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Mikoyan MiG-29K

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MiG-29K
Perpendicular view of blue twin-engine jet aircraft landing, with undercarriage and arrestor hook extended
MiG-29K
Role Carrier-based multirole fighter
National origin Soviet Union / Russia
Manufacturer Mikoyan
First flight 23 July 1988
Status In production
Primary users Indian Navy
Russian Navy
Produced 2005–present[1]
Number built 21
Developed from Mikoyan MiG-29M[2]

The Mikoyan MiG-29K (Template:Lang-ru, NATO reporting name: Fulcrum-D[1]) is an all-weather carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Mikoyan design bureau. The MiG-29K was developed in the late 1980s from MiG-29M.

Production MIG-29K differ from prototypes by features such as a multi-function radar and several new cockpit displays; the adoption of HOTAS (hands-on-throttle-and-stick) controls; the integration of RVV-AE air-to-air missiles, along with missiles for anti-ship and anti-radar operations; and several ground/strike precision-guided weapons.

MiG-29K was not ordered into production and only two prototypes were originally built as the Russian Navy preferred the Su-27K in early 1990s. The Mikoyan Design Bureau did not stop its work on the MiG-29K aircraft despite the lack of financing since 1992. The programme got a boost in the late 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.

Development

Origins

The MiG-29K project was initiated in the late 1970s when the Soviet Navy developed a requirement for a supersonic carrier-based fighter. As a first step to meet this requirement, the Mikoyan design bureau 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, or "short take off and landing").[3] The KVP first flew on 21 August 1982, and was subject to extensive trials which demonstrated it could safely operate from a ski-jump, but ideally a production aircraft needed more power and greater wing area.[4][5] 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.[2][6] 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 instead of the system used by land-based MiG-29s.[7]

A MiG-29M on display. The MiG-29M was developed into a naval version, the MiG-29K.

The MiG-29Ks first flight was performed on 23 July 1988 at Saky by test pilot Toktar Aubakirov.[8] On 1 November 1989, on the same day as the Sukhoi Su-27K,[N 1] Aubakirov executed the first carrier landing of MiG-29K on the aircraft-carrying cruiser Tbilisi (now known as Admiral Kuznetsov), the first take-off from the carrier's deck was successfully performed the same day.[10] During 1989–1991, the MiG-29K underwent further tests aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov. The project was put on hold with the collapse of the Soviet Union, while the Russian Navy only pursued the rival Su-33.[11][N 2] Mikoyan continued work on the MiG-29K despite the lack of funding.[15]

During its tests aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying cruiser, the aircraft had a springboard-assisted takeoff from strips 195 m and 95 m long. According to the results of the tests, the landing accuracy proved to be very high, which made it possible at a later stage to switch over to a three-cable arrester system on the Admiral Gorshkov. The landing accuracy is additionally enhanced through the employment of an autothrottle system. The takeoff characteristics allow for most flights to be possible under tropical conditions at a ship speed of 10 knots.[15]

Revival

MiG-29K jet at Zhukovskiy LII air field

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 in 2004.[16] When Admiral Gorshkov was part of the Soviet fleet, it was a hybrid carrier/cruiser using vertical take-off (V/STOL) aircraft; thus the deck was refurbished with a take-off ramp and arrestor wires for operating MiG-29Ks.[7] The ship's combat group is likely to include 12 MiG-29K fighters. The aircraft has an enlarged and folding wing, an arrestor hook and a corrosion-protected reinforced fuselage.[17]

One factor favouring the MiG-29K over the Su-33 in the Indian decision was the larger size of the Su-33, which further limited the number of aircraft numbers on deck.[18] Modifications were made to the MiG-29K for Indian requirements, including the Zhuk-ME radar, RD-33MK engine, a combat payload up to 5,500 kg, 13 hardpoints, and updated 4-channel digital fly-by-wire flight control system. It is compatible with the full range of weapons carried by the MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT.[19] The MiG-29KUB made its maiden flight at the Zhukovsky test centre on 22 January 2007.[20]

The problem of lack of aircraft-carrier based AWACS platform may be tackled by further development of dual-seat MiG-29KUB. It is theoretically possible to outfit the MiG-29KUB with powerful radar, and encrypted data links, to permit networking of multiple MiG-29KUB aircraft for AEW coverage. The MiG-29KUB may also be enhanced in areas such as electronic warfare and long-range interdiction.[citation needed]

Design

Overview

The MiG-29K was drastically modified from the Mikoyan MiG-29M for naval operations. The airframe and undercarriage were reinforced to withstand the stress experienced upon landing. Folding wings, an arrestor hook, and catapult attachments were added for carrier operations; the aircraft's undercarriage was also widened. The MiG-29K, unlike the early MiG-29, can both conduct aerial refueling and "buddy" refuel other aircraft.[7]

The MiG-29K has two widely-spaced RD-33MKs. The early prototypes were fitted with two RD-33K turbofan engines, each with afterburner thrust of 86.3 kN (19,800 lb) and a possible take-off thrust of 92.2 kN (20,723 lbf) for shipborne operations.[21][22] The RD-33MK engine features 7% higher power over the base RD-33, enabled by the usage of improved materials for the turbine blades.[23][24] In 2011, Russian sources have criticised the development process of the RD-33, noting a "crucial" need for modernization.[25]

Internal fuel was increased from 3,340 kg to 4,560 kg, to give a combat radius of 850 km (531 mi). The range can be increased to 3,000 kilometers with 3 underwing fuel drop tanks. The maximum weight of the aircraft grew from 19.5 to 22.4 t, to allow for increased payloads.[26] The MiG-29KUB two-seat fighter, intended for pilot training, can also conduct combat missions identical to the single-seat fighter.[1]

Cockpit and avionics

Comparisons between the Zhuk-ME (left) and Zhuk-AE (right)

The aircraft is equipped with three multifunctional color liquid-crystal displays (seven LCDs on the MiG-29KUB), a four-channel digital fly-by-wire flight control system, passive anti-radar missile homing system, Sigma-95 GPS receiver, TopOwl helmet-mounted targeting system and electronic countermeasures (ECM). Additionally, an on-board oxygen generating system eliminates the need for heavy oxygen canisters.[1] The types of combat missions undertaken by the MiG-29K can be increased by adding optronic/infrared imaging reconnaissance pods.[15]

The Zhuk-ME is a development of the N010 Zhuk radar, introducing functions such as terrain mapping and following. The radar, weighing 220 kilograms (490 lb), features improved signal processing and a detection range of up to 120 km vs a 5 m2 RCS target for the export variant. In the air targeting mode, up to 10 targets can be tracked and 4 targets engaged simontaneously.[27] In air to surface mode the radar can detect a tank from up to 25 kilometres (16 mi) away and a bridge from 120 kilometres (75 mi) away, a naval destroyer could be detected up to 300 kilometres (190 mi) away, while up to two surface targets can be tracked at once. The radar has a scanning area of +/- 85 degrees in azimuth and +56/-40 in elevation.[27]

The Zhuk-AE radar was developed with modular approach, enabling upgrade of existing Zhuk ME radars deployed in MiG-29 platforms into the active electronic scanned array (AESA) Zhuk-AE standard. India is already operating the BAR phased array radar on its Su-30MKI and has specified AESA as a critical element of the MRCA platform.[28] The Mig-29K can be outfitted with an IRST system integrated with both optical and laser systems.[1] It can provide targeting solutions for ground and air targets at up to 15 km, with all-round 360 degree coverage. The IRST can also provide detailed trajectories of missiles at closer ranges.

Weapons and defensive capabilities

A MiG-29K and its armaments at MAKS Airshow.The folded wings maximise the limited space available on an aircraft carrier.

MiG-29K has a GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon in the port wing root. It has provisions for laser-guided and electro-optical bombs, as well as air-to-surface missiles like Kh-25ML/25MP, Kh-29T, Kh-31G/31A, Kh-35U, and rockets. Kh-31P passive radar seeker missiles are used as anti-radiation missiles. Kh-35, Kh-31A antiship missiles are for anti-ship roles; for aerial combat air-to-air missile like RVV-AE, R-27ER/ET and R-73E are fitted. The aircraft is also adaptable to various foreign weapons.[26] In September 2011, India's Comptroller and Auditor-General criticised the Indian Navy's introduction of the MiG-29K, noting the aircraft's armaments were not contracted for despite aircraft deliveries having started over a year before, and this has adversely affected aircraft operations.[29]

The MiG-29K has a combination of low-observable technology, advanced electronic-warfare capabilities, reduced ballistic vulnerability, and standoff weapons to enhance the fighter's survivability.[19] According to Mikoyan, extensive use of radar-absorbent materials reduce the MiG-29K's radar signature 4–5 times over the basic MiG-29.[19] The RD-33MK turbofan engine was also engineered to reduce infrared and optical visibility.[23][24]

Operational history

Russia

Side view of blue jet aircraft taxiing right with canopy open
The MiG-29K at the 2007 MAKS Airshow

The Russian Navy had a fleet of 19 carrier-based fighters Su-33, a resource which will expire by 2015. Production of new Su-33s is possible but not cost-effective for small volumes. The MiG-29K is more convenient, as the Indian Navy had already ordered the aircraft, saving on development and production set-up. India paid $730 million for the development and delivery of 16 fighters, while 24 planes for Russia's fleet would cost about $1 billion.[30] In 2009, prior to delivery to India, MiG-29Ks underwent testing onboard the Admiral Kuznetsov.[31][32] In September 2011, it was announced that the MiG-29K was to conduct its first at-sea deployment onboard Admiral Kuznetsov in the Mediterranean.[33]

The Russian Navy ordered 24 MiG-29Ks for carrier use in late 2009 for the Admiral Kuznetsov.[34] Deliveries of the MiG-29K for the Russian Navy started in 2010.[35][36] Negotiations between MiG and the Russian Defense Ministry for further MiG-29K/KUB aircraft were in "the final stages" as of August 2011, according to MiG deputy head Sergei Korotkov.[37]

India

MiG-29K in Indian Navy colors at MAKS Airshow

In 2004, India ordered 12 MiG-29K single-seat and 4 MiG-29KUB two-seat fighters.[7] The MiG-29K is to provide both airborne fleet air defense and surface attack capabilities. Deliveries began in December 2009.[38][39] In January 2010, India and Russia signed a US$1.2 billion worth deal for the Indian Navy to receive an additional 29 MiG-29Ks.[40] The MiG-29K entered operational service with India in February 2010.[38] Further deliveries of a 5 MiG-29Ks and a flight simulator took place in May 2011, further deliveries are to continue through 2012.[41] The fighters will be based at an air field in Goa on India's west coast until the Admiral Gorshkov joins the navy under the name of INS Vikramaditya in early 2013. The Vikramaditya is expected to carry up to 24 MiG-29K/KUB fighters. The future indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, currently being built by India, also is likely to carry these aircraft.[41]

On 25 June 2011, an Indian MiG-29KUB crashed during testing in Russia, prior to delivery, killing its two pilots.[42] In light of this, further MiG-29K orders by India were frozen; the Indian Defense Ministry commented that the crash cast a shadow on the credibility of the aircraft.[43] Russia has announced pilot error to have caused the crash, and there was no need to ground the aircraft.[44] In August 2011, MiG's General Director Sergei Korotkov announced that the final 5 out of the 16 aircraft contracted in 2004 would be delivered by the end of the year; and that deliveries of a second batch of 29 MiG-29Ks would begin in 2012.[45]

On 18th Oct 2011 a Mig 29 Crashed in Himachal.Its 12th time a mig 29 or 27 is crashed. It is the second most crashed plane after Mig 21 in Indian Air Force. When India going to phase out these planes?

Variants

MiG-29K
Single seat variant.[1]
MiG-29KUB
Tandem two-seat operational trainer variant.[1]

Operators

MiG-29K operators in 2010
Main article: List of Mikoyan MiG-29 operators
 India
 Russia

Specifications (MiG-29K)

3-view drawing of MiG-29
3-view drawing of MiG-29
Klimov RD-33MK at MAKS 2009
External image
MiG-29 overview
image icon Poster by RIA Novosti

Data from Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG data,[48] Gordon and Davidson,[49] Deagel.com[50]

General characteristics

  • Crew: One / Two (KUB)

Performance

Armament

  • 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 100 rounds
  • 9 hardpoints (5 wet): 8 x under-wing, 1 x centerline for up to 5,500 kg (12,125 lb) of weapons and fuel tanks, including
Air-to-air missiles

Eight air-to-air missiles — a mix of infrared homing, semi-active radar homing (SARH) and Active radar homing.

Air-to-surface missiles
Anti-radiation missiles
Anti-ship missiles
Bombs
Others

Avionics

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ^ The Su-27K was to be only an air-to-air fighter aircraft, while the MiG-29K was intended and designed to be a multirole ship-based fighter, able to attack enemy ships and support troops on land as well as conduct air defense missions.[9]
  2. ^ Aviation authors Bill Gunston and Yefim Gordon characterised the rejection of the MiG-29K for the Su-33 as "astonishing", noting that the Su-33 was more expensive and incapable of launching missiles against surface targets.[12] However, some analysts have stated the view that the MiG-29K was only a fall-back option if the Su-33 had proven to be too heavy for carrier opeations; and that the Soviet Navy were only interested in fleet air defense, not strike or attack capabilities.[5] Others attributed the rejection of the MiG-29K to the fact that, Sukhoi's designer general, Mikhail Simonov, was a member of the Committee of the Supreme Soviet which managed the aircraft industry.[13][14]
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f g MiG-29K. deagel.com
  2. ^ a b Gordon and Davison 2005, p. 40.
  3. ^ Belyakov and Marmain 1994, pp. 446-449.
  4. ^ Belyakov and Marmain 1994, p. 449.
  5. ^ a b Bangash 2008, p. 281.
  6. ^ Belyakov and Marmain 1994, pp. 449-450.
  7. ^ a b c d "MiG-29K Fulcrum". Globalsecurity.org. 9 November 2008 (last modified). Retrieved 4 July 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Belyakov and Marmain 1994, p. 452.
  9. ^ Ilyin, Vladimir. "MiGs on the Deck", Aerocosmicheskoye Obozrenie, No. 1, 2003, pp. 12-15.
  10. ^ Williams 2002, p. 129.
  11. ^ Donald and March 2001, pp. 152–153.
  12. ^ Gunston and Gordon 1998, p. 254.
  13. ^ Williams 2002, p. 177.
  14. ^ Eden 2004, p. 462.
  15. ^ a b c Mig-29
  16. ^ "India owns Admiral Gorshkov: Navy chief". The Times of India. 3 December 2007. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  17. ^ Rininger 2006, p. 124.
  18. ^ Conley 2001, p. 69.
  19. ^ a b c "MiG Corp. started series production of MiG-29K/KUB for Indian Navy" (Press release). Migavia.ru. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  20. ^ en.rian.ru Fulcrum
  21. ^ Williams 2002, p. 128
  22. ^ Gordon and Davison 2005, pp. 46, 92.
  23. ^ a b RD-33MK. Klimov.ru
  24. ^ a b Perspective Project Developments at the KLIMOV Aero Engine Design Company. Klimov, 2007.
  25. ^ Pukhov, Ruslan. "The Military's Achilles Heel". The Moscow Times, 1 September 2011.
  26. ^ a b MiG-29K Fulcrum
  27. ^ a b "Rosoboronexport Catalogue".
  28. ^ "Phazotron Zhuk AE AESA Radar". Defense-update.com. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  29. ^ "CAG raps Navy over MiG 29K deal". The Hindu, 9 September 2011.
  30. ^ "Russian Navy will probably buy 24 MiG-29K fighters designed for India". 24 September 2009. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  31. ^ "Indian MIG-29K Naval fighters undergo tests on Russian carrier". indianexpress.com. 30 September 2009.
  32. ^ "Russia tests Indian fighter jets on board its aircraft carrier". Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 5 July 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |accessdatte= ignored (help)
  33. ^ Cavas, Christopher (30 September 2011). "Typhoons Subs for Scrap, Kuznetsov To Sail". Defence News.
  34. ^ "Russian Navy to buy 24 MiG-29K carrier-based fighters". Rian.ru. 9 October 2009. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  35. ^ a b "Russian Navy to buy 24 MiG-29K carrier-based fighters". Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  36. ^ "New fighter jets for Admiral Kuznetsov". Barents Observer. 25 September 2009. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  37. ^ "http://en.rian.ru/world/20110812/165738524.html". RIA Novosti. 12 August 2011. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  38. ^ a b "Indian MiGs enter service". AirForces Monthly, 19 February 2010.
  39. ^ "Russia delivers 4 MiG-29 fighters to India". RIA Novosti, 12 February 2009
  40. ^ Pandit, Rajat (18 January 2010). "India, Russia to ink $1.2 bn deal for 29 more MiG-29Ks". Times of India.
  41. ^ a b "Russia delivers new batch of five MiG-29 naval fighters to India". Times of India. 31 May 2011.
  42. ^ "Fighter meant for Indian Navy crashes in Russia". Indian Express. 25 June 2011.
  43. ^ Raghuvanshi, Vivek (28 June 2011). "MiG Crash in Russia Freezes Further Indian Buys". DefenseNews.com.
  44. ^ "No need to ground MiG 29K fighter jet, Russia tells India". Hindustan Times. 30 June 2011.
  45. ^ "Russia to deliver five MiG-29K fighters to India by yearend". RIA Novosti. 13 August 2011.
  46. ^ "Russia signs $1.5-bln fighter jet contract with India". RIA Novosti, 12 March 2010.
  47. ^ Russia delivers another batch of naval fighters to India RIA Novosti, 31 May 2011.
  48. ^ MiG-29K/MiG-29KUB page. RAC MiG.
  49. ^ Gordon and Davison 2005, pp. 40-44.
  50. ^ Mig-29K page. Deagel.com. Retrieved: 17 March 2010.
Bibliography
  • Bangash, M.Y.H. Shock, Impact and Explosion: Structural Analysis and Design. Springer, 2008. ISBN 3-54077-067-4.
  • Belyakov, R.A. and Marmain, J. MiG: Fifty Years of Secret Aircraft Design. Shrewsbury, UK:Airlife, 1994. ISBN 1-85310-488-4.
  • Conley, Jerome M. Indo-Russian military and nuclear cooperation: lessons and options for U.S. policy in South Asia. Lexington Books, 2001. ISBN 0-73910-217-6.
  • Day, Jerry. "Hot Hot Hot!" Air Classics, Volume 45, Issue 4, April 2009.
  • Donald, David (2001). Carrier Aviation Air Power Directory. Norwalk, CT: AIRtime Publishing. pp. 152–153. ISBN 1-880588-43-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Eden, Paul (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London, UK: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
  • Gordon, Yefim and Peter Davison. Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum. North Branch, Minnesota: Specialty Press, 2005. ISBN 1-58007-085-X.
  • Gunston, Bill and Yefim Gordon. MiG aircraft since 1937. North Branch, Minnesota: Naval Institute Press, 1998. ISBN 1-55750-541-1.
  • Lake, Jon. Jane's How to Fly and Fight in the Mikoyan MiG-29. New York: HarperCollins, 1997. ISBN 0-00472144-6.
  • Rininger, Tyson V. Red Flag: Air Combat for the 21st Century. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zenith Imprint, 2006. ISBN 0-76032-530-8.
  • Williams, Mel (ed.). "Sukhoi 'Super Flankers'". Superfighters: The Next Generation of Combat Aircraft. Norwalk, Connecticut: AIRtime Publishing Inc., 2002. ISBN 1-880588-53-6.
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