts100 digital computer. While this decision provided a working radar system for the new fighter, it inherited all of the weak points of the earlier design. This reliance on 1960s-era technology continued to plague the MiG-29's ability to detect and track airborne targets at ranges available with the R-27 and R-77 missiles, although new designs like the digital N010 Zhuk-M address the serious signal processing shortcomings inherent in the analog design. Most MiG-29 continue to use the analog N019 or N019M radar, although VVS has indicated its desire to upgrade all existing MiG-29s to a fully digital system.

MiG-29UB on display, showing gunport

The N019 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, VVS was reportedly still not satisfied with the performance of the system and demanded another upgrade. The latest upgraded aircraft offered the N010 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: AA-12 'Adder'). 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

A Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 with armaments laid out

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-litre (300 US gal) fuel tank, one Vympel 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-litre (400 US gal) 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.

Operational history

The Soviet Union exported MiG-29s to several countries. Because 4th-generation fighter jets require the pilots to have extensive training, air-defense infrastructure, and constant maintenance and upgrade, MiG-29s have had mixed operational history with different air forces. For example, while the MiG-29s have an excellent operational history under the Indian Air Force which has invested heavily in the aircraft, it does not have a good track record while serving the air forces of other countries like Iraq, Eritrea and Yugoslavia.

Soviet Union and Russia

MiG-29UB at the 1988 Farnborough Airshow

The MiG-29 was first publicly seen in the West when the Soviet Union displayed the aircraft in Finland in July 1986. Two MiG-29s were also displayed at the Farnborough Airshow in Britain in September 1988. The following year, the aircraft conducted flying displays at the 1989 Paris Air Show where it was involved in a non-fatal crash during the first weekend of the show. The Paris Air Show display was only the second display of Soviet fighters at an international air show since the 1930s. Western observers were impressed by its apparent capability and exceptional agility. Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, most of the MiG-29s entered service with the newly formed Russian Air Force.

In 1993 two MiG-29s of the Russian Air Force collided in mid-air and crashed away from the public at the 1993 Royal International Air Tattoo. No one was hurt on the ground. The two pilots ejected and landed safely. Investigators later determined that a pilot error was the cause, after one pilot did a reverse loop and disappeared into the clouds, the other one lost sight of his wingman and aborted the routine.

On 20 April 2008, Georgian officials claimed a Russian MiG-29 shot down a Georgian Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicle and provided video footage from the ill-fated drone showing an apparent MiG-29 launching an air-to-air missile at it. Russia denies that the aircraft was theirs and says they did not have any pilots in the air that day. Abkhazia’s administration claimed its own forces shot down the drone with an L-39 aircraft "because it was violating Abkhaz airspace and breaching ceasefire agreements." UN investigation concluded that the video was authentic and that the drone was shot down by a Russian MiG-29 or Su-27 using a R-73 heat seeking missile. MiG-29s also performed close air support mission in the Russian support of Abkhaz and South Ossetia in the summer of 2008 during Georgian invasion.

The Russian Air Force grounded all its MiG-29s following a crash in Siberia on 17 October 2008. Following a second crash with an MiG-29 in east Siberia in December 2008, Russian officials admitted that most MiG-29 fighters in the Russian Air Force were incapable of performing combat duties due to poor maintenance. The age of the aircraft was also an important factor as about 70% of the MiGs were considered to be too old to take to the skies. The Russian MiG-29s have not received updates since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This is because the Russian Air Force chose to upgrade the Su-27 and MiG-31 instead. On 4 February 2009, the Russian Air Force resumed flights with the MiG-29. However, in March 2009, 91 MiG-29s of the Russian Air Force required repair after inspections due to corrosion; approximately 100 MiGs were cleared to continue flying at the time. The Russian Air Force has now started an update of its early MiG-29s to the more current MiG-29SMT standard and have bought 23 new MiG-29SMTs.

India

MiG-29K in service with the Indian Navy

India was the first international customer of the MiG-29. The Indian Air Force (IAF) placed an order for more than 50 MiG-29s in 1980 while the aircraft was still in its initial development phase. Since its induction into the IAF in 1985, the aircraft has undergone a series of modifications with the addition of new avionics, sub-systems, turbofan engines and radars. The upgraded Indian version is known as Baaz (Hindi for Hawk) and forms a crucial component of the second-line offensive aircraft-fleet of the IAF after the Sukhoi Su-30MKI.

The MiG-29’s good operational record prompted India to sign a deal with Russia in 2005—2006 to upgrade all of its MiG-29s for US$888 million. Under the deal, the Indian MiGs were modified to be capable of deploying the R-77RVV-AE (AA-12 'Adder') air-to-air missile, also known as the Amraamski. The missiles had been successfully tested in October 1998 and were integrated into IAF's MiG-29s. IAF has also awarded the MiG Corporation another US$900 million contract to upgrade all of its 69 operational MiG-29s. These 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 to enhance beyond-visual-range combat ability and for air-to-air refuelling to increase endurance. In 2007, Russia also gave India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a licence to manufacture 120 RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines for the upgrade. The upgrade will also include a new weapon control system, cockpit ergonomics, air-to-air missiles, high-accuracy air-to-ground missiles and "smart" aerial bombs. The first six MiG-29s will be upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 MiGs will be upgraded at the HAL facility in India. India also awarded a multi-million dollar contract to Israel Aircraft Industries to provide avionics and subsystems for the upgrade.

In January 2004, the Indian Navy signed a contract for the delivery of 12 MiG-29K and 4 MiG-29KUB which will be operated from INS Vikramaditya. The first MiG-29KUB manufactured for the Navy took to the skies in May 2008. The first four aircraft were delivered to India in February 2009.

In March 2009, the Indian Air Force expressed concern after 90 MiG-29s were grounded in Russia. After carrying out an extensive inspection, the IAF cleared all MiG-29s in its fleet in March 2009. In a disclosure in Parliament, Defence Minister A. K. Antony said the MiG-29 is structurally flawed in that it has a tendency to develop cracks due to corrosion in the tail fin. Russia has shared this finding with India, which emerged after the crash of a Russian Air Force MiG-29 in December 2008. "A repair scheme and preventive measures are in place and IAF has not encountered major problems concerning the issue," Antony said. Despite concerns of Russia's grounding, India sent the first six of its 78 MiG-29s to Russia for upgrades in 2008. The upgrade program will fit the MiGs with a phased array radar (PESA) and in-flight re-fuelling capability. In January 2010, India and Russia signed a US$1.2 billion deal under which the Indian Navy would acquire 29 additional MiG-29Ks, bringing the total number of MiG-29Ks on order to 45. The MiG-29K entered service with the Indian Navy on 19 February 2010.

Kargil conflict

Indian MiG-29s were used extensively during the 1999 Kargil War in Kashmir by the Indian Air Force to provide fighter escort for Mirage 2000, which were attacking targets with laser-guided bombs. According to Indian sources, MiG-29s from the IAF's No. 47 squadron (Black Archers) gained missile lock on two F-16s of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) which were patrolling close to the border to prevent any incursions by Indian aircraft, but did not engage them because no official declaration of war had been issued. The Indian MiG-29s were armed with beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles whereas the Pakistani F-16s were not.

Yugoslavia and Serbia

A Yugoslav MiG-29

The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was the first European country after the Soviet Union to operate the MiG-29. The SFR Yugoslav Air Force ordered 14 MiG-29s and two MiG-29UBs from the USSR in 1987. MiG-29s were put into service with the 127 Lovacka Avijacijska Eskadrila (127. LAE, Fighter Aviation Squadron), known as Vitezovi (Knights), part of the 204. Lovacki Avijacijski Puk (204. LAP, Fighter Aviation Regiment) based at Batajnica Air Base, north of Belgrade, in what is today the Republic of Serbia. The aircraft was designated L-18 (L for Lovac, fighter), or NL-18 ('Nastavni Lovac, trainer fighter) for the "UB" version.

Serial numbers of MiG-29 fighters in YuAF:

• MiG-29 (9.12A): 18101-18114
• MiG-29UB: 18301-18302

A total of 16 aircraft remained, since SFR Yugoslavia was in process of developing its own supersonic fighter aircraft, designated Novi Avion. The Yugoslav MiG-29s saw little combat during the war in former Yugoslavia, and were used primarily for ground attacks. Several Antonov An-2 cargo aircraft used by Croatia were destroyed on the ground in Čepin airfield near Osijek, Croatia in 1991 by a MiG-29. Several MiG-21 aircraft were brought down by Croatian forces, but no MiG-29s were lost during the fighting in 1991—1995.

Kosovo Conflict

The MiG-29s continued their service in the subsequent Federal Republic of Yugoslav Air Force and eventually in Serbian Air Force. During the long arms embargo placed upon the country, the condition of the MiGs worsened. Before Operation Allied Force began in 1999, Yugoslav MiGs were over 10 years old, and deprived of spare parts. Some were totally "stripped" for their spare parts, to get other aircraft in operational condition. In March 1999, Yugoslav Air Force Command had 11 MiG-29s considered operational.

A total of 6 MiG-29s were shot down, of which 4 MiG-29s were shot down by USAF F-15C, 1 by USAF F-16CJ or friendly fire SAM, and one by Dutch F-16AM. Others were destroyed on the ground and one crash-landed and was later destroyed, as it was placed as a decoy.

Aftermath of conflict

Serbian Air Force MiG-29 at Batajnica Air Base

The unit continued flying its remaining five MiG-29s (at a very low rate) after the war, even if it had to replace the losses by MiG-21s evacuated from Pristina after the war. In spring 2004, however, news appeared that what was then the Air Force of Serbia and Montenegro ceased MiG-29 operations, because the aircraft could not be maintained. In 2007, all five MiG-29 were sent to Russia to be refurbished, upgraded and put back to service.

Currently, MiG-29s have resumed their service in the Serbian Air Force, in the 101st squadron, part of the 204th Air Base. The first MiG-29 became operational on February 2008, a second MiG-29 by March of that year, and a third by May. Another two became operational by the summer of 2008. The first public appearance of the overhauled MiG's was on 15 February, the Statehood Day. The aircraft was flown by Colonel Nebojša Đukanović, Chief of the Air Force and the Air Defense HQ. The second MiG-29 that is back in service is used for the training of MiG-29 pilots. Aircraft 18101, flown again by General Nebojša Đukanović appeared for first time with new low-visibility camouflage and markings. The third and fourth overhauled aircraft, together with the first two, flew over Belgrade on 12 September 2008. One MiG-29 crashed near Batajnica on 7 July 2009, killing the pilot and one soldier on ground.

Germany

Luftwaffe MiG-29G over Gulf of Mexico.

The German Democratic Republic (also known as East Germany) bought 24 MiG-29s (20 MiG-29As, four MiG-29UBs), 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 aircraft of the East German Luftstreitkräfte der NVA were integrated into the West 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.

A Luftwaffe MiG-29

The Federation of American Scientists claims the MiG-29 is equal or better than the F-15C in some areas such as short aerial engagements because of the Helmet Mounted Weapons Sight (HMS) and better maneuverability at slow speeds. This was demonstrated when MiG-29s of the Luftwaffe participated in joint DACT exercises with U.S. fighters. The HMS was a great help, allowing the Germans to achieve a lock on any target the pilot could see within the missile field of view, including those almost 45 degrees off boresight. 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. It was not until late 2003 that the USAF and US Navy achieved Initial Operational Capability of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System.

Since 1993 the German 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 item. The last aircraft were transferred in August 2004. The 23rd MiG-29 ("29+03") was put on display at Laage.

Poland

Polish MiG-29A

The first 12 MiG-29 (nine MiG-29As, three MiG-29UB) were delivered to Poland in 1989-1990. The aircraft were based at Mińsk Mazowiecki and used by the 1st Fighter Aviation Regiment, which was reorganized in 2001 as 1 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (1. elt), or 1st Tactical Squadron (TS). In 1995, 10 used examples were acquired from the Czech Republic (nine MiG-29As, one MiG-29UB). After the retirement of its MiG-21s and -23s in 2003, Poland was left for a time with only these 22 MiG-29s in the interceptor role.

In 2004 Poland received 22 ex-Luftwaffe MiG-29s. A total of 14 of these were overhauled and taken into service, equipping the 41st Tactical Squadron (41. elt) and replacing its MiG-21s. At present Poland has 32 active MiG-29s (26 MiG-29As, six MiG-29UB) which will serve at least until 2012—2015. They are currently stationed with the 1st Tactical Squadron at the 23rd Air Base near Mińsk Mazowiecki and the 41st TS at the 22nd Air Base near Malbork. As of 2008, Poland is the biggest NATO MiG-29 user. The possibility of modernising the fighters to enable them to serve until 2020–2025 is being contemplated, depending on whether cooperation with Mikoyan can be established.

From 2007, MiGs are supported by Block 52+ F-16s from 3rd TS (replacing MiG-21) and 6th TS (replacing Su-22), from 2008 F-16s will also be used in 10th TS (replacing MiG-21).

There have been unconfirmed reports that Poland had at one point leased a MiG-29 from their own inventory to Israel for evaluation and the aircraft has since been returned to Poland, as suggested by photographs of a MiG-29 in Israeli use.

United States

A Polish MiG-29 in company with a USAF F-16.

In 1997, the United States purchased 21 Moldovan aircraft under the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction programme. Fourteen were MiG-29Ss, which are equipped with an active radar jammer in its spine and are capable of being armed with nuclear weapons. Part of the United States’ motive to purchase these aircraft was to prevent them from being sold to "rogue states", especially Iran. This purchase could also provide the United States Air Force with a working evaluation and data for the MiG-29. Such information may prove valuable in any future conflicts and can aid in the design and testing of current and future weapons platforms. In late 1997, the MiGs were delivered to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, though many of the former Moldovan MiG-29s are believed to have been scrapped.

Other countries

MiG-29s saw combat in the 1991 Persian Gulf War at the hands of Iraqi pilots. According to the USAF, five MiG-29s were shot down, all by USAF F-15s. Eight MiG-29 pilots managed to flee to Iran where their aircraft now serve in the Iranian Air Force, which now buys MiG-29s from Russia as well.

A Cuban MiG-29UB shot down two Cessna 337s belonging to the organisation Brothers to the Rescue in 1996, after the aircraft approached Cuban airspace.

A MiG-29A of the Slovak Air Force

According to some reports, in the 1999 Eritrean-Ethiopian War, a few Eritrean MiG-29s were shot down by Ethiopian Su-27s piloted by Russian mercenaries. There are also some other reports of Eritrean MiG-29s shooting down two Ethiopian MiG-21s and three MiG-23s.

There are reports that on 14 September 2001 two Syrian Air Force MiG-29s were shot down by two IDF/AF F-15C while the MiGs were intercepting an Israeli reconnaissance aircraft off the coast of Lebanon. However, both Syria and Israel deny that this occurred.

There have been occasional claims regarding the use of Sudanese Air Force MiG-29s against insurgent forces in Darfur. However, whereas Mi-24 'Hind' combat helicopters as well as A-5 'Fantan' or, more recently, Su-25 'Frogfoot' ground-attack planes have been spotted and photographed on Darfurian air fields, no MiG-29s have been observed. On 10 May 2008, a Darfur rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) mounted an assault on the Sudanese capital. The JEM claims to have shot down during this action a Sudanese Air Force MiG-29 with 12.7 mm and 14.5 mm heavy machine gun fire while it was attacking a convoy of vehicles in the Khartoum suburb of Omdurman. The aircraft was supposed to be piloted by a Russian mercenary. He was claimed to have been killed in action as his parachute did not open after ejecting. The Sudanese Government has denied the loss.

Civilian flights

The MiG-29 is available for flights of civilian passengers. Civilian flights started due to financial problems on Gromov Flight Research Institute in the Russian city Zhukovsky. Those flights in Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25, MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 stopped in July 2006, when civilian flights in MiG-29 and Mikoyan MiG-31 started from Nizhny Novgorod.

Variants

There are currently several upgrade programmes conducted by the Russian Air Force for MiG-29 fighters which envisage: upgrading of the avionics suite to comply with NATO / ICAO (www.icao.int) standards, extension of the aircraft service life to 4,000 flight hours (40 years), upgrading combat capabilities and reliability, safety enhancements. In 2005 the Russian Aircraft Corporation “MiG” started production of new unified family of multi-role fighters of the 4++ generation (aircraft-carrier based MiG-29K, front-line MiG-29M and MiG-35 fighters).

Romanian Air Force MiG-29 "Fulcrum-A". The Romanian air force has withdrawn its MiG-29s from service.

MiG-29 (Product 9.12)

Initial production version; entered service in 1983. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-A".

MiG-29B-12 (Product 9.12A)

Downgraded export version for non-Warsaw Pact nations. Lacked a nuclear weapon delivery system and possessed downgraded radar, ECM and IFF. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-A".

MiG-29UB-12 (Product 9.51)

Twin seat training model. Infra-red sensor mounted only, no radar. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-B".

MiG-29S

The MiG-29S is similar in external appearance to older MiG-29B airframes, except for the doral hump behind the cockpit canopy. 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's dorsal hump, earning it the nickname "Fatback" in service, 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.

The MiG-29S can carry 1,150 liter (304 US gallon, 2,000 lb) drop tanks under each wing and a 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). The GSh-30-1 cannon had its expended round ejector port modified to allow for firing while the centerline tank is still attached. Improvements also allow for new longer-range air-to-air missiles like the R-27E (AA-10 "Alamo") and R-77 (AA-12 "Adder").

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 N019M 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 10 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 "Super Fulcrum".

Flight performance of the MiG-29S is but slightly reduced due to the additional weight of the additional fuel and avionics. Only 48 MiG-29S new-built 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. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-C'.

MiG-29S-13 (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. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-C'.

MiG-29S-13 (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). NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-C'.

MiG-29SM (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. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-C'.

MiG-29KUB

MiG-29K (Product 9.31)

Naval variant, the letter "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. MiG Corporation restarted the program in 1999 and made vital improvement to the previous design. On 20 January 2004, Indian Navy signed a contract of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB set delivery in the period from 2007 to 2009. Modification was made for Indian Navy requirement; now standard for all current production, 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. Current production MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB also share a full-sized two-seater style canopy. 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 three (seven 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. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-D'.

MiG-29KUB (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 22 January 2007. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-D'.

MiG-29M

MiG-29M / MiG-33 (Product 9.15)

Advanced multi-role variant, with a redesigned airframe, mechanical flight controls replaced by a fly-by-wire system and powered by enhanced RD-33 ser.3M engines. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-E'.

MiG-29M2 / MiG-29MRCA

Two-seat version of MiG-29M. Identical characteristics to MiG-29M, with a slightly reduced ferry range of 1,800 km. RAC MiG presented in various air shows, to name a few, Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE 2004), AERO INDIA 2005, MAKS 2005. It was once given designation MiG-29MRCA for marketing purpose and now evolved into the current MiG-35.

MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61)

Two-seat training variant of the MiG-29M. Never built. Effectively continued under the designation 'MiG-29M2' (see below).

MiG-29SMT (Product 9.17)

In 1998 a decision was made by the Defense Ministry to launch a quantity-modernization program of the MiG-29 fighters. A total of 150 to 180 modernized MiG-29SMTs was be introduced in service with the Russian Air Force. Extensive modernization was planned only for the aircraft produced through the previous decade. The modernization program started in September 1998 by the Kubinka military aircraft-repair plant and the MAPO MiG. The first batch of 10 to 15 MiG-29SMTs was delivered before the end of the year. In 1999, a total of 20 to 30 MiG-29 fighters were modernized into the MiG-29SMT version, approaching fifth-generation fighters in terms of characteristics. Starting in 2000, the program's annual modernization rate was expected to reach 40 MiG-29SMTs. The overall plan provides for modernization of 150-180 MiG-29s to the MiG-29SMT status and 120 more to the MiG-29UBT (2 seater) status, with the remainder of the older aircraft withdrawn from service.

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). The cockpit has an enhanced HOTAS design, two 152 × 203 mm (6 × 8 inch) colour liquid crystal MFDs and two smaller monochrome LCDs. The upgraded Zhuk-ME radar provides similar features to the MiG-29M. The power plant are upgraded RD-33 ser.3 engines with afterburning thrust rated the same at 8,300 kgf (81.4 kN) each. The weapons load was 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 a painted path for non-Russian origin avionics and weapons.

MiG-29UBT (Product 9.51T)

SMT Standard upgrade for the MiG-29UB. Namely users, Algeria and Yemen.

MiG-29OVT on display

MiG-29OVT

The aircraft is one of the six pre-built MiG-29Ms before 1991, later received thrust-vectoring engine and fly-by-wire technology. It served as a thrust-vectoring engine testbed and technology demonstrator in various air shows to show future improvement in the MiG-29M. It has identical avionics to the MiG-29M. The only difference in the cockpit layout is an additional switch to turn on vector thrust function. The two RD-133 thrust-vectoring engines, each features unique rotating nozzles which can provide thrust vector deflection in all directions. However, despite its thrust-vectoring, 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 is usually used as an aerobatic demonstrator.

German MiG-29GT

MiG-29G/MiG-29GT

It was an upgrade standard for the German Luftwaffe's MiG-29 / 29UB, inherited from the former East Germany to the NATO standards. Works was done by MiG Aircraft Product Support GmbH (MAPS), a joint venture company form between MiG Moscow Aviation Production Association and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace in 1993.

MiG-29AS/MiG-29UBS (MiG-29SD)

Slovak Air Force performed an upgrade on their MiG-29/-29UB for NATO compatibility. Work is done by RAC MiG and Western firms, starting from 2005. The aircraft now has navigation and communications systems from Rockwell Collins, an IFF system from BAE Systems, new glass cockpit features multi-function LCD displays and digital processors and also fitted to be integrate with Western equipment in the future. However, the armaments of the aircraft remain unchanged. 12 out of 21 of the entire MiG-29 fleet were upgraded and had been delivered as of late February, 2008.

MiG-29 Sniper

Upgrade attempt for Romanian Air Force, by Israeli firms. First flight occurred on 5 May 2000. The program was halted along with the retiring of Romanian MiG-29s 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.

MiG-35

A recently unveiled mature development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-F'.

Operators

Operators of the MiG-29 in dark blue (former operators in light blue)

Ex-Czechoslovakian MiG-29 of the Polish Air Force

Hungarian Air Force MiG-29A

Cuban MiG-29UB

Peruvian Air Force MiG-29 on display

Current

• Algeria - 35 MiG-29s in service as of January 2009
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh - 14 MiG-29SE and 2 MiG-29UB in service.
• Belarus
• Bulgaria - 16 MiG-29S and 4 MiG-29UB, modernized in 2009.
  
• Cuba
• Eritrea
• Georgia - had 40 Mig-29 in service and 3 Mig-29UB Fulcrum in service.
• Hungary - has 12 in service as of January 2010.
• India
  • Indian Air Force - 63 upgraded MiG-29 Baaz in service.
  • Indian Naval Air Arm - 45 MiG-29Ks on order as of January 2010.
• Iran - 20 MiG-29A and 4 MiG-29UB
  
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan - Not in use, but kept in bunker in operational condition.
• Malaysia - To be retired
• Myanmar - 10 MiG-29Bs and 2 MiG-29UBs in service as of November 2008. Ordered 20 more MiG-29SMT fighters in 2009.
• Peru - 19 in service as of Nov. 2008.
• North Korea - 40 in service as of Nov. 2008. 12 initially bought from Belarus in 1995 and a follow up order of 18 MiG-29SE plus 3 new from Russia in 1996. Two were lost in accidents.
• Poland - 36 in service
• Russia - 406 in service as of Nov. 2008. An additional 100 MiG-29S (SE for the export designation) and another 34 MiG-29SMT are new from an order rejected from Algeria.
• Serbia - 4 in service
• Slovakia - 21 MiG-29s received, 12 in active service.
  
• Sudan - 12 on order, and 11 in service as of November 2008.
• Syria
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine - 80 as of 2008
• United States - Evaluation only.
• Uzbekistan
• Yemen

Former

• Czechoslovakia/ Czech Republic - All sold to Poland
• East Germany/ Germany - 24 received: 1 crashed, 1 on display, 22 sold to Poland
• Iraq
• Israel - leased from an unknown country, used for aggressor training.
• Moldova - not operational, in storage.
• Mozambique
• Romania
• Soviet Union
• Yugoslavia
• Yugoslavia

MiG-29s on display

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

• Three are displayed at the Central Air Force Museum in Monino near Moscow. The first two are a prototype and an early production model (both with ventral fins), and the third is a MiG-29KVP
• MiG-29 "9-13" is on display of the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow on the Poklonnaya Hill
• A MiG-29 is on display at the Central Armed Forces Museum in Moscow

Several MiG-29s are on display in Europe:

• One MiG-29 is on display at the Muzeum Wojska Polskiego in Warsaw, Poland.
• Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków has a MiG-29, which served in the Polish Air Force.
• One MiG-29 is on display in Germany. The only remaining German MiG-29G (29+03) was on display in Laage before being moved to the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in Berlin's Gatow Airport in 2006 as part of the exhibition "50 Jahre Luftwaffe".
• No. 67 (MiG-29 Sniper proto) is on display at the Romania Muzeul Aviatiei, Bucharest.
• The second MiG-29UB prototype (9-52) is on display at the Riga Aviation Museum, in Riga, Latvia. After 213 test flights around Moscow between 23 August 1982 and 10 April 1986, it was disassembeled and parts of the wings and tails were re-used in prototype (9-16). The remains were shipped to Riga Military Aviation Engineers High School, and later handed over to the Riga Aviation Museum in 1994, where it is currently displayed. The remains of this prototype is in a very bad condition, with open fuselage panels and a partly broken canopy and open cockpit that exposes the airframe to inclement weather.

MiG-29s are currently on display in the United States at the following locations:

• Goodfellow AFB in Texas
• NAS Fallon Airpark in Nevada
• Two MiG-29s in Soviet and Modavian colors are on display at Nellis AFB in Nevada. One is at the outside of the Threat Training facility and another, in better shape, inside a hangar alongside a MiG-23.
• For several years an early MiG 29A (s/n 2960516761) was stored in a restoration hangar at the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio. In June 2007 the aircraft was put on display in the Cold War Gallery of the Museum and continues to receive minor upgrading while on display. It was formerly assigned to the 234th Gvardeiskii Istrebitelnii Aviatsionnii Polk (234th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment) stationed at Kubinka Air Base near Moscow. This aircraft was one of six MiG-29s that made a good will visit to Kuopio-Rissala, Finland, in July 1986, an event that marked the first public display of the MiG-29.
• One former Moldovan MiG-29S is currently on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
• A MiG-29 is on display outside of the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
• A MiG-29 is on display near the entrance at the Pima Air Museum in Tucson, Arizona.
• One MiG-29 is on display at NAS Fallon.
• One MiG-29 is on display minus its canopy at MacDill AFB.
• A MiG-29 from the former Moldovan group is on display at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, painted in Russian markings.
• One MiG-29UB is on display at the NASIC headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

In private ownership

• MiG-29UB (civilian registration N29UB) is owned by the Historic Flight Foundation in Seattle, Washington, USA. The aircraft was obtained from Eastern Europe in early 2009. The aircraft has an FAA approved maintenance program and is flyable. The Historic Flight Foundation plans to fly the aircraft at airshows, as well as provide support services for other MiG-29s that become operational in the U.S.
• A private collector, Don Kirlin, has two MiG-29s purchased from Kyrgyzstan. The aircraft are located at the Quincy Regional Airport in Quincy, Illinois, USA. As of 2010, they have an FAA approved maintenance program and are flyable, operated as part of Kirlin's "Red Air" operation.
• Two additional MiG-29UB in flying condition were offered for sale from Eastern Europe in spring 2009. These aircraft come from the same source as the flyable aircraft owned by the Historic Flight Foundation.

Specifications

Data from MiG specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: One
• Length: 17.37 m (57 ft)
• Wingspan: 11.4 m (37 ft 3 in)
• Height: 4.73 m (15 ft 6 in)
• Wing area: 38 m² (409 ft²)
• Empty weight: 11,000 kg (24,250 lb)
• Loaded weight: 16,800 kg (37,000 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 21,000 kg (46,300 lb)
• Powerplant: 2× Klimov RD-33 afterburning turbofans, 8,300 kgf (81.4 kN, 18,300 lbf) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.25 (2,400 km/h, 1,490 mph) At low altitude: 1,500 km/h, 930 mph
• Range: 700 km (430 mi)
• Ferry range: 2,100 km (1,800 mi) with 1 drop tank
• Service ceiling: 18,013 m (59,100 ft)
• Rate of climb: initial 330 m/s average 109 m/s 0-6000 m (65,000 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 442 kg/m² (90.5 lb/ft²)
• Thrust/weight: 1.01

Armament

• 1x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds
• Up to 3,500 kg (7,720 lb) of weapons including six air-to-air missiles — a mix of semi-active radar homing (SARH) and AA-8 "Aphid", AA-10 "Alamo", AA-11 "Archer", AA-12 "Adder", FAB 500-M62, FAB-1000, TN-100, ECM Pods, S-24, AS-12, AS-14.

Avionics

• Phazotron N019, N010 radars

See also

Related development

• Mikoyan MiG-29M
• Mikoyan MiG-35

Comparable aircraft

• F/A-18 Hornet
• F-16 Fighting Falcon
• Dassault Mirage 2000