Mikoyan MiG-29
| Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 | ||
|---|---|---|
| File:Mig-29-045.jpg
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| Description | ||
| Role | Multi-role fighter | |
| Crew | 1 | |
| First Flight | 6 October 1977 | |
| Entered Service | 1983 | |
| Manufacturer | MiG MAPO, Russia | |
| Dimensions | ||
| 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 |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 11,000 kg | 24,250 lb |
| Loaded | 16,800 kg | 37,038 lb |
| Maximum takeoff | 21,000 kg | 46,300 lb |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 2x Klimov RD-33K turbofans | |
| Thrust | 86.4 kN | 19,400 lbf |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 2,430 km/h | 1,518 mph |
| Combat radius | 700 km | 438 mi |
| Ferry range | 2,900 km | 1,812 mi |
| Service ceiling | 17,000 m | 55,800 ft |
| Rate of climb | 330 m/s | 65,000 ft/min |
| Wing loading | 442 kg/m² | 90.5 lb/ft² |
| Thrust/Weight | 1.05 | |
| Avionics | ||
| Avionics | Phazotron N-109 radar | |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds | |
| Bombs | 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) | |
| Missiles | Six AAMs including a mix of SARH and R-60/AA-8 Aphid | |
The Mikoyan MiG-29 (МиГ-29 in Cyrillic script) (NATO reporting name 'Fulcrum') is originally a Soviet fighter aircraft used in the air superiority role. Designed in the early 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered Soviet service in 1983 and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as many export nations.
Development
The MiG-29, like the larger Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker', began development in 1969, when the Soviet Union learned of the U.S. Air Force 'FX' program, which would eventually produce the F-15 Eagle. Even before the aircraft was developed, Soviet leadership realized that the new American fighter would represent a serious technological advance over all existing Soviet fighters. The MiG-21 'Fishbed' had been agile by the standards of its day, but its size left it deficient in range, armament, and growth potential. The MiG-23 'Flogger', developed to match the F-4 Phantom II, was fast and had more space for fuel and equipment, but its maneuverability and dog fighting ability were deficient. The Soviets clearly needed a better-balanced fighter with both agility and sophisticated systems.
In response, the Soviet General Staff issued a requirement for a Perspektivnyi Frontovoi Istrebitel (PFI, roughly 'advanced tactical fighter'). It was extremely ambitious, calling for long range, good short-field performance (including the ability to use austere runways), excellent agility, Mach 2+ speed, and heavy armament. The aerodynamic design for the new aircraft was largely carried out by TsAGI, the Russian aerodynamics institute, in collaboration with Sukhoi.
In 1971 the Soviets determined that the PFI aircraft would be too expensive to procure in the quantities needed (directly paralleling the contemporary USAF experience that led to the Lightweight Fighter program and the F-16 Fighting Falcon and YF-17 Cobra), and divided it into TPFI (Tyazholyi Perspektivnyi Frontovoi Istrebitel, heavy advanced tactical fighter) and LPFI (Legkiy Perspektivnyi Frontovoi Istrebitel, lightweight advanced tactical fighter). The heavy fighter remained with Sukhoi (resulting in the Su-27 'Flanker'), while the lightweight fighter went to Mikoyan.
The resultant Product 9, designated MiG-29A, began detail design work in 1974. The first flight took place 6 October 1977. The preproduction aircraft was first spotted by United States reconnaissance satellites in November of that year; it was dubbed Ram-L because the U.S. knew only that it was being built at the Zhukovsky flight test centre near the town of Ramenskoye. Early western speculation suggested that the Ram-L would be very similar in appearance to the YF-17 Cobra and would be powered by afterburning Tumansky R-25 turbojets.
Despite program delays caused by the loss of two prototypes in engine-related accidents, the production MiG-29B began to enter Frontal Aviation squadron service in June 1983. It was given the NATO reporting name 'Fulcrum-A'. (The preproduction MiG-29A, which should logically have been codenamed Fulcrum-A, was not seen until later.) The MiG-29B, 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 capacity for nuclear weapons, was widely exported. Total production was about 840 aircraft.
The MiG-29 was first publicly seen in the West during a visit to Finland in July 1986. Two were displayed at the Farnborough Air Show in Britain in September 1988. Western observers were impressed by its apparent capability and its exceptional agility.
Refined versions of the MiG-29 with improved avionics were fielded by the Soviet Union, but Mikoyan plans for more advanced, multi-role variants, including a carrier-based version, were interrupted by the fall of the Soviet Union. In the post-Soviet era, MiG-29 development was frustrated by the Mikoyan bureau's apparent lack of political clout compared to rival Sukhoi. Some more advanced versions are still being pursued for export, and updates of existing Russian aircraft are likely.
MiG-29 export buyers (either from the USSR/Russia or from their former satellites) have included Algeria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, East Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar, North Korea, Peru, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Syria, and Yemen. The ex-Soviet republics of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, were left with large numbers of aircraft after the disintegration; some remain in service, others are mothballed or (like all of the 34 aircraft originally in Moldova) been sold abroad.
After the reunification of Germany in 1990, East Germany's MiG-29s were integrated into the German Luftwaffe, after modifications from DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (now EADS). In September 2003 the 22 remaining machines were sold to the Polish Air Force. [1]
The United States obtained 21 ex-Moldovan aircraft, originally intending to use them for air combat training and research, but they have since been scrapped.
The MiG-29 is still under development, and a new version of the plane called MiG-29 SMT and MiG-29 M2 are being developed. Furthermore, a carrier version of the aircraft, the MIG-29K, is being developed for the Indian Navy's INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier (formerly the Soviet Union's Admiral Gorshkov).
The Soviet Union did not assign official "popular names" to its aircraft, although unofficial nicknames were common. Unusually, 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 often called Fulcrum in Russian service. This was a contrast to previous names such as Backfire and Careless.
Combat service
Despite the excellent agilities and weapons systems, the MiG-29 has not fared well in combat missions. It has seen action in the 1991 Gulf War in the hands of inexperienced Iraqi pilots, over Serbia against a much larger force of western aircraft, and in Eritrea against Ethiopian Su-27 Flankers.
In the Iraqi and Serbian theatres, the US and its allies had taken the initiative and established complete air superiority very early on, giving MiG-29s little chance to respond and put up a challenge. In the latest U.S. invasion of Iraq, Mig-29s weren't even able to take off from airfields because of the absence of pilots.
Serbian machines (and weapons) were also 15 years old and deprived of spare parts due to long arms embargo placed upon the country, and once thrown into battle, most were found to have non-functioning radars and weapon systems. Six (out of 14 + 2 trainers) were shot down, one combat-damaged (later placed as a decoy and destroyed on ground) and additional 3 destroyed on ground (10 altogether). One more was lost in an accident[2].
The Iraqi Fulcrums, however, saw some action during the Iraqi uprising where unguided bombs and rockets were used to devastating effect. The aircraft has also seen action in Soviet hands shooting down an Afghan Su-20 Fitter in the 1980s.
In Syrian service, the Fulcrum has provided round the clock air defense and patrol over Syria and Lebanon. Syrian pilots have praised the combat aircraft in terms of agility and weapon systems. All of the Syrian pilots flying the MiG-29 are highly experienced and are the best in the air force. Training is heavy and strong efforts are made to get the best out of aggressor training.
The most recent event involving the MiG-29 occurred during the military exercise of nations under the five power defense agreement between Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom. Malaysian MiG-29, which has been upgraded with the latest Russian and Western technology, have fought mock air battles with Australian's F/A-18A Hornets. Malaysian MiGs have succeded in downing all of the Australian Hornets during simulated air combat battles in both medium and short range combat. The Malaysians where using AA-10, AA-12 and AA-11 missiles, against Australia's AIM-9 and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. It has been reported that Malaysian AA-11 Archer missiles have better warhead, longer range and better IR sensor.
Many pundits such as the Federation of American Scientists recognize that in an individual match-up, the MiG-29 is potentially equal to, or better than the F-15 Eagle or F-16 Falcon.
Finally, the MiG-29 also saw action during the Kargil Skirmishes in Kashmir where Indian Air Force MiG-29s provided fighter escort for Mirage 2000s dropping Laser Guided Bombs (LGB) on enemy targets.
Description
Because it was developed from the same basic parameters laid out by TsAGI for the original PFI, the MiG-29 is broadly aerodynamically similar to the Sukhoi Su-27, although it has notable differences.
Although, the MiG-29 is built largely out of aluminum, some composite material is used, unlike the Su-27, which uses none. The use of composites has been attributed to the need for weight-saving measures due to the less than ideal thrust of the RD-33 engines. It has a high-mounted swept wing with blended leading-edge root extensions (LERXs). Leading-edge sweep is 40°. There are swept tailplanes and two vertical fins, mounted outboard of the engines. Automatic slats are mounted on the leading edges of the wings (four-segment on early models, five-segment slats on some later variants), with trailing-edge flaps.
The MiG-29 has two widely spaced Klimov RD-33 afterburning turbofan engines. The space between the engines generates lift, reducing effective wing loading to improve maneuverability. The jet intakes of the MiG have variable ramps to allow high-Mach speeds, with an additional feature allowing them to be closed almost completely at low speeds to prevent ingestion of snow or ground debris on a rough field take-off, with the engines instead taking their air through louvers on the LERXs. Later variants delete these dorsal louvers, substituting mesh screens in the main intakes similar to those of the Su-27.
Internal fuel capacity of the original MiG-29B is only 3,200 kg (7,380 lb), giving a very limited fuel. However, the MiG-29 can also carry external 'drop' tanks, and newer versions use the space made available where the LERX louvers once were to carry more fuel. In addition, some variants of the MiG-29 car in-flight refuel, making the only limiting factor to flight time pilot’s endurance.
The MiG-29 has hydraulic controls, but, unlike the Su-27, does not have a fly-by-wire control system. Nonetheless, it is very agile, with excellent instantaneous and sustained turn performance, high alpha capability, and a general resistance to spins. The airframe is stressed for 9g (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.
The cockpit has conventional dials, with HUD but no HOTAS. 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. Upgrade models introduce 'glass' cockpits with modern CRT multi-function displays and true HOTAS. One worthy feature is the excellent Zvezda K-36D ejection seat, which has impressive performance in emergency escapes.
The original MiG-29B had the Phazotron RLPK-29 (radiolokatsyonnyi pritselnyi kompleks) radar attack system which includes the coherent Pulse-Doppler N-019 (S-29; NATO reporting name 'Slot Back') look-down/shoot-down radar and its Ts100.02-02 digital computer. The original N-019A radar unit, which was supposed to put the MiG-29 on par with its western counterparts, was a disappointment to the Soviet VVS. The radar had serious shortcomings in beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements. Tracking range against a fighter-sized target was only about 70km (38nm) in the frontal aspect and 35km (19nm) in the rear aspect. Range against bomber-sized targets was roughly double. The N-019A could display 10 targets in search mode, but was only capable of tracking one target at a time for SARH missile guidance. The N-019A signal processor also had trouble with ground clutter and ranges in look-down mode were consequently further reduced. It was also quite susceptible to electronic jamming. These problems meant the MiG-29 was not able to utilize the new R-27 long range SARH missile reliably at its maximum ranges. The N-019 was further compromised by Phazotron designer Adolf Tolkachev's betrayal of the radar to the CIA, for which he was executed in 1985. In response to all of these problems, the Soviets hastily developed a modified N-019M Topaz radar for the upgraded MiG-29S aircraft. However, the VVS was reportedly still not satisfied with the performance of the N-019M system and demanded another upgrade. The latest upgrade aircraft offer the N-010 Zhuk-M, which has a flat planar antenna rather than a dish, improving range, and much superior processing ability, with multiple target engagement capability and compatibility with the RVV-AE (NATO AA-12 'Adder') air-to-air missile.
A useful feature of the MiG-29, shared with the Su-27, is the S-31E2 KOLS, a combined laser rangefinder and infrared search and track (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 of the MiG-29 includes a single GSh-30-1 30mm cannon in the port wing root. This originally had a 149-round magazine, 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 variant models), for a total of six (or eight). The inboards can carry either a 1,150 liter (300 US gallon) fuel tank, one R-27 (AA-10 'Alamo') medium-range air-to-air missile, or unguided bombs or rockets. Some Soviet aircraft could carry a single nuclear bomb on the port inboard station. The outer pylons usually carry R-73 (AA-11 'Archer') dogfight missiles, although some users still retain the older R-60 (AA-8 'Aphid'). A single 1,500 liter (400 US gallon) tank can be fitted to the centerline, between the engines, for ferry flights, but the MiG-29 apparently does not use this position for combat stores. Some MiG29B airframes have been upgraded to the "Fatback" configuration, which adds a dorsal-mounted internal fuel tank.
The original MiG-29B had little provision for ground attack, being intended primarily for battlefield air superiority and short-range interception. It could carry general-purpose bombs and unguided rocket pods, but was not compatible with precision-guided munitions. Upgrade models have provision for laser-guided and electrooptical bombs and guided air-to-surface missiles. Over 800 MiG-29B aircraft were produced for the Soviet tactical air forces.
A two-seat trainer version of the MiG-29 was developed, designated MiG-29UB ('Fulcrum-B'). This has no radar, substituting a module allowing the instructor to simulate various combat situations emergencies, and reduced fuel capacity. Although the -UB designation (for Uchebno-Boevoi, trainer-combat) suggests that the MiG-29UB is combat-capable, its limited range and lack of radar makes that unlikely.
The MiG-29S "Fulcrum C" is virtually identical in external appearance to older "Fatback" MiG-29B airframes. However, the core difference between upgraded "Fatback" "Fulcrum A" models and the production MiG-29S start with the improvements in the flight control system. Four new computers provide better stability augmentation and controllability with an increase in AOA and G-limits. The MiG-29S flight control computers add 2° more to the maximum angle-of-attack (AoA). Its improved mechanical-hydraulic flight control system then allows for greater control surface deflections.
The production MiG-29S further increased the internal fuel due to new fuel cells in the wing-LEX/fuselage interface area (1500 liters/2576 pounds). It also can carry the 1150 liter (304 US Gal. / 2060 lbs.) external fuel tanks under each wing and the traditional centerline tank. The MiG-29S added a dorsal 'hump' to the upper fuselage (earning it the nickname 'Fatback' in service) that was originally believed to be for additional fuel. In fact, most of its volume is used for the new Gardenyia-1 ECM system, and the MiG-29S's internal fuel is 3,408 kg (7,513 lb), only a slight increase. These improvements increased its fuel fraction to about 0.27 (comparable to the F-16). Inboard underwing hardpoints are upgraded to allow for a tandem pylon arrangement for a larger payload of 4000kg (8820lbs). The overall maximum gross weight has been raised to 20,000kg (44,000lbs). The GSh-30-1 cannon also had its expended round ejector port modified to allow for firing while the centerline tank was still attached.
As with the "Fulcrum A", there are six underwing hardpoints, but these can be expanded to eight. The MiG-29S improvement would also allow for new missiles like the R-27E which has 1.5 times the range of the basic model R-27 due to its larger rocket motor. These long-burn variants have previously been only found on the Su-27 Flanker. The new hardpoint configuration also adds the capability to mount the new R-77 (AA-12 "Adder") active-radar long range air-to-air missile, which can be directed against two targets simultaneously with the new N-019M radar.
Initially, from an avionics basis, the MiG-29S "Fulcrum C" only added a new IRST sighting system combined with a better imbedded training system that allowed for IR and radar target simulation. However, the final MiG-29S improvement kit also provides for the Phazotron N-019M radar, more built-in-test (BIT) equipment (especially for the radar), which was included in the EKRAN to reduce dependence on ground support equipment (MAPO calls this model the MiG-29SD). Revised weapon system algorithms in the MiG-29S and software combined with an increase in processing capacity allows for the tracking of up to ten targets and the simultaneous engagement of two with the R-77 missile.
The MiG-29S has a limited ground attack capability with unguided munitions and an internal jammer, but in order to transform the Fulcrum 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 (which were sold to many Fulcrum air forces around the world), combined with the development money made available for the naval MiG-29K, gave MAPO the incentive to forge ahead with the MiG-29M (aka MiG-33) "Super Fulcrum".
Flight performance of the Fulcrum C is very close to original Fulcrum A, but slightly reduced due to the weight of the additional fuel and avionics. Only 48 MiG-29S airframes were produced for Russian VVS before funding was cut. Of the 48, it is unknown how many are the standard air-superiority "S" version and how many are the multi-role "SM" version.
Variant Summary
- MiG-29 "Fulcrum A" (Product 9.12): Initial production version. Entered service in 1982.
- MiG-29B-12 "Fulcrum A" (Product 9.12A): Downgraded export version for non-Warsaw Pact nations. Lacked a nuclear weapon delivery system, and possessed downgraded radar, ECM and IFF.
- MiG-29UB-12 "Fulcrum B" (Product 9.51): Twin-seat training model. Lacks radar and GSh-30 cannon.
- MiG-29S-13 "Fulcrum C" (Product 9.13): MiG-29 variant similar to 9.12, but with a enlarged fuselage spine containing additional fuel and a Gardeniya active jammer.
- MiG-29S-13 "Fulcrum C" (Product 9.13S): Version with the same airframe as 9.13, but with an increased external weapons load of 4,000 kg, and provision for two underwing fuel tanks. Radar upgraded to NO19ME, providing an ability to track 10 targets and engage 2 simultaneously. Compatible with R-77 (similar to AIM-120 AMRAAM) missiles.
- MiG-29SM "Fulcrum C" (Product 9.13M): Similar to 9.13, but with ability to carry guided air-to-surface missiles and TV/laser-guided bombs.
- MiG-29M "Fulcrum E" (Product 9.15): Advanced multi-role variant, with a redesigned airframe constructed from a lightweight aluminum-lithium alloy. Mechanical flight controls replaced by an analogue fly-by-wire system. Powered by enhanced thrust RD-33K engines, with 86 kN of thrust (afterburning). Weapons load increased to 4,500 kg, and additional fuel tanks installed within the fuselage to give a total maximum range of 2,000 km (on internal fuel). Original radar replaced by N010 "Zhuk", providing ground mapping capabilities and terrain-following flight modes. New "glass" cockpit displays, consisting of 2 cathode ray tube MFDs. Compatibility with R-77 AAMs and a wide range of guided air-to-ground munitions added. Number of weapon hardpoints increased to 8 (4 under each wing). Originally intended as a replacement for earlier MiG-29 versions, but funding problems have prevented any MiG-29M purchases by the Russian Federation Air Force (VVS).
- MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61): Twin-seater training variant of MiG-29M. Never built.
- MiG-29SMT (Product 9.17): Upgrade of first-generation MiG-29s (9.12 to 9.13), containing many enhancements intended for the MiG-29M. Additional fuel tanks in a further enlarged spine provide a maximum flight range of 2,100 km (on internal fuel). Cockpit displays upgraded with 2 large liquid-crystal MFDs in full color and two smaller monochrome LCD displays. Upgraded N019MP radar provides additional air-to-ground modes and increased range. Engines intended for installation are RD-43 turbofans, providing up to 98.1 kN of thrust. Weapons load increased to 4,500 kg, with similar weapon choices as the MiG-29M variant. This version is currently serving the air forces of Russia and Yemen.
- MiG-29K "Fulcrum D" (Product 9.31): Naval variant, similar to MiG-29M except with equipment such as folding wings, arrestor gear, and reinforced landing gear.
- MiG-29K "Fulcrum D" (Product 9.41): Updated ship borne version, intended for the Indian Navy. Based on the original 9.13, but with additional fuel tanks in the fuselage spine and a folding radome. Cockpit displays consist of LCD MFDs, and a new digital fly-by-wire system replaces the original analogue system. Compatible with the full range of weapons carried by the MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT.
- MiG-29UBT (Product 9.51T): Similar to SMT upgrade, but for the MiG-29UB.
- MiG-29M2: Twin-seat multi-role aircraft, utilizing the MiG-29M airframe (possibly based on the cancelled MiG-29UBM). Capabilities similar to 9.15, but with LCD cockpit displays and digital flight controls. Proposed single-seat "MiG-29M1" version remains unbuilt but if constructed, it will likely be similar to the upgraded 9.41 MiG-29K.
- MiG-29OVT/MiG-35: Production version of the latest MiG-29 with the proven thrust-vectoring engine that use fly-by-wire technology. The aircraft uses the same airframe of the MiG-29M1. The fighter is more agile and has an increase in range to 1,329 miles. With improved avionics, vast improvements in weapon systems, HOTAS systems, wide range of weapons of air to air and air to ground, as well as a variety of defensive and offensive avionics suite. It is no longer tied to the GCI system and would be able to conduct operations independently. It has eight weapon pylons and be able to refuel as well as carry three external fuel tanks. The aircraft is being marketed under the designation MiG-35 for potential export. Russia is promoting the aircraft to various countries in the Middle East, namely Syria, Libya, Iran, Algeria, Sudan, India, Brazil, Peru, to name a few. Malaysia is evaluating the type to add to its existing MiG-29B-12 Fulcrums and to the new Su-30MKM Flankers, to be delivered in 2006
Related content
| Related content | |
|---|---|
| Related Development | |
| Similar Aircraft |
Sukhoi Su-27 - F-15 Eagle - F-16 Fighting Falcon - F/A-18 Hornet |
| Designation Series |
MiG-23 - MiG-25 - MiG-27 - MiG-29 - MiG-31 - MiG-33 - MiG-35 |
| Related Lists | List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS - List of fighter aircraft |
| Operators | Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Slovak Republic, East Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Malaysia, North Korea, Peru, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Syria, Yugoslavia, Yemen , Russia, Ukraine, USA. |
External links
