Operational characteristics of the MIG 29 aircraft. Legendary aircraft

• Data change date: 12/22/2015

Frontline fighter MiG-29

MODIFICATIONS.
MiG-29 - the original single-seat front-line fighter;

MiG-29K - multi-role carrier-based fighter-bomber;

The MiG-29KVP is an intermediate version, built to practice take-off from a springboard and landing on an arresting aid. It can be used as a combat aircraft, as well as a training aircraft for naval aviation pilots at ground airfields. Its only difference from a conventional land-based aircraft is its reinforced structure;

MiG-29M - an improved front-line fighter with a fly-by-wire control system and improved equipment;

MiG-29ME - export MiG-29M;

MiG-29S is an improved front-line fighter;

The MiG-29SM inherited from the MiG-29SE (aircraft similar to this modification were delivered to Malaysia) all the innovations: an increased bomb load (up to 4 tons), in-flight refueling, missiles with an RVV-AE active radar homing head, increasing the chance of winning in ranged combat 6-7 times. Already these two modifications in basic parameters are not inferior to or superior to the Eurofighter being developed - a next-generation fighter.;

MiG-29SMT is a new export modification of the MiG-29M. Unified (i.e. will subsequently be installed on all Russian fighters) cabin with 3 MFDs, 900 kg lighter due to imported element base. New radar (with automatic terrain mapping). Additional tanks. Bomb load (up to 4 tons) and range (up to 3500 km) increased;

The MiG-29SE is an advanced front-line fighter equipped with an in-flight refueling system. Export modification.;

MiG-29UB is a two-seat combat trainer version. Created in 1981;

MiG-29UBT. Double modification for performing special strike missions. First flight 08/10/98;

The MiG-29 with rotary engine nozzles is an experimental aircraft for testing the thrust vector deflection system, which may find application on the next generation multi-role fighter, developed since 1988 on the basis of the MiG-29. The construction of the fifth-generation fighter was completed back in 1991, but it has not yet been able to take off due to a lack of funds to fine-tune the engines;

MiG-33 - MiG-29M;

MiG-35 - deep modernization of the MiG-29M (MiG-33).

DIMENSIONS. Wing span 11.36 m; aircraft length (with PVD boom) 17.32 m; aircraft height 4.73 m; wing area 38.0 m2; minimum frontal EPR 2 m2.

NUMBER OF SEATS Crew: 1 person (MiG-29UB and MiG-29UBT have two).

ENGINES. 2xTRDDF RD-33, NPO im. V.Ya. Klimova.
The MiG-29 fighter is equipped with two Tumansky turbojet engines using afterburning fuel. The engine is smokeless with water injection during landing, like other Tumansky engines.

Traction:
- non-afterburning 2 x 5100 kGs,
- afterburner 2 x 8300 kgf;
fuel consumption per engine:
- at maximum 0.77 kg/kgs∙h (21.8 mg/N∙s),
- afterburner 2.10 kg/kgf∙h (59.48 mg/N∙s);
bypass ratio 0.4;
degree of pressure increase 20;
maximum diameter 1000 mm;
engine weight 980 kg;
power plant weight 1217 kg.

MASSES AND LOADS. Empty weight 10900 kg; maximum take-off weight 18480 kg; normal weight 15240 kg; combat load 3000 kg; maximum fuel reserve in internal tanks is 4200 l.

FLIGHT DATA. Maximum flight speed: at high altitude 2450 km/h (M=2.3), at the ground 1300 km/h; maximum rate of climb at the ground 330 m/sec; acceleration time from 600 to 1100 km/h 13.5 s, from 1100 to 1300 km/h 8.7 s; takeoff speed 220 km/h; take-off run length - without afterburner 600-700 m, with afterburner 260 m; approach speed 260 km/h, landing speed 235 km/h, run length (with braking parachute) 600 m; practical ceiling 17000 m; ferry range - without PTB 1500 km, with one PTB 2100 km, with three PTB 2900 km; maximum speed turn 23.5 ╟/sec; operational overload + 9 units.

DESIGN FEATURES. The wing is equipped with fully opening slats, effective flaps and semi-opening ailerons.

The MiG-29's cockpit is surprisingly spacious and is covered by a large canopy, providing a larger field of view than Western fighters. The instrument panel is almost identical to that of the Su-27, which makes it easier for pilots to switch from one machine to another.

A unique feature of the MiG-29 is the ability to take off with a combat load on one engine with the second engine switched on already in the air, which saves valuable time when taking off on alert.

WEAPONS. The MiG-29 is a versatile fighter capable of both carrying out bombing strikes and gaining air superiority. The armament includes a single-barreled GSh-301 cannon (30 mm, 150 rounds of ammunition, rate of fire 1500 rounds/min) in the left wing root. The wing has six (eight on the MiG-29K) cargo suspension points. All MiG-29 suspensions can carry bombs or other air-to-ground weapons. To combat air targets, six underwing units of the MiG-29 can be equipped with: six R-60M close-range missiles or R-73 short-range missiles with an infrared seeker; four close-range missiles and two medium-range missiles R-27RE with radar or R-27TE with IR guidance system. It is planned to install a new medium-range missile defense R-77. Installation of old R-23 missile launchers is possible. For operations against ground targets, the aircraft can carry bombs, NAR units with calibers of 57 mm, 80 mm, 122 mm and 240 mm, and a unified small cargo container KMGU-2. It is possible to use the X-25M air-to-surface missile with passive radar, semi-active laser or ship guidance, the X-29 (MiG-29K) with TV or laser guidance, the X-31A (MiG-29K) supersonic anti-ship missile, the X subsonic anti-ship missile -35.

PROGRAM STATUS. In serial production. 1st flight of the prototype - 1977; Adopted into service - 1982. It is believed that the first Soviet MiG-29 squadron was formed during 1984. By January 1986 MiG-29s were delivered to many air forces of the USSR.
At the beginning of 1999, the MiG-29SMT fighter received a certificate from the Russian Air Force, which makes it possible to begin work on the conversion of the MiG-29 in combat units of the Russian Air Force, to carry it out on aircraft of foreign customers, to begin serial production.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. NATO designation "Fulcrum".
The MiG-29 is one of the best fourth-generation jet fighters in its class.
The MiG-29 was created to gain air superiority in the combat zone and at short distances from the front and is designed to combat enemy aircraft, cover troops and rear facilities from air strikes, counter enemy air reconnaissance day and night, in simple and difficult weather conditions . In addition to destroying air targets at medium and short distances, including against the ground, it can also hit moving and stationary ground and sea targets. The MiG-29 surpasses its own in many respects foreign analogues(F-16, F/A-18, Mirage 2000). High thrust-to-weight ratio and excellent aerodynamics provide accelerated acceleration, high rate of climb, small turning radii, high angular turning speeds, and the ability to maneuver for a long time with high overloads. The aircraft can effectively conduct active maneuver combat using a cannon, all-aspect missile combat at short and medium distances, and intercept attack and reconnaissance aircraft, including low-flying ones against the background of the ground. The MiG-29 is built for the long term. Having first taken flight about 20 years ago, it remains the world's best fighter in its class to this day. Moreover, its latest modification, the MiG-29SM, first shown at the Paris Air Show in 1995, is already a fully multifunctional fighter equipped with high-precision air-to-ground weapons. striking power increased three times compared to previous modifications.

DEVELOPER. OKB im. A.I. Mikoyan.

Monitoring:

30.01.2017

Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, press release: Today at Voronezh region tactical flight exercises began with the squadron...

25.11.2016

Forbes: In Moscow, at the age of 90, aircraft designer Ivan Mikoyan died, becoming one...

A MiG-29 fighter crashed near Chita, the pilot ejected, the press service of the Russian Air Force reports.

MiG-29 is a Soviet/Russian fourth generation fighter.

Mass production of the MiG-29 began in 1982, and the country's Air Force received its first fighters in August 1983. In subsequent years, the MiG-29 design underwent some changes aimed at improving the aircraft's performance characteristics. Currently, RSK "MiG" continues serial production of improved modifications of the MiG-29, including the modernized MiG-29SMT and MiG-29UB multirole fighters.

In 1988, to equip aircraft-carrying cruisers, the MiG-29K aircraft was designed and built with a folding wing, landing hook and reinforced landing gear for more compact placement of the aircraft on the ship. November 1, 1989 for the first time in domestic aviation and the Navy took off the MiG-29K fighter from the deck of an aircraft-carrying cruiser equipped with a take-off ramp.

Due to its reliability, the MiG-29 is in great demand abroad. In total, the Russian Air Force and 25 other countries around the world have over 1,600 MiG-29 light fighters in service.

Flight performance characteristics:

Dimensions: length - 17.32 m; height - 4.73 m; wingspan - 11.36 m; wing area - 38 sq.m

Crew: 1 or 2 people.

Maximum ground speed: 1500 km/h

Maximum speed at altitude: 2450 km/h

Combat radius: 700 km

Flight range: 2230 km

Service ceiling: 18000 m

Rate of climb: 19800 m/min

The fighter's armament includes a single-barreled GSh-301 cannon (30 mm, 150 rounds of ammunition). The wing has six (eight on the MiG-29K) load suspension points. To combat air targets, six underwing units of the MiG-29 can be equipped with: six close-range R-60M or short-range R-73 guided missiles with an infrared guidance system (IR seeker); four close-range missiles and two medium-range missiles R‑27RE with radar or R‑27TE with IR guidance system. To operate against ground targets, the aircraft can carry bombs, units of unguided aircraft missiles (UAR) with calibers of 57 mm, 80 mm, 122 mm, 240 mm, and a unified small cargo container KMGU-2. It is possible to use the X-25M air-to-surface missile with passive radar, semi-active laser or ship guidance, X-29 (MiG-29K) with TV or laser guidance of the supersonic anti-ship missile X-31A (MiG-29K), subsonic anti-ship missile X-35.

The MiG-29 is superior in many respects to its foreign counterparts (F-16, F/A-18, Mirage 2000). Thanks to its excellent aerodynamics, it is capable of accelerated acceleration, has a high rate of climb, a small radius of turns, is characterized by high angular turning speeds and is capable of performing long-term maneuvers with high overloads. The aircraft can effectively conduct active maneuver combat with the use of a cannon, all-aspect missile combat at short and medium distances, and intercept attack and reconnaissance aircraft, including low-flying ones against the background of the ground.

A unique feature of the MiG-29 is the ability to take off with a combat load on one engine while turning on the second engine already in the air, which saves valuable time during takeoff on alert.

Combat use: MiG-29 fighters were used during the Gulf War (1991), the conflict in Transnistria (1991-1992), and the NATO operation against Yugoslavia (1999). During the First Chechen war Russian MiG-29s patrolled the airspace of Chechnya.

The material was prepared based on information from open sources

On October 6, 1977, a prototype of the MiG-29 aircraft made its first flight. The MiG-29 is a Soviet/Russian light front-line fighter of the 4th generation, developed by specialists from the MiG Design Bureau. According to the official website of RSK MiG, in total more than 1,600 fighters of this type were produced, which are in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces and 25 other countries around the world. The aircraft has been in mass production since 1982; today, our country produces improved modifications of this combat vehicle, which are still in demand on the global arms market.

Light fighter The MiG-29 became the second 4th generation combat aircraft, which was developed by the designers of the A. I. Mikoyan Design Bureau, while the first Soviet 4th generation combat aircraft was the MiG-31 interceptor fighter, work on the creation of which began as early as in the late 1960s. Work on the MiG-29 light front-line fighter began at the A. I. Mikoyan Design Bureau in 1970. The new machine was supposed to take over the baton from the main fighter of the USSR Air Force from the MiG-21 and MiG-23. In addition, the designers were given the task of surpassing the latest American fighters F-15 and F-16 in flight performance characteristics at that time. The main features of the new fighter are: the use of an integral aerodynamic configuration; in such a configuration, the fuselage of the aircraft is made load-bearing and creates up to 40 percent of the total lift; a promising power plant consisting of two RD-33 bypass turbojet engines; new guided weapons; modern system weapons control.

As part of the work to create the MiG-29 fighter, an interdepartmental program was specially organized to ensure the reliability of combat systems and complexes. As a result of its work, high reliability indicators were achieved, which exceeded the requirements of customers and the world level achieved by that time. Also, when creating a new light front-line fighter, the Mikoyan Design Bureau created a special system of stands, including for half-life modeling. This decision made it possible to significantly reduce testing time and improve the quality of aviation equipment.

According to the official website of RSK MiG, the development of the light front-line fighter MiG-29 and its modifications from 1972 to 1982 was carried out under the leadership of Deputy general designer A. A. Chumachenko, in 1982 M. R. Waldenberg was appointed chief designer of the aircraft, since 1993 the topic was headed by V. V. Novikov. Currently, the modernization of the MiG-29 aircraft is carried out under the leadership of chief designer A. B. Slobodsky, and the development of new modifications of the fighter is under the leadership of N. N. Buntin and I. G. Kristinov.

Construction of the first prototype of the MiG-29 fighter ( tail number 901) ended in August 1977. After carrying out the necessary ground tests, jogging and taxiing, by October the plane was ready for its first flight. On Thursday, October 6, 1977, the chief pilot of the A. I. Mikoyan Moscow Metallurgical Plant, A. V. Fedotov, took the plane into the sky for the first time. OKB pilots also took part in the flight tests of the new combat vehicle: P. M. Ostapenko, B. A. Orlov, A. G. Fastovets, V. E. Menitsky, V. V. Ryndin.

After completing a large-scale flight test program in 1982, the new aircraft was put into serial production at MAPO (today - Industrial complex No. 2 RSK "MiG") and in 1987 was officially adopted by the Air Force Soviet Union. Since 1986, MiG-29 fighters have been widely exported. India received the first aircraft already in 1986, and the following year it was followed by Yugoslavia and Iraq, and subsequently the geography of deliveries of the fighter only increased.

The aircraft made its international debut in 1988. The aircraft was presented at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK, which in itself was an unprecedented decision. Before this, Soviet military equipment had never taken part in such air shows. The appearance of the MiG-29 fighter at the Farnborough Air Show became a real sensation, and the aircraft itself became the main star of the show. The spectators and aviation specialists were especially impressed by the aerobatics figure “Bell”. This element was included in the flight program in order to provide potential customers as much information as possible about the new aircraft. In particular, it was clearly demonstrated that the MiG-29 maintains controllability along the trajectory at zero and even negative flight speeds, its orientation in space does not affect the stability and controllability of the vehicle, and power point operates steadily and reliably over the entire speed range.

The light front-line fighter MiG-29 was made according to normal aerodynamic design, the aircraft has an integral airframe layout. The fighter's airframe consists of a profiled supporting body (fuselage) developed in scope and length, which is smoothly articulated through the influx zone with a trapezoidal wing, an all-moving differentially deflectable stabilizer and a vertical two-fin tail. The power plant is represented by two bypass turbojet engines, which were placed in isolated engine nacelles at the rear of the aircraft body. The main air intakes of turbojet engines are located under the center section, additional ones are located on the upper surface of the aircraft wing swells. The MiG-29 chassis is tricycle and retractable.

Approximately 40 percent of an aircraft's lift in flight is provided by its body, 60 percent by the wing. At angles of attack of more than 17 degrees, the role of the body and wing surges in creating lift increases. Glider Feature light fighter was the presence in its design of large-sized stampings, as well as pressed panels, their use made it possible to reduce the number of loaded joints. The main structural materials of the aircraft airframe are aluminum alloys and high-strength steels. Titanium was used in a number of critical components and parts of the fighter (in the tail section of the hull, in the wing spars, etc.). The share of composite materials in the total mass of the MiG-29 fighter structure was about 7 percent. To facilitate inspection and maintenance, as well as repair of the aircraft during operation, a convenient approach was provided to structural elements and equipment units.

High thrust-to-weight ratio, rational aerodynamic layout, reliable automated system controls provided the MiG-29 light front-line fighter with excellent maneuverability characteristics that are still inherent in the aircraft today. In the design of the fighter there was a place for the widespread use of composite materials. In the main version, the aircraft's armament consisted of a 30-mm GSh-301 automatic cannon, two R-27 medium-range guided missiles with radar or thermal homing heads and four R-73 highly maneuverable close-range missiles. For the first time in the world, an integrated weapons control system was used on the MiG-29 fighter based on the KOLS quantum optical-location station (a combination of a survey-tracking heat direction finder with a laser rangefinder), an N019 pulse-Doppler radar and a helmet-mounted target designation system under the designation "Schel-3UM". The operation of all of these systems, united into a single complex for the first time in the world, was controlled by on-board electronic computers.

Despite the fact that 40 years have passed since the first flight of the prototype MiG-29 fighter, the combat vehicle is still in demand on the world market military equipment, this is confirmed by existing orders for this fighter. Thus, in 2016, Russia closed a contract to supply the Indian Navy with 29 MiG-29K/Kube ship-based fighters. These aircraft, belonging to the “4+” generation, are designed to solve air defense tasks for naval formations, gain air superiority, as well as destroy ground and surface targets with modern high-precision aircraft. Aircraft can be used equally effectively in all weather conditions, day and night.

Also in 2017, Russia began executing a contract to supply MiG-29M/M2 fighter jets to Egypt. In total, this North African country will receive about 50 aircraft of this type. Most likely, we are talking about the supply of 46 MiG-29M fighters and 6-8 MiG-29M2 twins for combat training of Egyptian pilots. Information about this contract first appeared in the Russian media in May 2015, when experts estimated the cost of the contract for the supply of about 50 fighter aircraft with weapons at approximately two billion dollars. This order became the largest for MiG-29 aircraft in all post-Soviet times.

The MiG-29M/M2 can be called the latest development of the platform of the legendary MiG-29 fighter. The main differences of the new machine are new radio-electronic equipment, improved engines with controlled thrust vectoring, and increased flight range. This version of the fighter was developed in Russia in the 2000s using solutions that arose during the work on creating a carrier-based version of the MiG-29K/KUB fighter (product 9-41/47).

Sources of information:
http://www.migavia.ru
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig29.html
https://lenta.ru/news/2017/04/26/mig29
Open source materials

MiG-29(according to NATO codification: Fulcrum) - Soviet supersonic high-altitude fighter-interceptor of the 3rd generation, developed at the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau in the late 1970s.

History of the MiG-29

The first work on the creation of 4th generation fighters began in the USSR and the USA in the late 1960s. Having quite effective fighters in service, the USSR was in no hurry to create a replacement for them, however, the details of the American F-X programs, the brainchild of which was McDonnell Douglas, forced the country's leadership to reconsider their plans. The MiG-21 was fast, but inferior in range and weapons, while the MiG-23 flew further, but was not very maneuverable. As a result, in 1969, a competition was initiated to create a PFI (advanced front-line fighter), in which the bureaus of Mikoyan and Gurevich, Sukhoi and Yakovlev participated. The competition was won by the MiG Design Bureau.

However, during development it became clear that making an absolutely universal aircraft was too difficult and expensive. It was decided to divide the PFI program into two: LPFI (light), which was handled by the MiG Design Bureau, and TPFI (heavy), which was taken over by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. The result of LPFI was the MiG-29, and TPFI, respectively.

The first flight of the prototype "Product 9" - MiG-29A was made on October 6, 1977. Due to delays associated with the loss of two prototypes in accidents, serial production was launched only in 1982 at the Moscow Znamya Truda plant. In August 1983, the first production MiG-29Bs began to arrive at the Kubinka airbase. The vehicle successfully passed state acceptance tests in 1984, after which its deliveries to front-line aviation units began.

After the delivery of the first machines, the distribution of tasks between TPFI and LPFI became clear. The heavy Su-27, with its large range, had the unusual and dangerous task of deep air search and destruction of advanced NATO aircraft, the smaller MiG-29 replaced the MiG-23 in front-line aviation.

In September 1988, the aircraft was first presented at the Farnborough International Air Show. The public highly appreciated the new aircraft, although they noted the high smoke quality of the RD-33 engines, although this can hardly be called a combat disadvantage.

MiG-29 design

The aircraft is made according to an integrated aerodynamic design, with a low-lying wing, a twin-tail tail and spaced-apart engines. The airframe is made mainly of aluminum alloys and steel, titanium and composite materials are also used. The wing has slotted flaps, ailerons and deflectable leading edges. The keels have a carbon fiber lining and an external camber of 6 degrees. The chassis is tricycle, with single-wheel main and two-wheel front struts.

TRDDF RD-33 engines. During takeoff and landing, adjustable air intakes are covered with protective panels and air is taken in through the upper inlets.

Modifications

• MiG-29 (9-12)-first serial modification
• MiG-29 (9-12A)- export modification 9-12 for ATS countries with limited combat characteristics.
• MiG-29B (9-12B)- export modification 9-12, supplied to countries not included in the ATS with limited combat characteristics.
• MiG-29UPG (9-20)- modernization of the MiG-29B for the Indian Air Force. Includes installation of an additional conformal dorsal fuel tank and in-flight refueling equipment, installation of RD-33M-3 engines, as well as parts of foreign-made onboard equipment.
• MiG-29 (9-13)- front-line fighter. It differs from the 9-12 modification by the presence of a built-in electronic warfare station “Gardenia”, the ability to suspend two underwing PTBs and an increased combat load weight.
• MiG-29S (9-13S) - further development modifications 9−13, the R-77 missile was included in the range of weapons, the radar now has a mode for simultaneous attack of two air targets.
• MiG-29SD- multi-role fighter, the ability to refuel in the air has been added, the resource has been increased.
• MiG-29N- modification MiG-29SD for the Malaysian Air Force.
• MiG-29SM- modification of the MiG-29S, with the ability to use high-precision air-to-surface weapons.
• MiG-29SMT (9-17, 9-18, 9-19)- single-seat, modernized version of the MiG-29SM fighter. Developed in 1999-2004.
• MiG-29K (9-31, 9-41) - carrier-based fighter
• MiG-29KUB (9-47)- carrier-based combat training fighter.
• MiG-29KVP- an experimental aircraft for practicing springboard takeoffs and aerofinish landings.
• MiG-29UB (9-51)- combat training fighter, does not have a radar.
• MiG-29UBT (9-52)- the design is close to the MiG-29SMT, but is still a modification combat training aircraft MiG-29UB.
• MiG-29M/MiG-29M1- a single-seat multi-role fighter of the “4++” generation with an increased flight range, an increased combat load and an expanded range of on-board weapons.
• MiG-29M2- a two-seat multi-role fighter of the “4++” generation with an increased flight range, an increased combat load and an expanded range of on-board weapons.
• MiG-29M/OVT- experimental version with deflectable thrust vector converted from the MiG-29M fighter, tail number 156 (9- 15 6 -th flight prototype)
• - ship modification. Delivered to the Russian Navy and the Indian Navy
• MiG-33(MiG-29M) (9-15)- a multi-role fighter, compared to early modifications of the MiG-29, significant changes were made to the design and composition of the avionics, the range of weapons was expanded and the fuel tanks were increased.
• (9-61) - deep modernization of the MiG-29M
• MiG-35D (9-67)- two-seat version of the MiG-35
• MiG-29AS- modernization of the MiG-29A for the Slovak Air Force according to the program MiG-29SD without a refueling system and with modified avionics.
• MiG-29MU1— Ukrainian modernization. The range of detection and destruction of air targets has been increased by 20%.

Video MiG-29: Demonstration flight at the ILA-2014 air show

Operation of the MiG-29

On at the moment The Russian Air Force operates 270 units. At the end of February 2012, the Russian Ministry of Defense entered into a contract with the MiG aircraft corporation for the supply of 24 carrier-based MiG-29K/KUB fighters. Under the terms of the agreement, the Russian military department will receive 20 MiG-29K and four MiG-29KUB in 2012-2015. A contract has been concluded for the supply of 16 MiG-29SMT multirole fighters to the Russian Air Force.

In service with foreign countries:

• Algeria - 25 for 2010.
• Azerbaijan - 15 MiG-29 and 3 MiG-29UB purchased from Ukraine.
• Bangladesh - 6 MiG-29 and 2 MiG-29UB, as of 2013.
• Belarus - 41 aircraft, as of 2010. After the collapse of the USSR, about 100 aircraft remained. Some of them were sold to Algeria, Peru and Eritrea.
• Bulgaria - 18 for 2010. Vietnam
• Vietnam - 4 MiG-29SMT received in 2010
• Israel - 3 aircraft belonging to an unknown country were tested in 1997.
• India - 67 MiG-29, as of 2013. India became the first foreign country, who received export version. Since 1986, according to various estimates, about 70-80 aircraft have been delivered. In addition, in 2004, India ordered 16 carrier-based fighters: 12 single-seat MiG-29K and 4 double-seat MiG-29KUB. In 2008, a plan was approved for the purchase of another 29 fighters.
• Iran - 35 as of 2010. Since 1990, according to various sources, 14 or 17 vehicles have been received. Another number flew from Iraq during the 1991 war and were put into service.
• Yemen - 18 as of 2010.
• Kazakhstan - 40 MiG-29, as of 2010.
• DPRK - 35 MiG-29, as of 2010.
• Cuba - in 1989-1990 a small number was received (according to various sources, 12 or 16 aircraft).
• Myanmar - 10 MiG-29, as of 2010. Peru
• Peru - 17 MiG-29S/SMT and 2 MiG-29UBV, as of August 2012. Poland
• Poland - 32 MiG-29, as of 2010. Syria
• Syria - 19 MiG-29, as of 2010.
• Serbia - 3 MiG-29 and 1 MiG-29UB, as of 2013. After the collapse of Yugoslavia, all aircraft went to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Most were lost in the 1999 war.
• Slovakia - 12 MiG-29, as of 2010.
• Sudan - 12 MiG-29, as of 2010 Turkmenistan.
• Turkmenistan - 24 MiG-29, as of 2010.
• Uzbekistan - 30 MiG-29, as of 2010.
• Ukraine - 160 MiG-29, as of 2013. After the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine received about 240 aircraft.
• Sri Lanka - 4 MiG-29SM and 1 MiG-29UB were delivered in 2008.
• Eritrea - 10 MiG-29, as of 2010.

Combat use

Since its introduction into service, the MiG-29 has participated in many military conflicts. Among them:

• War in Afghanistan (1979-1989)
• Gulf War (1991)
• Conflict in Transnistria (1991-1992)
• Ethiopian-Eritrean War (1998-2000)
• NATO operation against Yugoslavia (1999)
• Kargil War (1999)
• War in South Ossetia (2008)
• Conflict in Darfur (2003-present)
• Civil war in Syria (2011-present)
• Armed conflict in eastern Ukraine (2014)

Results of air battles between MiG-29 and F-15 and F-16 during wars and conflicts

The 1991 Gulf War and the 1999 NATO operation against Yugoslavia saw MiG-29 dogfights against F-16s and F-15s.

It is worth noting that the battles took place with absolute quantitative superiority in the air of NATO aircraft, not only against similar aircraft, but also with the unilateral use of other aircraft, such as interceptors and AWACS aircraft, which is confirmed payroll The air forces of the countries participating in the conflict, as well as the declared number of aircraft used.

Possibilities defense industry The USSR was repeatedly underestimated by its opponents, both potential and very real. A number of samples of Soviet weapons in the history of the country have become a standard for designers of the most industrially developed countries. Some of them even became unique symbols of the USSR armed forces and new Russia. The fame of Shpagin and Kalashnikov assault rifles, T-34 and T-54 tanks, Katyushas and other types of Russian lethal products has gone far beyond the borders of a sixth of the landmass. MiGs also belong to the Russian weapons classics.

History of the MiG Design Bureau

The design bureau began working before the Great Patriotic War. By 1940, engineers A. I. Mikoyan (brother of Stalin’s People’s Commissar) and M. I. Gurevich managed to create a magnificent fighter aircraft, one of the best in the world in terms of its characteristics. It had a number of shortcomings, but at the time of the first test takeoff, this light, high-speed machine with streamlined lines could compete with any aircraft in Germany, Britain or the United States.

The design bureau has always strived not only to follow global trends in aircraft manufacturing, but also, whenever possible, to set them. The first production jet fighter in the USSR, the MiG-9, was a response to the successful introduction of aircraft of this class into the Western Air Forces.

Jet Age

An unpleasant surprise for American pilots was the MiG-15, which in terms of speed and maneuverability characteristics was superior to the vaunted products of Northrop and other US manufacturers, who considered their equipment unsurpassed. In the skies of warring Vietnam, the MiG-17 and MiG-21 interceptors performed excellently. There were other aircraft models, MiG-19 and MiG-23. During Israel's war with Egypt, the super-powerful MiG-25 repeatedly violated the front line, conducting raids over Tel Aviv. And although there were no weapons on it, the very fact of an unpunished flight Soviet plane over a country armed with the latest American systems Air defense, cooled down many hotheads. A number of regional conflicts in which Soviet MiG military aircraft showed their best the best side, became a kind of advertisement for this brand, a guarantee of the quality and highest efficiency of Soviet military equipment. The crowning achievement of the designers' efforts was the MiG-29. Specifications this fighter even today, 37 years after the completion of the main design work, fully meet modern requirements requirements for combat vehicles of this class.

Important government assignment

In the late sixties and early seventies, the main “workhorse” of the US Air Force and several countries - potential enemies of the USSR - was the famous F-4, “Phantom” of various modifications from McDonnell-Douglas. The design of this aircraft was very successful; it could solve tasks that were universal in nature - from conducting maneuverable air combat to launching bomb and missile strikes on ground targets. But the experience of Vietnam and the Middle East showed that it was difficult for him to fight against the Soviet MiG-21 and even the earlier MiG-17. The loss ratio was not in favor of the Americans. In the United States, work began on creating a replacement for the Phantom, which resulted in the F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle fighters. The Soviet Air Force urgently needed modernization, taking into account promising projects of overseas aircraft manufacturers with their “cats” and “eagles.” The Soviet government set a task for the MiG design bureau. By the fall of 1977, the newest MiG-29 interceptor was ready. The prototype took off on October 6. Five years later, the aircraft was adopted by the USSR Air Force.

A little about appearance

In those years even appearance a new type of weapon was a state secret. Indeed, many revolutionary technical solutions, including conceptual ones, have become distinctive feature MiG-29 interceptor. A photo carelessly published in the press, or a recording of a demonstration flight shown on television, could lead specialists from the hostile camp to think about the main line of aircraft manufacturing of the future. According to the idea of ​​Chief Designer M. Waldenberg, supported by R. Belyakov, who replaced him as General, the aircraft had a so-called integrated circuit layout. This means that the design bureau has moved away from the division of the structure into planes and fuselage, which is customary in world aviation. The entire airframe consisted of smooth transitions, sagging, with “classic” side walls only in the bow.

The secrecy measures were by no means an unnecessary precaution. The specialists who designed MiG aircraft were also able to spy on other people’s new products. A photo of the adjustable air intake of the mentioned Phantom, taken at one of the air shows, at one time gave invaluable information to our engineers. A similar unit was used on the MiG-23.

Power plant and bell figure

The aircraft has two engines (RD-ZZ or RD-ZZK for modification “M”), they are located below the wing. Their total thrust can reach from 16,600 to 17,600 kN (kgf). If we take into account that the take-off weight of the machine slightly exceeds 15 tons, then it is easy to conclude that the value of the unit’s thrust-to-weight ratio exceeds one. This in turn means that if the MiG-29 aircraft is installed vertically and the throttle sectors are brought to a position close to the limit, then it will hover in place or rise higher without the participation of the wing. This technical feature allows not only to show unique aerobatics at demonstrations, but also has important practical significance. Locators operate on the Doppler principle and can only track moving objects. At the moment of performing the “bell” and “cobra” (that’s what aerobatics are called, during which a “hover” occurs), the speed of the MiG-29 aircraft is zero, and all control and guidance systems of enemy air defense systems cease to see it on their screens .

"Gills" MiG-29

There are other solutions that demonstrate a fresh approach to solving pressing problems. A powerful power plant requires a lot of air, and it is sucked into the intake intake at huge quantities. If the runway is snowy, has sand on it (which is not uncommon in some regions) or other contaminants, all this gets inside the turbine. There are several ways to deal with this scourge. For example, you can install air filters like in a car. But they also tend to get clogged. Or another solution: place the air intakes higher. But this worsens the aerodynamic properties of the aircraft's airframe. In the case of the MiG-29, the designers made an unusual and unique decision. Air intake until the landing gear is retracted is carried out through additional inlet openings on the upper fairing connecting the wing to the fuselage. There are two rows of them, they are located symmetrically on the right and left sides. They were called "gills". During takeoff and landing, the main air intakes are completely closed, and only after there is enough air safe work heights they open.

Avionics

Not only powerful engines The MiG-29 aircraft is famous for its excellent aerodynamics. Technical characteristics, no matter how excellent they may be, in modern air combat do not guarantee victory if ergonomic conditions are not created for the pilot and information support, providing the ability to make instant decisions. Still, the fourth generation obliges us to do something, especially since our potential opponents have always treated the latest advances in electronics with great attention. The fact that the information and computing complex is based on an on-board computer (this is Ts100.02-06) is not surprising. For the first time in the country (and perhaps in the world), many additional devices have been used to make the pilot’s work easier. In particular, “Natasha” (as the pilots nicknamed the voice indication system; in fact, it is “Almaz-UP”), in a pleasant female voice, will inform you that the landing approach is being carried out at insufficient altitude or speed, will notify about the enemy entering the tail, or other danger, error or emergency.

Controlling the weapon is very convenient. The information is projected onto the front glazing of the cockpit canopy, and a target designation system is installed on the headset. I looked at the plane, decided to attack, pressed the combat cocking button - and we can assume that the enemy is no longer there. Our pilots have such a deadly look. And if you get confused and lose spatial orientation, then it’s okay, press another button, and the plane will level itself both in trim and in roll.

Electronic control system

In modern military aircraft Separating avionics and weapons control systems is very difficult. Without sensitive to target detection in the background earth's surface It is almost impossible to win a victory today using radar, but this device also performs a navigation function. The MiG-29 aircraft is equipped with a NO-93 type radar, capable of tracking a dozen targets simultaneously. She is integral part sighting and navigation complex OEPRNA-29, which can perform operational mapping, calculates algorithms for attacks on enemy sea and ground targets. It also includes an OEPS-29 optical-electronic sighting system; the latest achievements of quantum physics were used in its development. The target is detected and identified at a distance of 35 km (when catching up) to 75 km (in free space). In general, the control system is complex, but despite this, it is convenient to use.

What to shoot with?

Experience has shown that it is difficult to conduct an air battle, especially a maneuverable one, with missiles alone. Having deprived the Phantom of artillery, the Americans were forced to invent special hanging containers with a cannon and ammunition. The MiG-29 fighter is armed with a rapid-fire (1,500 rounds per minute) water-cooled GSh-301 cannon, which has a supply of one hundred shells (30 mm caliber).

For missiles, there are six external pylons mounted under the wings. Depending on the tasks being solved, they can be equipped with missile launchers (R-73 or R-60M). To strike ground targets, missile launchers of the X-25M type are used. The guidance of these means is carried out either by a television signal or by a laser beam. Aiming of unguided weapons (unmanned aerial vehicles in cassettes, bombs) is carried out using radar. Naval targets are hit by the X-29 or supersonic missiles anti-ship missiles type Kh-31A, which the MiG-29 can carry. Armament with advanced missile models is incorporated into the design of the suspension units.

The total number of bombs and missiles is limited to a maximum combat load of 3 tons (base model) and 4.5 tons (MiG-29M).

TTX Mig-29

The aircraft is somewhat smaller in size and weight than its contemporary American counterparts, which include the F-14 and F-15. The wingspan of the Soviet interceptor is slightly more than 11 meters (the same for the Tomcat at maximum sweep, and for the Igla - 13 m). The length is 17 meters including the in-flight refueling rod (versus 19 for each of the “Americans”). The MiG-29, which weighs about 15 tons, is lighter than both aircraft - likely opponents (about eighteen tons each). The thrust of the two turbines exceeds that of American cars and reaches 17,600 kN (14,500 for the Tomcat and just over 13 thousand for the Eagle).

The relatively small wing area (38 sq. m.) can be alarming due to the high specific load, but it is compensated by the high strength of the airframe due to the features of the integral layout. The speed of the MiG-29 reaches 2.3 M (2,450 km/h); for the deck version of the MiG-29K it is slightly lower, 2,300 km/h. For comparison, the F-14 is capable of reaching 1.88 M (1,995 km/h), and the F-15 - 2,650 km/h. Another important indicator is the length of the run during takeoff and landing. For a MiG to take off, it only needs a runway 700 meters long, and in afterburner mode - only 260 meters. It lands on a platform 600 meters long. This allows it to be used as a carrier-based aircraft (with a cable braking system) or operated in poorly prepared airfields (or even highway sections, as happened during the Yugoslav War). Both American cars have approximately the same running characteristics. Possibility of using a fighter as a base aircraft aircraft carriers provided and structurally, the wing consoles are foldable. The landing speed of the MiG-29 is 235 km/h, which also indicates its “sea soul”. American deck ships have the same indicator.

The MiG's service ceiling reaches 17 thousand meters and occupies an intermediate position between the F-14 and F-15.

The average combat qualities of the Soviet MiG-29, technical characteristics and its maneuverability allow us to assert that this aircraft is superior to all foreign analogues developed at the same time as it. The ability to disappear from radar screens in the midst of air combat makes this vehicle unique. Innovations applied in the control system have brought the domestic aviation industry to a qualitatively higher level. new level. It is also important that the MiG-29 fighter has a wide modification potential. Its varieties with different target orientations, different flight ranges, with on-board devices that differ in functionality radio-electronic equipment, from a front-line fighter to a training “flying desk”, more than two dozen were produced. Two of them (MiG-33 and MiG-35) are separated into independent models of the design bureau line named after. Mikoyan and Gurevich.

With different emblems on the wings

After the collapse of the USSR, the military aircraft fleet of a single state was divided between the former Soviet republics. Experiencing financial difficulties, many of them began to sell equipment they did not need. For example, Moldova lost two dozen used MiG-29s to the United States. The cost of each aircraft was $2 million, which is many times lower market price. The Americans needed this interceptor to practice tactics in combating the air forces of the countries in which it is in service. MiGs were sold to conflict zones in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world.

The air forces of the participating countries were also armed with MiG-29s. Almost all of them came to the disposal of Russia’s “partner” in the person of NATO. The pilots of the German Luftwaffe, accustomed mainly to American technology, were pleasantly surprised by the ease and ergonomics of control - the characteristic qualities of the MiG-29. Photos of the Soviet fighter with (identification marks of the German Air Force) at first caused bewilderment among the uninitiated, then everyone got used to it.

The aircraft is in service with more than twenty-five countries, and they have no plans to change it for anything yet.

When choosing a defense supplier, foreign governments are guided primarily by military merit and political considerations. But the financial aspect of the transaction is also important. The MiG-29, which costs approximately 70-75 million dollars per unit, can solve most specific military tasks no worse than its overseas competitor F-15, for which they “ask” up to hundreds of millions. In our time of crisis, such a difference clearly plays into the hands of the Russian Oboronexport.

MiG combat experience

As long as the rivalry between the Fulcrum (as NATO called the MiG-29) and the American F-15 Eagles was theoretical, it was possible to argue about which aircraft was better. The first serious real collision between two rival machines took place in the skies over the Persian Gulf (1991, Operation Desert Storm). Against the background of general success, due to careful preparation, advantage in information and analytical support and quantitative superiority, the fact was somehow poorly illuminated that during the entire Gulf War, Allied aviation was never able to win at least one confirmed victory over the Iraqi MiG- 29. The technical characteristics of this interceptor created conditions for Hussein’s pilots to achieve aerial victories; the case of the destruction of a British Tornado in northwestern Iraq was documented (according to unconfirmed reports, it was not the only one).

13 Yugoslav MiG-29s (in total there were 15 of them in service with the SFRY, but two turned out to be unsuitable for sorties at the beginning of the aggression) confronted many times larger NATO forces. In some mysterious way, American pilots (according to them) shot down 24 of them. In reality, everything turned out to be not as bravura as the NATO pilots reported. Four units were bombed at the airfield, and one interceptor was lost in an accident. The remaining six were indeed shot down by NATO; the leadership of the alliance, however, did its best to underestimate its own losses. It is currently difficult to estimate their number, as well as the share of the MiGs’ merits.

There were other cases combat use MiG-29 aircraft, fortunately, are infrequent. In any case, the success of the design of a combat vehicle can only be judged by cases of “pure” confrontation with at least approximately equal qualifications of the pilots. There have been few such episodes in recent history, and they all indicate that the MiG-29 still has a long life ahead.