What speed does the instant 29. Legendary aircraft. Tactical and technical characteristics of the fighter

Technical description of the MiG-29 aircraft (“product 9-12A”)

The MiG-29 fighter is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather front-line fighter. The aircraft is optimized for gaining air superiority in the front line area and has limited capabilities to engage ground targets with unguided air-to-surface weapons in simple weather conditions.

Structurally, the aircraft is a monoplane of an integrated layout with a swept wing with developed root swells with a blunt edge and a two-fin vertical tail. The supporting fuselage creates about 40% of the lift. RD-33 engines are installed in spaced nacelles located in the rear fuselage. The aircraft's structure is made primarily of aluminum, with a lesser extent of titanium, steel, carbon-based composite materials and honeycomb cores.

The fuselage is of semi-monocoque design. The power set includes ten main spars, auxiliary spars, stringers and frames. The fuselage is divided into four main sections: the front, from the air pressure receiver to frame No. 4; central - from frame No. 4 to frame No. 7; propulsion - between frames No. 7 and No. 8 and tail - from frame No. 8.

The air pressure receiver is mounted on a radio-transparent conical radome (made of fiberglass) of the N-091EA radar. Air flow destabilizer plates are installed on the PVD rod. Destabilizers serve to form vortices. The radar units are located in a compartment located in the fuselage directly behind the antenna. In front of the canopy canopy on the upper surface of the fuselage there are sensors of the KOLS system - a laser range finder and an infrared radar system head. In the lower part of the front section of the fuselage there are antennas for the SRO-15LM (L-006) state identification system transponder and the A-037 radio altimeter. One angle of attack sensor is installed on the sides of the forward fuselage. The pressurized cockpit is located between frames No. 1 and No. 2. The guides of the K-36DM ejection seat are attached to frame No. 2. The position of the K-36DM chair is height adjustable within 135mm. The cabin is covered with a transparent canopy. The lantern consists of two segments - a fixed visor and a movable segment that opens upwards and backwards. The lantern's binding is made of magnesium-based alloy. The glazing of the entire canopy is made of three layers; wires of the electric anti-icing system are laid between the layers of glazing of the canopy. The gaps between the canopy in the closed position and the cabin are sealed by supplying air to a rubber hose. The movable segment of the lamp has three fixed positions: closed, fully open, partially open. Opening/closing of the canopy in normal operation is done using pneumatics. In emergency mode, the movable segment of the canopy is reset automatically when the ejection seat squibs are activated or manually by the pilot (the emergency release handle is located on the starboard side of the cockpit). The hydraulic drive for retracting/extending the front landing gear and the support itself are attached to the bottom of spar No. 2.

The GSh-301 cannon of 30 mm caliber and the shell box are located in the left wing root flap. The air conditioning system equipment is located in the right flank. The lining of the left influx in the area where the gun is installed is made of heat-resistant steel. In the front part of the bulges there are radio-transparent fairings for the transponders of the SRO-15LM state identification system.

On the upper surfaces of the root nodules there are slots for air intakes of the “takeoff and landing” modes. The air intakes are scoop type, adjustable, located in front of the engine nacelles. The air intakes are optimized for flight at high transonic and transonic speeds and form four shock waves. On the upper surface of the wing root flaps there are three bypass slots (located immediately behind the auxiliary upper air intakes). The upper air intakes each have five openings-slots, which open during engine start, taxiing, takeoff and landing modes. When the auxiliary air intakes are open, the main ones are closed with special flaps that prevent foreign objects from being sucked into the turbines. The main air intakes open after the aircraft accelerates on takeoff to a speed of 200 km/h and close when the landing speed decreases to 200 km/h. The main air intakes also open when the throttles are set to “Stop”. The cross-section of the air intakes is changed by hydraulic control devices ARV-29D. The air intakes have three modes, which are automatically set depending on the Mach number, flight altitude and engine exhaust speed. In the event of a failure of the air intake control system, they are adjusted manually.

An ARK-19 automatic radio compass is installed in the on-board equipment compartment immediately behind the pilot’s cabin; the radio compass antenna is covered by a radio-transparent fairing located in the upper part of the fuselage. The nose landing gear niche is located in the lower part of the fuselage between frames No. 2 and No. 3.

The central section of the fuselage is occupied by the main fuel tanks. Tank No. 1 is located between frames No. 4 and No. 5, tank No. 2 - between frames No. 5 and No. 6, tank No. 3 - between frames No. 6 and No. 7. Tank No. 2 takes part of the load acting on the airframe. Tank No. 3 is integrated into a power structure made of titanium, to which the wing planes, engine frames and main landing gear are attached. The main landing gear retracts into niches located in the engine nacelles. The engines are attached to frame No. 7. Two fuel tanks No. 3A are located between frames No. 7 and No. 7Zh.

The engines are installed at an angle of 4 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft with a turn in the vertical plane. Between the engines there are gearboxes, oil system equipment, electric generators, and a turbostarter. On the top of the fuselage there are air intakes for the generator cooling system.

The tail unit itself, engine afterburners, aerodynamic brakes and a braking parachute container are attached to the rear section of the fuselage. The last frame of the airframe has the serial number “9”.

Passage at low altitude over the Minsk-Mazowiecki airfield of a pair of MiG-29s of the Polish Air Force. Due to high inflation, the cost of one MiG-29 from the “Polish” batch was adjusted during the delivery process. In 1989, the price of the fighter was 19.1 million zlotys, by the beginning of 1990 the price had already risen to 39.6 million zlotys (1 zloty then equaled 9,350 US dollars, that is, Poland received the planes just not for nothing and after Russia still owes this to Poland!).

Stabilizer

The differentially controlled stabilizer consists of two halves, which are attached to the fuselage on axle shafts. The power set of the stabilizer halves consists of a main spar, a front spar and 16 ribs; the space behind the main spar is filled with honeycomb filler. The stabilizer axle bearing is attached to frame No. 9 of the fuselage, hydraulic drive

– to frame No. 10.

The MiG-29 aircraft has two fins with rudders, the fins are inclined outward at an angle of 6 degrees to the vertical. The keel power set consists of two main spars, a rear auxiliary spar, a front spar and nine ribs; the rear part of the keel is made of carbon-based composite material. The fin is attached to the main fuselage spar. The rudder is attached to the rear auxiliary keel spar at three points. Structurally, the steering wheel consists of a front spar and a rear section filled with honeycomb filler. Antennas of the R-862M, BRL, SO-69, RSBN and SRO systems are mounted in the upper part of the keel; some of the bottoms are covered with radio-transparent panels made of dielectric material. In front of the keels there are narrow bulges - forkeels, in which there are automatic devices for shooting IR traps. The rudder drive is hydraulic; the hydraulic drives are located closer to the roots of the keels.

The two wing planes are attached to the fuselage at five points. The plane's power set includes three main spars, two auxiliary front spars, one auxiliary rear spar, stringers and 16 ribs, the rear part of the wing is made of carbon-based composite material.

The underwing pylons are attached to the main spars. The central part of the plane is occupied by an integral fuel tank. A three-section slat is hung on the front auxiliary spar. The slat deflection is carried out by six hydraulic actuators (one for deflecting the inner section, two for the middle section and three for the outer). The landing flaps and ailerons are mounted on the rear auxiliary spar and are deflected hydraulically. The aileron control loop has an irreversible booster RP-280.

The fully retractable landing gear is designed for aircraft operation from concrete runways.

The main landing gear supports are attached to the fuselage frame between frames No. 6 and No. 7. Retraction/release of landing gear supports is carried out by hydraulic drives. The nose landing gear is attached to frame No. 3 of the fuselage and is retracted into the fuselage by turning it backwards. In the retracted position, the landing gear does not protrude beyond the contours of the fuselage. The supports are secured with locks in both the extended and retracted positions. All supports are equipped with two-chamber shock absorbers, and the wheels are equipped with pneumatic brakes. The main supports are single-wheeled, the front one is two-wheeled. The front support is controlled, during takeoff/landing modes the support can be rotated in the range from +/- 8 degrees, during taxiing - +/- 31 degrees.

Hydraulic system

The aircraft has a main hydraulic system and a hydraulic system that ensures the operation of the boosters. The main hydraulic system operates the second chambers of the hydraulic drives of the rudders, differentially controlled stabilizer and ailerons, and also changes the position of the wedges of the adjustable air intakes, controls the front landing gear, retracts/extends the landing gear and landing flaps, slats, and air brakes. The first chambers of the hydraulic drives of the control surfaces are powered from the second hydraulic system. The operation of both hydraulic systems is ensured by pumps; the power required to operate the pumps is taken from the aircraft engines. There is a two-chamber hydraulic reservoir and two hydraulic accumulators. In case of failure of the main ones, the operation of the system is ensured by an emergency pump. The pressure in hydraulic systems is 19-22MPa.

Pneumatic system

The aircraft is equipped with main and emergency pneumatic systems, as well as a pneumatic system for pressurizing the avionics compartment and cabin ventilation.

The main pneumosthema operates the brakes of the landing gear wheels, the drive of the moving part of the cockpit canopy, the fuel system valves and the PTK-29 braking parachute. The emergency system ensures that the landing gear is extended and the wheel brakes operate. A compressed air cylinder is mounted on the left wall of the niche into which the nose landing gear is retracted. The air pressure in the cylinder is 15 MPa, in the main pneumatic system - 6.3 MPa.

Air conditioning system

The air conditioning system optimizes the temperature and air pressure in the pilot's cabin, and also ensures cooling of the compartments with electronic equipment. Hot air is taken from the engines, its pressure is regulated by two reducers, then the flow is cooled in radiators installed in the front parts of the engine air intake ducts. Air with a given pressure and temperature is supplied to the cabin through a valve, and part of the air is supplied to the pilot’s anti-g suit. The temperature in the cabin is maintained within the range from +15 to +25 degrees C. At flight altitudes up to 2000m, the pressure in the cabin corresponds to the outboard pressure, then gradually increases, at an altitude of 12000m the pressure in the cabin is 31 kPa. Above 12000m – maintained constant.

Oxygen system

The aircraft has a main and backup oxygen systems. The main system supplies oxygen to the pilot and starts the engines. It includes three 4-liter cylinders (the pressure in the cylinders is 14.7 MPa), a pressure regulator, valves, a ventilation device for the VUSH helmet, a CP oxygen mask and an IKZh control panel. When flying at an altitude of up to 8000m, the pilot is supplied with an air-oxygen mixture, and above - pure oxygen.

The emergency system cylinder is attached to the K-36DM ejection seat; it is designed to supply oxygen to the pilot for 4 minutes. The emergency system is activated automatically or manually, the pressure in the system is 17.6 MPa.

Technical data of MiG-29

Length with LDPE m 17.320

Length without LDPE. m 14.875

Wingspan, m 11.360

Stabilizer span, m 7.780

Wing area, m2 38.056

Stabilizer area, m2 7,050

The wing sweep angle is 42 degrees.

The wing root sweep angle is 73 degrees. 30 min.

The keel sweep angle is 47 degrees 30 min.

The stabilizer sweep angle is 50 degrees.

Height, m ​​4.730

Chassis base, m 3.645

Chassis track, m 3,100

Pneumatic nasal coll- KT-100 570x140

Main wheel pneumatics KT-150 840x290

Weight, kg

Empty 10 900

Maximum takeoff 16,710

Normal landing 14 200

Maximum landing 15760

Speed

Maximum at sea level, km/h 1500

Maximum at an altitude of 12,000 m. km/h 2450

Maximum permissible number M 2.35

Landing weight 12,900 kg. km/h 250-260

Takeoff length with a mass of 14,300 kg and with afterburner turned on, m 600

Run length with a weight of 12,900 kg. m

With drogue parachutes 750.i

Without drogue parachute 1470

Practical ceiling, m 18,000

Flight range, km 710-1430

Flight range with external fuel tanks, km 2100

Maximum rate of climb, m/s 325

Engine RD-33

Maximum thrust 50.4 kN

Maximum thrust with afterburner turned on 81 kN

Fuel consumption. kg/kN h 78.5

Fuel consumption in afterburner. kg/kN h 209

Dry weight, kg 1055

Fuel system

The fuel system is designed to use aviation fuel RT, TS or PL-6. The aircraft has three main (No. 1 with a capacity of 650 liters, No. 2 with a capacity of 870 liters, No. 3 with a capacity of 1810 liters) and two auxiliary (No. 3 with a capacity of 155 liters each) fuselage fuel tanks, as well as two integral wing fuel tanks with a capacity of 330 liters each. A suspension of additional discardable fuel tanks with a capacity of 1520 liters is provided. Filling of tanks is carried out centrally through the central filler neck in the niche wall of the left main landing gear or individually through the filler necks of the fuel tanks. Fuselage fuel tanks are pressurized with nitrogen or air, which ensures a normal supply of fuel to the engines when flying at high altitudes. The navigation remainder is determined to be 550 liters; it is consumed last from tank No. 2.

Control system

The control system is traditional, mechanical. Control surfaces: elevators, differentially controlled stabilizer, ailerons, slats, landing flaps and airbrake. It is possible to control the roll by simultaneous deflection of the ailerons and halves of the stabilizer (in different directions). The controls are classic: handle, pedals, slats, flaps and airbrake release levers. All control surfaces are deflected by hydraulic actuators.

The SAU-451-03 autopilot is included in the control system loop. The autopilot dampens aircraft vibrations relative to all three axes and maintains a given altitude and flight path. There is a “panic” mode, when activated, the autopilot takes the plane to the horizon from any spatial position. The autopilot works when flying at an altitude of more than 50-60m.

The pitch control system includes irreversible boosters RP-260A, ARM-150M, differential, spring loading device ARU-29-2, angle of attack limiter SOS-3 (gives the control stick forward when the permissible angle of attack is exceeded), rods, levers .

The roll control system includes RP-280 boosters that control the ailerons, RP-260A stabilizer boosters, a differential, ARM-150K autopilot boosters, rods and levers.

The heading control system includes RP-270 boosters, an auxiliary hydraulic loader (increases the load on the control stick when flying at speeds greater than M+0.5), a spring loading device, and ARM-150K autopilot boosters. hydraulic damper SD-15, rods and levers.

On the control stick there is an autopilot activation button, a gun trigger, an external sling reset button, a trim switch, a helmet-mounted sight switch, and a ventral fuel tank reset button. Below these controls is the brake lever. The airbrake control button is located on the throttle. The control stick and pedals are adjustable to the height of the pilot.

Fire extinguishing system

The fire extinguishing system is designed to combat engine fires and consists of an alarm system and the fire extinguishing system itself. The alarm system uses ionization type sensors. Spherical cylinders with foam are installed in the gargrot. The fire extinguishing mixture can be directed to the left or right engines, to the drive boxes. The pilot controls the fire extinguishing system manually using a three-position switch located in the cockpit on the left side cockpit.

Electrical system

The on-board network is powered by a voltage of 28V DC standard, 36V and 115V 400Hz AC standard. The 28V power supply is provided by the GSR-ST-12-40A electric generator, which is driven by engines. The electrical system also includes two 15STSS-45B batteries with a capacity of 80-100Ah each. In the event of a failure of the main power sources, the equipment of the surveillance and sighting system, state identification systems, and radio communication equipment with the ground are automatically switched to backup sources.

Networks with voltages of 36V and 115V are powered by a 30kVA GP-21 generator, which is also driven by engines. If the generator fails, it automatically switches to backup power sources for flight navigation instruments, the left angle of attack sensor, two of the three heating elements of the canopy canopy, and external suspension equipment (if any).

The lighting system includes internal (red and white illumination of the instrument panel, light signaling) and external (air navigation lights, two FP-81 landing lights mounted on the doors of the niches of the main landing gear, and an FR-9 taxi light mounted on the nose landing gear strut under different angles) of lighting. The electrical system fuse panel is located in the cockpit behind the K-36DM ejection seat.

Instrumentation

The cockpit instrumentation is made using traditional dial instruments.

The instrumentation includes a low-altitude radio altimeter A-037 (measurement range 0-1000 m), a marker radio receiver A-611 (RPM-76), and a radio compass ARK-19. The friend-foe identification system “Password-2D” (G-2D) includes an interrogator SPZ-1P and a transponder SRO-1P; information from the “Password-2D” system is displayed on the pilot’s helmet-mounted sight indicator. The SO-69 system allows you to receive information about the air situation from a ground-based radar. The E502-20 system provides aircraft guidance in director mode based on commands from the ground; the system equipment is interfaced with an on-board radar, a helmet-mounted sight and a weapon control system. The aircraft is equipped with an electromagnetic radiation warning system SRO-15LM "Bereza" (L-006), the Bereza data is displayed on the instrument panel and on the helmet-mounted sight indicator, in addition, when an enemy radar is operating on an aircraft, an audible signal is activated. The navigation system includes RSBN-2, RSBN-4N, RSBN-6N, “Udar-M” equipment, and an air signals subsystem. It is possible to program a flight along a route with a task of up to three turning points and three landing airfields. Automatic route flight is switched off when the aircraft descends during landing at an altitude of 50m. The navigation system has a range of 8 km per flight hour.

The radio communication equipment includes a transceiver radio station R-862, operating in the VHF range 100-150 MHz and 220-400 MHz (used for radio exchange with the ground and other aircraft), an emergency radio station R-855UM and an intercom SPU-9 (used for negotiations with service personnel at the airfield, for sending signals from the Bereza system, a marker radio receiver and a radio compass, as well as broadcasting information from the P-591B Rita speech warning system about dangerous modes).

The SUV-29 weapons control system includes:

1. Radar system RLPK-29E as part of the Doppler radar N-091EA "Rubin".

2. Optoelectronic sighting and navigation complex OEPrNK-29E (S-31) as part of the OEPS-23S (KOLS) system with an IR sensor and laser rangefinder, helmet-mounted sight NTS-29, indicator on the background of the windshield, on-board digital computer S-100.02-02 and a number of other devices.

The RLPK-29E system allows you to simultaneously track up to ten air targets, select from them the object that poses the greatest danger, and generate data for the launch of one R-27R missile with a semi-active homing head. The fire control system operates in four modes: “D” mode – attacks from the rear hemisphere, “B” mode – attack from the front hemisphere, “AVT” mode – attack in automatic mode, “Close Combat” mode – maneuverable close combat. The maximum detection range of a typical MiG-21 class air target at sea level is 70 km, the maximum target tracking range is 60 km. Detection and tracking ranges vary greatly depending on flight parameters and the effective scattering surface of the target. Radar antenna scanning angles – +-50 degrees. in azimuth and +/-18 degrees in elevation.

The OEPrNK-29E optical location system operates in the infrared range of the spectrum and generates data necessary for the use of guided missiles with thermal homing heads and firing from a cannon. The IR system, laser rangefinder and radar can operate either as a single complex or independently of each other. The scanning range of the KOLS system sensor is ZOgrad. in azimuth and 15 degrees. in elevation, the maximum detection range of a contrasting thermal target is 15 km, the maximum tracking range is 12 km at a maximum angular velocity of the target of 30 degrees/s. The range of distance measurement with a laser rangefinder is from 200m to 6.5km. The optimal firing range from a cannon at an air target is 200-800m, against a ground target – 800-1800m. The results of the attack are recorded by an FKP-EU photo-machine gun based on the helmet-mounted sight indication at firing distances of up to 3000m. The photocine gun uses standard 35-m film, shooting speed is 8 frames per second, film length is 30 m.

Flight parameters are recorded by Tester equipment (the notorious “black box”) on magnetic tape. The capacity of the tape allows you to record information for 3 hours of flight.

The “Screen” automatic warning system provides information about failures of on-board systems during flight by sending light and sound signals.

Engine RD-33

The MiG-29 aircraft is equipped with two bypass engines (bypass ratio 0.55) RD-33 turbojet engines with afterburners and adjustable nozzles.

The engine compressor is axisymmetric with a four-stage fan and a nine-stage high-pressure compressor. The nozzle blades are installed in two positions - subsonic and supersonic. Power take-off for the operation of electric generators, hydraulic and fuel system pumps is carried out through the KSA gearbox. Each engine has an independent control system and oil system, as well as a parameter control system. For each oil system to operate, 10.5-11.5 liters of IMP-10 oil are required.

The engines are started from the GTDE turbostarter (auxiliary power unit). The right engine starts first.

Armament

The aircraft is equipped with one single-barrel automatic cannon GSh-301 (9A4071K) of 30mm caliber. The initial velocity of the projectile is 860 m/s, ammunition capacity is 150 projectiles. Firing from the cannon is blocked when additional jettisonable fuel tanks are attached.

The range of suspended air-to-air guided weapons includes: medium-range missile launcher with semi-active radar homing head R-27R, medium-range missile launcher with thermal homing head R-27T, short-range missile launcher with thermal homing head R-73, R- 60, R-60M. The missiles are suspended on six underwing pylons. Suspension of missiles of the R-27 family is possible only on pylons No. 3 and No. 2. The R-60 and R-73 missiles are suspended symmetrically. Missiles are launched both in pairs and individually.

Suspended air-to-surface weapons (bombs weighing up to 500 kg, KMGU containers, UPK-23 gun containers, NAR U B-16, UB-32, B-8M1, B-13 L, 240-mm NAR S-24B units) are suspended to pylons No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4. The total mass of suspended weapons is limited to 3200 kg.

R-27 missiles are suspended on APU-470 aircraft launchers, R-60 and R-60M missiles on APU-62-1DB1, R-73 missiles on APU-73-1D. S-24 missiles are suspended on the APU-73-1D via the BDZ-UMK2B adapter. All other weapons are suspended on pylons via BDZ-UMK2B adapters. On internal pylons No. 1 and No. 2, it is possible to hang two bombs (on each) on a multi-locking bomb rack MBDZ-U2T1.

In front of the fin ridges, two blocks of BVP-30-26M with 60 IR PPI-26 and PPR-26 reflectors (thirty in each) are installed on the upper surface of the fuselage. Shooting traps and reflectors is done by pressing a button located on the throttle of the right engine.

Prototype of the MiG-29 fighter, side number - “01” blue. The aircraft is currently on display at the Air Force Museum in Monino.

MiG-29 of early construction, “product 9-12”, with tail number “28” in blue. The tail number is unusually duplicated on the keel - in black paint and lower than generally accepted.

India became the first buyer of MiG-29 fighters; the 47th squadron “Archers” was the first in the Indian Air Force to receive MiG-29 fighters.

In the first week of the Gulf War, the Iraqi Air Force lost about eight MiG-29 fighters in air battles with the aviation of multinational forces. The Allied pilots were better trained than the Iraqi Air Force pilots, and international aviation, taking advantage of total quantitative and qualitative superiority, immediately established absolute air supremacy. The tail number of the aircraft shown in the picture is 29070.

The Bundesluftwaffe absorbed all the MiG-29 fighters that were in service with the NNA Air Force of the GDR. The aircraft, numbered “29+20”, previously had a red tail number “785”.

Polish MiG-29, R-27, R-73 and R-60 missiles are suspended under the wing.

MiG-29 of the Romanian Air Force with cockade insignia introduced into the Romanian Air Force in 1985.

"Product 9-13"

Czechoslovak Air Force MiG-29UB in low-altitude camouflage.

Yugoslav Air Force MiG-29UB with tail number “302” in white. The serial number "15302" is written in black paint on the fin above the Yugoslav national flag.

Before its last flight with the identification of the NNA Air Force of the GDR, the MiG-29 fighter with tail number “604” was painted red in a special farewell manner.

The deck version of the MiG-29K was equipped with a wing with partially folding consoles. The aircraft took part in tests carried out in the Black Sea on board the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Tbilisi.

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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 detail received by intelligence of the American F-X program, the brainchild of which was McDonnell Douglas, forced the country's leadership to reconsider its plans. The MiG-21 was fast, but inferior in range and weapons, and 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 on-board 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 attach two underwing PTBs and an increased combat load weight.
  • MiG-29S (9-13S)- further development of the 9−13 modification, 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 of the MiG-29UB combat training aircraft.
  • 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 airshow

Operation of the MiG-29

Currently, 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 MiG-29K/KUB carrier-based 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 to receive the export variant. 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 by the roster of the air forces of the countries participating in the conflict, as well as the stated number of aircraft used.

Soviet and Russian multi-role fighter of the fourth generation, created at the MiG Design Bureau.

Story

The first developments in the design of a new generation light front-line fighter (LFI) started in the late 1960s. In 1969, the USSR learned about the US Air Force F-X program (the program resulted in the creation of the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle). Soon, the leadership of the USSR came to the conclusion that the new American fighter was significantly superior to any of the existing Soviet fighters. The MiG-21 was quite modern, but inferior in flight range, armament and improvement capabilities. The MiG-23 was fast enough and provided more space for fuel and equipment, but was not maneuverable or agile enough in close air combat. The air force needed a high-tech, well-balanced fighter with good maneuverability. In 1969, a competition was announced to create such an aircraft, which received the designation PFI (advanced front-line fighter). The tactical and technical requirements for such an aircraft were very ambitious: long range, the ability to use short runways (including the use of poorly prepared runways), excellent agility, speed above 2M and heavy weapons. The aerodynamic design of the new aircraft was carried out by TsAGI in collaboration with the Sukhoi Design Bureau. The design bureaus of Sukhoi Design Bureau and Yakovlev Design Bureau, as well as Mikoyan and Gurevich, took part in the competition. OKB "MiG" was recognized as the winner.

In 1971, it became clear that PFI aircraft were too expensive to solely satisfy the Air Force's need for fighters. Therefore, the project was divided into TPFI (heavy advanced front-line fighter) and LPFI (light advanced front-line fighter). The creation of TPFI was undertaken by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, and the development of LPFI was transferred to Mikoyan. Work on the LPFI began in 1974. The result was Product 9, designated MiG-29A. The first flight of the prototype was made on October 6, 1977. The pre-production aircraft was first spotted by US reconnaissance satellites in November 1977 and received the designation Ram-L (for the city of Ramenskoye - the place over which the aircraft was first discovered).

Due to delays associated with the loss of two prototypes in accidents, serial production began only in 1982 at the Moscow plant No. 30 “Banner of Labor”. In August 1983, the first production MiG-29s 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. The first regiments to receive the MiG-29 were the 234th IAP (Kubinka) and the 145th IAP (Ivano-Frankivsk). By the beginning of 1985, the first two air regiments (145 and 234 IAP) flying the MiG-29 reached operational readiness. 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.

According to military theorists, MiG-29 aircraft are deployed near the front line and should provide local air superiority to the advancing units of the Soviet motorized army. At that time, Soviet military leaders relied on the rapid advancement of mechanized units, which implied the use of damaged or poorly prepared runways by front-line aviation, and the MiG-29 was equipped for this with a durable chassis and protective air intake grilles. The MiG-29 was also supposed to perform a ground attack escort mission, protecting vulnerable aircraft from NATO fighters such as the F-15 and F-16. The MiG-29 of front-line aviation was supposed to provide Soviet ground units with a safe air umbrella, moving together with the units.

In NATO, the new fighter received the designation “Fulcrum-A”. On the basis of the MiG-29 9-12, export modifications were created with weaker avionics and without the ability to deliver a nuclear charge - the MiG-29A and MiG-29B models (the first for the air forces of the Warsaw Pact participants, the second for other countries). In the West, the MiG-29 was first seen during the visit of Soviet aircraft to Finland in July 1986. In September 1988, the MiG-29 was first shown at the Farnborough International Air Show. Western observers were impressed by the capabilities of the new vehicle and its outstanding maneuverability, but they also noted a serious drawback - the increased smoke of the RD-33 engine. At the same time, the engine operates stably in maneuverable combat, while smokeless engines sometimes even stall in such conditions.

This type of fighter was actively exported to many countries. Many different modifications were created and released, including deck ones.

By the end of 1991, MAPO named after. P.V. Dementyev produced about 1,200 MiG-29 fighters. In addition, almost 200 MiG-29UB twins were assembled by a plant in Nizhny Novgorod.

Production of MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft continues to be carried out in the town of Lukhovitsy near Moscow at the RSK MiG plant.

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 sweep angle along the leading edge is 42 degrees; 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 stabilizer is all-moving and differentially deflectable. The chassis is tricycle, with single-wheel main and two-wheel front struts. Ejection seat - K-36DM.

Engines type TRDDF RD-33. There is a gas turbine power unit GTDE-117 with a capacity of 66.2 kW. During takeoff and landing, adjustable air intakes are covered with protective panels and air is taken in through five-section upper inlets. The fuel system consists of five fuselage and two wing tanks with a total capacity of 4,300 l (4,540 l). It is possible to mount a fuselage PTB with a capacity of 1500 liters and two wing PTBs with a capacity of 1150 liters each.

The vehicle is equipped with an automatic control system SAU-451 and a limiting signal system SOS-3M. The SUV-29 weapons control system consists of the RLPK-29 radar sighting system (N0-19 “Sapphire-29”), and the Ts100 (or Ts101) on-board computer.

The optical-electronic sighting and navigation complex OEPrNK-29 (S-31) consists of an optical-electronic sighting system OEPS-29, which, in turn, consists of a laser optical-location station KOLS and a helmet-mounted target designation system "Schel-3UM". The complex also includes: the SN-29 navigation system, the SUO-29 weapon control system, the Ts-100 digital computer, and a windshield display system with a photocontrol device.

Radio command line equipment (CRU) E502-20 “Turquoise”. Radar radiation warning station - SPO-15LM "Bereza", radio-electronic jamming station "Gardenia-1FU", decoy ejection system PPI-26.

Modifications

The first serial modification of the MiG-29. Entered the army in 1983. Combat load weight - 2000 kg.

Export modification 9-12, supplied to the Warsaw Pact countries; changes were made to the export model in RLPK-29. They were equipped with R-27R1 and R-27T1 missiles, which had degraded characteristics relative to the basic modifications.

Export modification 9-12, supplied to countries outside the Warsaw Pact Organization. The export model includes changes to the weapons control system (SUV-29E). They were armed with R-27R1 and R-27T1 missiles, which had degraded characteristics relative to the basic modifications.

Two-seat combat training fighter. He began enlisting in the military in 1985. To accommodate a second cabin for the instructor, without significantly changing the fuselage design, the onboard radar had to be removed.

The second serial modification for the Soviet Air Force. He began enlisting in the military in 1986. Not exported. It differs from the 9-12 modification by the presence of a built-in electronic warfare station "Gardenia", BVP-30-26M passive interference emission units, an increased internal fuel reserve, as well as the ability to suspend two underwing fuel tanks (in the 9-12 modification there was only a ventral external fuel tank) . The mass of the combat load increased from 2000 to 3200 kg.

The third serial modification for the Soviet Air Force. The list of weapons includes R-77 (RVV-AE) missiles; The radar now has a mode for simultaneous attack of two air targets. The combat load weight has been increased to 4000 kg. The tests were completed in September 1991. MAPO named after. P.V. Dementyev produced almost fifty of these fighters, but only 16 of them were purchased by the Russian Air Force. In 1992, the Russian Ministry of Defense decided to stop purchasing MiG-29 fighters. Thus, 16 MiG-29S fighters produced in 1991 became the last aircraft of this type to enter service with domestic aviation. 30 MiG-29S fighters that were not purchased by the Russian Air Force were converted into export versions.

Multirole fighter. The list of weapons includes air-to-surface guided missiles. The number of pylons (suspension points for weapons) increased from 6 to 9; payload weight increased from 4000 to 4500 kg. In 1986-1991, 6 prototypes were assembled: No. 151, 152, 153, 154, 155 and 156. The MiG-29M successfully passed flight design tests and the first stage of state joint tests, and in 1991 the customer issued a preliminary conclusion on its launch into mass production. However, in 1992, purchases of MiG-29s for the Russian Air Force were stopped. State tests of the MiG-29M had to be interrupted.

Ship fighter. The MiG-29K won the competition to man the air wing of the Indian aircraft carrier Vikramaditya and the promising aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy. In 2004, India signed a contract for the development and supply of 16 carrier-based fighters (4 MiG-29KUB, 12 MiG-29K). The contract included an option for 30 MiG-29s with a delivery period until 2015. In 2010, a second contract was signed for the supply of 29 MiG-29K to the Indian Navy. In 2012, a contract was signed to supply the Russian Navy with 20 MiG-29K and 4 MiG-29KUB by 2015. A total of 47 copies of the MiG-29K were built.

-MiG-29N and MiG-29KUB

Export versions of the MiG-29 and MiG-29UB for the Malaysian Air Force. According to the agreement dated June 7, 1994, Malaysia was to receive 18 MiG-29 fighters, including two MiG-29UB combat trainers. The first MiG-29s arrived in Malaysia in April 1995, and the last aircraft was delivered on June 5 of the same year.

Modernization of the MiG-29S. Added the ability to use high-precision air-to-surface weapons. Thus, the fighter became multi-purpose. The tests were successfully completed in 1996, and the customer signed a positive conclusion, recommending that the combat aircraft be appropriately modified.

-MiG-29SMT (9-17)

An upgraded version of the MiG-29SM fighter. Created in 1999-2004. Delivered to a number of countries: Algeria, Vietnam, Yemen, Peru, Syria, Eritrea. After the contract was broken, 28 Algerian MiG-29SMTs became part of the Russian Aerospace Forces. In total, about 76 fighters have been produced and upgraded to the MiG-29SMT standard, another 16 MiG-29SMT/MiG-29UBM are being produced for the Russian Aerospace Forces under a 2014 contract

The experimental version with deflectable thrust vector was converted from the MiG-29M fighter, tail number 156 (9-15 6th flight model).

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-35 (9-61)

Deep modernization of the MiG-29M.

-MiG-35D (9-67)

Two-seat version of the MiG-35.

Modernization of the MiG-29 9-12A for the Slovak Air Force under the MiG-29S program, with modified avionics.

Modernization of the MiG-29 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, an inertial navigation system from the French company Thales, a Zhuk-M2E weapon control radar, an OLS-UEM optical system, a helmet-mounted target designation system from the Israeli company Elbit , updated radio-navigation systems, as well as a new “glass cockpit” with multi-function LCD displays. The list of weapons will be expanded with the Kh-29T/L, Kh-31A/P and Kh-35 missiles. The first prototype flew on February 4, 2011.

Ukrainian modernization of MiG-29 (9-13). A satellite navigation system receiver has been installed, which is integrated into the avionics, thereby increasing the navigation accuracy and the range of use of automated instrumental landing aids. The detection range of air targets has been increased by 20% (up to 100 km in the front hemisphere and up to 45 km in the rear). Its improved R-27ER1 and R-27ET1 missiles, produced by the Ukrainian State Company Artem, have a launch range of up to 95 km.

Belarusian modernization. In-flight refueling facilities, a satellite navigation station have been installed, and the radar has been modified for the use of air-to-ground weapons. Of all the budget add-ons, it includes the maximum number of components.

Romanian modernization. The modernization of the fighter was carried out by Aerostar Bacau (Romania), DASA (Germany) and Elbit Systems (Israel). The aircraft has improved combat characteristics and more advanced on-board systems that meet NATO/ICAO standards. The aircraft made its first flight on May 5, 2000, but the modernization program was closed in 2001. Currently, the only MiG-29 Sniper is an exhibit at the National Aviation Museum.

Operating countries

In service

Russia
- Aviation of the Russian Navy - 2 MiG-29K and 2 MiG-29KUB, as of 2016
-Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation - 90 MiG-29, 30 MiG-29UB, 28 MiG-29SMT and 6 MiG-29UBT, as of 2016
-6th Air Force and Air Defense Army of the Baltic Fleet - 28 MiG-29SMT and 6 MiG-29UBT, as of 2016
-4th Air Force and Air Defense Army - 63 MiG-29
Old modifications are gradually being removed from the VKS. Re-equipment is underway with new models, for example, the MiG-29SMT and Su-30CM. Modernization of old-built fighters is considered inappropriate due to physical wear and corrosion.

Azerbaijan - 14 MiG-29 as of 2016.
-Algeria - 25 for 2010. The first aircraft were received in 1994. In March 2006, a contract was signed for the supply of 28 MiG-29SMT and 6 two-seat MiG-29UBT. In the same year, deliveries of fighters began, but the very next year, after the delivery of 15 MiG-29s, the Algerian Air Force refused further deliveries and decided to return the already delivered fighters, citing the poor quality of the delivered vehicles. In February 2008, Rosoboronexport signed an agreement with Algeria on the return of fighter jets. The aircraft that were returned and were in production (24 pieces) were purchased by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for the Russian Air Force.
-Bangladesh - 6 MiG-29 and 2 MiG-29UB, as of 2016. They were purchased in 1999.
-Belarus - 24 Mig-29S/UB, as of 2016. After the collapse of the USSR, about 100 aircraft remained. Some of them were sold to Algeria, Peru and Eritrea. By the 2000s, 40-50 aircraft were in service.

Bulgaria - 12 Mig-29A and 4 Mig-29UB as of 2016; in 1990, 22 aircraft were received (18 fighters, 4 combat trainers). They are in service with one fighter aviation regiment (in Graf Ignatievo). In March 2006, an agreement was signed with RSK MiG on the overhaul and modernization of 16 fighters. By the end of May 2009, the contract was fully completed.
-Vietnam - in 2010, 4 MiG-29SMT were received
-Israel - 3 MiG-29s, belonging to an unknown country, were tested in 1997. As of 2009, two aircraft are operated at the Israeli Air Force Test Center.
-India - 43 MiG-29, 12 MiG-29UPG and 7 MiG-29UB, as of 2016. In 2008, a contract was signed with RSK MiG for the modernization of 53 MiG-29 to MiG-29UPG and 9 MiG-29UB to MiG-29UB-UPG India became the first foreign country to receive the MiG-29. 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 to purchase another 29 fighters.
-Iran - 36 Mig-29A/U/UB for 2016

Yemen - 18 as of 2010; in the 1990s, 4 MiG-29s were purchased from Moldova. In 2001, it entered into a contract with RSK MiG for the supply of 14 MiG-29SE, transferred to Yemen in 2002-2003, and in 2006-2007 upgraded to the MiG-29SMT level. In 2003, 6 more MiG-29SMT were purchased; these aircraft were delivered to Yemen in 2004-2005.
-Kazakhstan - 12 Mig-29 and 2 Mig-29UB as of 2016. After the collapse of the USSR, about 50-60 aircraft remained. In the mid-1990s, along with other aircraft, 21 MiG-29 fighters were transferred in exchange for 40 Tu-95 strategic bombers. Currently, the Kazakh Air Force has between 70 and 80 MiG-29s in service.
-DPRK - more than 18 MiG-29A/S/UB for 2016. Since 1988, 30 aircraft have been received (25 fighters, 5 combat trainers). They are in service with the 57th Fighter Wing (Onchon).
-Cuba - in 1989-1990 a small number was received (according to various sources, 12 or 16 aircraft). They are in service with the 1st Squadron (San Antonio de Los Banos).
-Myanmar - 18 MiG-29, 6 MiG-29SE and 5 MiG-29UB, as of 2016. In 2001, a contract was signed for the supply of 12 MiG-29s, including 2 two-seaters. The used fighter jets cost Myanmar $130 million; according to the terms of the contract, the flight time of each aircraft should not exceed 50 hours. In 2009, another 20 MiG-29s were sold for a total of 400 million euros.
-Peru - 17 MiG-29S/SMT and 2 MiG-29UBV, as of August 2012. In 1996, 16 single-seat MiG-29S and 2 double-seat MiG-29UB were purchased from Belarus. In 1998, 3 new MiG-29SE were purchased from Russia. Currently, 19 fighters are in operation (one was lost in an accident in 2001, another was taken out of service). In 2008, a contract worth $106.7 million was signed to modernize 8 MiG-29s to the MiG-29SMT level.
-Poland - 26 MiG-29A and 6 MiG-29UB, as of 2016, 12 aircraft were received in 1989-1990 (9 fighters and 3 combat trainers). Later, 10 aircraft were received from the Czech Republic and another 22 from Germany.

Syria - 19 MiG-29, as of 2010. In 2007, 24 MiG-29M/M2 were ordered, the contract is under implementation. According to other sources, a total of 62.3 modifications.
-Serbia - 3 MiG-29 and 1 MiG-29UB, as of 2016. After the collapse of Yugoslavia, all aircraft went to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia). Most were lost in the 1999 war; by 2008, 5 modernized aircraft remained in service with the 127th Fighter Squadron (Batainica). In 2013, negotiations began on the purchase of 6 MiG-29M/M2 on credit.

Slovakia - 10 MiG-29AS, 2 Mig-29UBS and 8 Mig-29A/UB; as of 2016, after the collapse of Czechoslovakia, 10 aircraft remained (9 fighters and 1 combat trainer). In 1994-96, 12 MiG-29S and 2 MiG-29UB were received to pay off the Russian debt. Until 2005, three single-seat MiG-29s were lost as a result of flight accidents. In 2004-2007, twelve aircraft were modernized by RSK MiG together with Collins (USA) and BAE Systems (UK) to NATO standards (10 MiG-29AS and 2 MiG-29UBS). They are in service with the 1st Fighter Regiment of the Slovak Air Force (Sliac).

Sudan - 12 MiG-29, as of 2010, 12 aircraft have been delivered since 2003 (10 fighters and 2 combat trainers). Another 12 vehicles were purchased in 2008, while Rosoboronexport denied information about the deal, but then the fact of purchase was confirmed by the Minister of Defense of Sudan.
-Turkmenistan - 24 MiG-29, as of 2010. After the collapse of the USSR, according to various sources, from 22 to 25 aircraft remained.
-Uzbekistan - 12 MiG-29/Mig-29UB in service + 18 in storage, as of 2016. After the collapse of the USSR, 36 aircraft remained.
-Ukraine - 90 MiG-29, as of 2014. After the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine received about 240 aircraft.
-Sri Lanka - in 2008, 4 MiG-29SM and 1 MiG-29UB were delivered.
-Eritrea - 10 MiG-29, as of 2010.
-Malaysia - 10 for 2015. A total of 18 aircraft were received (16 MiG-29N and 2 MiG-29UBN). During operation, two vehicles were lost.
-Egypt. 46 ordered.

Was in service

USSR
-Hungary - since 1993, 28 aircraft have been received (22 fighters and 6 combat trainers, transaction value is 800 million US dollars) to pay off the debt of the USSR. Nowadays, MiG-29s are in service with the 59th Tactical Air Base (59. “Szentgyorgyi Dezso” Harcaszati ​​Repulobazis). 13 aircraft of this type underwent major overhauls in 2007-2008 under the supervision of RSK MiG. On December 21, 2010, the Hungarian government announced its intention to modernize and then auction the last twelve MIG-29s remaining in service with the Hungarian Air Force. As of 2010, flights on the MIG-29 are no longer carried out. The last fighter went out of service in December 2010.
-Germany - since 1988, the GDR has acquired 24 aircraft (20 fighters and 4 combat trainers). After the reunification of Germany, these aircraft were in service with the 73rd squadron and underwent modernization. One aircraft was lost, the rest (except for one, which remained in the museum) were withdrawn from service and sold to Poland in 2003-2004.

Iraq - according to various sources, approximately 40-50 aircraft have been purchased since 1987 (most likely 42 fighters and 6 combat trainers). A significant part was lost in the 1991 war (shot down, destroyed on the ground or flown to Iran), some aircraft remained in service until the American occupation in 2003.
-Romania - in 1989-1994. 18 MiG-29 (9-12A) and 4 MiG-29UB (9-51) were received from the USSR/Russia. In 1992, 1 MiG-29 (9-13) was received from Moldova. 2 MiG-29 (9-12A) and 1 MiG-29UB (9-51) crashed. The aircraft were in service from December 1989 to October 2003.
-Czechoslovakia - in 1989, 20 aircraft were received (18 fighters and 2 combat trainers). After the collapse of the country in 1992, the planes were divided equally between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
-Czech Republic - after the collapse of Czechoslovakia, 10 aircraft remained (9 fighters and 1 combat trainer). In March 1994, as a result of a fire, the only pair of the Czech Air Force was destroyed, after which there was nothing to train new MiG-29 pilots. In 1995, the 9 remaining fighters were transferred to Poland in exchange for W-3 Sokol helicopters.
-Moldova - of the 36 fighters of the Black Sea Fleet aviation regiment located in Moldova, one was sold to Romania, 4 to Yemen and 21 MiG-29s were purchased by the United States for $40 million in 1997.
-Yugoslavia - in 1987, 16 aircraft were received (14 fighters and 2 combat trainers).

TTX

Specifications

Crew: 1 or 2 people
-Length: 17.32 m
-Wingspan: 11.36 m
-Height: 4.73 m
-Wing area: 38.06 m2
-Wing sweep angle: 42 degrees.
-Weight:
- empty: 10900 kg
-normal take-off weight: 15180 kg
-maximum take-off weight: 18480 kg

Engine

Engine type: Bypass turbojet with afterburner (as well as thrust vector control on the MiG-29OVT and MiG-35)
-Model: “RD-33”
-Traction:
-maximum: 2 x 5040 kgf
-in afterburner: 2 x 8300 kgf
-Engine weight: 1055 kg
-Deflectable thrust vector: for MiG-29OVT and MiG-35 with RD-133 engines
-Deflection angles of the thrust vector: +...-15 degrees. in any direction
-Thrust vector deflection speed: 60 deg/s
-Ability to start the engine in flight
-Time to dismantle the engine by 5 mechanics - 1 hour

Radar

Escorting 10 air targets and firing at the most dangerous
-Minimum speed difference between fighter and target 150 km/h
-Speed ​​of the attacked target is 230-2500 km/h
-The height of the attacked target is 30-23000 m
-Target detection range with EPR 3 m2 in PPS at an altitude of more than 3000m - 50-70 km
-Helicopter detection range (speed over 180 km/h) in ZPS 23 km, PPS - 17 km
-according to 2012 data - N010 “Zhuk” radar of various versions. 10-20 targets simultaneously at a range of up to 80 kilometers, shelling 1-2

Flight characteristics

Maximum speed:
-at the ground: 1500 km/h (M=1.26)
-at altitude: 2450 km/h (M=2.3)
-Cruising speed: 850 km/h (M=0.8)
-Practical range:
-with 100% fuel: 1430 km
-with 2 PTB: 2100 km
-Flight duration: up to 2.5 hours
-Practical ceiling: 18000 m
-Thrust-to-weight ratio:
-at normal take-off weight: 1.09 kgf/kg
-at maximum take-off weight: 0.92 kgf/kg
-Wing load:
-at normal take-off weight: 399 kg/m2
-at maximum take-off weight: 476 kg/m2
-Maximum operational overload: +9 G

Armament

Cannon: 30 mm aircraft cannon GSh-30-1, 150 rounds
-Combat load: 2180 kg
-Weapon hardpoints: 7
-Suspended weapons:
-R-60M
-R-27R1
-R-73
-R-77
-BKO "Talisman"
-B-8M1
-S-24B
-FAB-500M62
-OFAB-250-270
-KMGU-2
-ZB-5000

Despite the skepticism about this aircraft, it has proven itself from the best side. The MiG-29 was produced in large numbers and sold very well abroad.
Undoubtedly, the MiG-29 is one of the most successful fighters of the USSR era. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it can fly at high angles of attack. In order to hit a missile, or go sharply upward, the pilot can pull the levers beyond the limiters, which is inaccessible to Western fighter counterparts.

The first flight of the fighter took place on October 6, 1977. Since 1983, it began to enter combat units.

MiG-29 SMT power plant: two bypass turbojet

In the early 70s, the development of the latest fighter aircraft was actively underway, one of them was the MiG-29, which was created by the design bureau named after. A.I. Mikoyan. The MiG-29 became the fourth generation of light fighters. At that time, this machine had excellent flight characteristics and was not inferior in quality to any fighter in the world.

The history of the MiG-29

In the early 70s, the design bureau began developing two qualitatively new fighters, the difference between them was the weight of the machine itself. The projected heavy fighter was called TPFI, and the light model was called LPFI. As a result, these design models produced two magnificent fighters. From the heavy TPFI came the Su-27, and from the light model of the LPFI fighter came the MiG-29.

The main task of the designers was to create a new and high-quality fighter that would not be inferior in performance to the American counterparts of the F series, namely the famous F-15 and F-16. The new aircraft was tasked with the following tasks: gaining leadership in the air over the site of hostilities and launching strikes using unguided weapons against ground targets. But the last task could only be carried out if there were excellent weather conditions.

This generation of fighters was not manufactured according to the old principle of increasing speed and maximum climb. This aircraft model received excellent maneuverability in the vertical plane, which was achieved with the help of high engine thrust. According to the designers' developments, the new fighter was supposed to have two engines. The final model of the aircraft that went into production was quite different from the first design models. According to the design bureau classification, this aircraft was called “Product No. 9” and was very different from previous MiG models. In parallel with the Mikoyan team, the designers of the Sukhoi Bureau also came to the development of a similar project, which was called the Su-27. Both models of fighter aircraft were designed on the principle of an integral layout.

All design innovations gave product No. 9 high maneuverability, and powerful new engines gave it a high thrust-to-weight ratio, which was at a qualitatively new level - 1.1. Today, this amount of aircraft thrust is very high. The MiG-29 is currently the most thrust-armed fighter on our planet. At one time, the elite Swift pilot unit that used this fighter had its own calling card, namely the execution of a loop immediately from takeoff.

Design developments and experiments

The peak of design and testing of the new fighter fell in 1974-1977. 19 new prototypes were allowed to be tested, including a two-seater. The first prototype under the name “9-01” was taken into the air by test pilot A.V. Fedotov in October '77. Models “9-02” and “9-04” were intended to test the characteristics and capabilities of the new fighter’s engines. Unfortunately, both prototypes crashed, but the pilots managed to eject in time and survive.

The aircraft, under the working name "9-03", became the prototype of the MiG-29 fighter. The remaining prototype models were used to test and improve the aircraft's onboard systems. During testing, a defect was found to be insufficient stability of the aircraft. This problem was solved by installing ventral fins, and then on production models, starting with the fourth, this problem was eliminated by increasing the rudders, and the fins were no longer used. The design bureau planned a full and comprehensive test of all 19 prototypes, during which time these aircraft made about 2 thousand sorties.

Full-scale production of the MiG-29 fighter aircraft began in 1982 at one of the oldest aircraft factories in our country, namely at the Znamya Truda plant, which is located in the capital of our country. The final assembly of the aircraft took place in Lukhovitsy, and a fly-by of the manufactured aircraft was also carried out there.

This fighter model was discontinued from mass production in 1990; during these 8 years of production, more than a thousand combat vehicles were produced, and 300 units were exported to other countries. The number of 29 MiGs could have been significantly larger, but in the 90s, the advantage was given to what the designers believed was the best fighter aircraft, the Su-27. Despite this, in the 90s and early 2000s the production of MiGs continued, but in small quantities. Over the entire period, 1.5 thousand MiG-29s were designed and launched into the sky.

Description of the MiG-29 fighter aircraft

The main task of the new generation of aircraft was to effectively destroy enemy forces both in the air and on the ground. To create a fighter that meets such requirements, the designers had to apply the latest developments in the field of avionics, as well as resort to the use of advances in aerodynamics. The new aircraft also had innovations in the fuselage itself, since it was made of an alloy of aluminum and lithium, and all riveted joints, as in previous aircraft, were replaced with welded seams.

New materials used in the manufacture of the fighter contributed to a significant reduction in the weight of the aircraft. Also, the new alloy and welded joints eliminated overlapping joints, making it easier to seal the fuel compartments. When creating the MiG-29, a decision was made to reduce the aircraft's visibility on radars. For this, for the first time, materials were used that could absorb radio waves.

Innovations and adjustments were also made to the aerodynamic characteristics of the new fighter. They decided to make the wings sharper, which improved the quality of aircraft control even at low speeds. The system that protected the engine from foreign objects was also changed. Other systems have also undergone changes. Innovations took place in the parachute braking system and the landing gear system.

For the first time, it was decided to fully use the concept of instability, which could in the future serve to improve the maneuverability of the aircraft and its flight range. This could be done due to balancing losses that occur at cruising speed. To achieve improvements, the fighter aircraft was equipped with a fly-by-wire system with which the aircraft could be controlled.

It was planned to subject the armament and avionics to changes and qualitative improvements. The pilots who tested the new MiG-29 fighter aircraft for the first time noted that the aircraft was very maneuverable and had excellent handling. Experienced testers believed that this was exactly the combat vehicle that our army lacked.

The MiG-29 has modifications that could perform more specific missions and tasks. In 1988, the MiG-29K fighter aircraft was designed and manufactured specifically for aircraft carriers, a feature of which was the ability to fold the wings for compact placement of the aircraft on board the ship. This model was also equipped with a hook and had a reinforced landing gear for landing on the deck of a ship. The MiG-29K aircraft first took off from the deck of an aircraft carrier in 1989.

This fighter aircraft is very popular in many countries around the world due to its reliability and excellent flight characteristics. Today, this aircraft model is in service in 25 countries around the world, but the largest number of such aircraft guard the skies of Russia.

The Russian model of fighter aircraft called the MiG-29 is superior in many respects to foreign analogues of aircraft, even the famous American F model aircraft. The biggest advantage is its excellent aerodynamics; the aircraft has a small turning radius. The advantage of this machine is the high angular speed when turning; it can easily perform maneuvers that take place under large overloads.

The aircraft is capable of conducting active combat using guns, while performing active maneuvers. The MiG-29 can intercept reconnaissance and strike aircraft, even those flying very low. The uniqueness of this aircraft model is also that it can take off and lift off the ground on one working engine, and only then launch the second one in flight. This advantage saves time very well, especially during combat operations.

The MiG-29 combat fighter has been used in numerous military operations and has proven itself to be an excellent defender of the skies.

The MiG-29 can maneuver directly next to an air target, and its longitudinal axis, and its weapon, may not be aimed directly at the target. Using a helmet-mounted sight or an infrared guidance system, the pilot selects a target located outside the flight axis.

The fighter is designed so that it can be serviced in a short time between missions. It can take off and land at unprepared airfields that have poorly developed infrastructure to support flights.

Mig-29 photo

Although this aircraft is considered the best fighter in the world, it, like any machine, has its drawbacks. According to the concept of the Soviet era, there was a special view of the role of fighter aircraft. It was expressed in the ability of fighter aircraft to detect and destroy a target as quickly as possible, which makes them more dependent on ground-based early warning and surveillance platforms.

Although the MiG-29 was an independent combat unit when performing a combat mission, its radar and displays in the cockpit did not provide the pilot with the necessary information and deprived him of the ability to independently assess the situation in the air.

Mig-29 scheme

The MiG-29's armament for close combat is considered almost ideal, but its means of hitting targets beyond visual range are mediocre. Another disadvantage of the aircraft is its short range and short flight duration. This problem arose due to the fact that it had small internal fuel tanks, and it could not carry out combat duty over long distances.

Mig-29 characteristics

  • Crew - 1 person
  • Maximum flight speed: at the ground - 1500 km/h
  • Maximum flight speed: at high altitude - 2400 km/h
  • Practical ceiling - 18000 m
  • Rate of climb - 330 m/s
  • Operational overload - 9
  • Maximum range with one external fuel tank - 2100 km
  • Take-off weight: normal - 14750 kg
  • Take-off weight: maximum - 17720 kg
  • Maximum combat load weight - 3000 kg
  • Aircraft length - 17.32 m
  • Aircraft height - 4.73 m
  • Wingspan - 11.36 m

Armament of the MiG-29:

    gun mount TKB-687 (GSh-301 gun);

    two medium-range air-to-air guided missiles;

    short-range guided missile

    R-73, or six units of R-60 M missiles.

In the 1990s, a new long-range multi-purpose MiG-29M was ready for release, which in all respects was suitable for detecting and hitting targets at long distances, but due to underfunding, all Mikoyan Design Bureau projects remained on paper.

For MiG-29 S fighters, six R-27 T missiles are additionally deployed.

The use of unguided weapons is provided: S-8 (40-80 missiles with a caliber of 80 mm), or four S-24 B missiles (240 mm); free-fall bombs of 250, 500 kg caliber.

The MiG-29 aircraft is in service in many countries around the world, including former Soviet republics.

Mig-29 video

In the early 70s, the two design bureaus of Mikoyan and Sukhoi were tasked with developing two new promising fighters that would differ from each other only in their weight. The task was successfully completed - the creation of a light front-line fighter ended with unsurpassed maneuverability MiG 29, and the heavy version of the fighter turned into an excellent long-range fighter-interceptor.

The history of the creation of the MiG 29 fighter

The first prototype of the MiG 29

The first prototype (at the factory it was Series 9) was not at all like later modifications and it took off in October 1977. The plane was piloted by test pilot V. Fedotov. The second prototype made its first flight at the end of 1979, it was distinguished by a shortened and shifted rear shock absorber on the front landing gear, an auxiliary power unit and a GSh-30-1 single-barrel cannon. The front chassis shifted back changed the trajectory of foreign objects flying out from under the front pillar and they no longer entered the air intake.

The next prototype 903 suffered a plane crash, it was replaced by the 908, then several pre-production vehicles followed, a series of flights were completed on them to test the behavior of the vehicle at high angles of attack and test the control systems. These tests were carried out by test pilot V. Menitsky and these flights showed the ability to fly on the verge of the impossible.

Serial production of new light front-line fighters began in 1982 and already in August 1983 the first ones were deployed at the Kubinka airfield. The modification of the vehicle under the designation was intended for the Warsaw Pact countries; a simpler version was planned to be supplied to other countries.

The 29C variant received air-to-air missiles with a radar-guided head, and the export version could track several targets and destroy two at once. The export aircraft acquired a control system.

Subsequently, this aircraft had many modifications - it was a carrier-based fighter operating from an aircraft carrier, an aircraft with variable thrust vectoring, and a training fighter. MiG-29 UB. The best and most recent version is designated MiG-29 SMT. There could have been more front-line fighters of this brand if in the 90s they had not given preference, as the designers considered, to a more promising one Su-27. But still, more than one and a half thousand different modifications were given a ticket to the sky.

Description of the MiG 29 aircraft

The aerodynamic layout of the aircraft is made according to an integrated circuit - it is a low-lying wing, an empennage of two separate fins, two engines located parallel in the rear part of the fuselage and spaced relative to each other. The airframe was manufactured using a welded joint method without overlap, which greatly simplified the design. Materials used: steel and aluminum alloy, titanium and composites.

The wing has decent mechanization - slotted flaps, deflectable slats and ailerons, a sweep angle of 42 degrees. The keels are covered with carbon fiber and their camber is 60 degrees. The rotary stabilizer has a differentiated deflection.

The pilot's canopy has a teardrop shape; the canopy without binding provides excellent visibility in flight, during landing and takeoff. The cabin itself is quite spacious and is equipped with a K-63 ejection seat.

It is equipped with two powerful RD-33 turbojet engines, on which low-pressure compressors with four stages are installed; high pressure is created by a nine-stage compressor. TRDDFs develop a thrust of 81.42 kN. Until now, the thrust-to-weight ratio has not been surpassed by any aircraft on the planet.

Engine RD-33

From the very beginning, this machine had an insufficient fuel supply and, as a result, a short flight duration. Early modifications of the aircraft had only wing and fuselage tanks; the total fuel supply was 4365 liters. The designers eventually resolved this issue and the 29M and 29SMT models already had an increased fuel supply inside: the first - in the wing bulges instead of the air intakes, the second - above the fuselage in a 900-liter tank, immediately behind the pilot’s cabin, giving the aircraft a humpbacked appearance.

The small fuel supply was more than offset by excellent handling on the verge of maximum angles of attack. Such maneuverability in air combat made this front-line fighter especially dangerous; many opponents could not withstand what the pilots did in this machine at extreme angles of attack and high overloads. At the same time, it did not have a mechanical control system and it remained the most maneuverable jet aircraft in the history of aviation.

After modifying the chassis and installing air intakes to prevent foreign objects from entering the engines, the vehicle was operated from short and poorly prepared strips. This front-line fighter was simple and unpretentious in maintenance.

Flight characteristics of the MiG 29 aircraft:

  • The highest speed is at an altitude of 11 thousand. m in the absence of suspensions - 2415 km/h.
  • The maximum speed at the ground is 1500 km/h.
  • The Mach number at 11 thousand meters is no more than 2.3 M, at sea level no higher than 1.22 M.
  • At maximum take-off weight, take-off speed is 220 km/h.
  • The descent speed during landing is 260 km/h.
  • Landing speed – 235 km/h.
  • The run distance using a braking parachute is 700 m.
  • Rate of climb – 330 m/sec.
  • Permissible overloads are 9G at M=0.85 and 7G at M over 0.85.
  • Practical ceiling – 17 thousand m.
  • The longest range when fully charged is 2000 km. When ferrying aircraft with three drop tanks – 3200 km.

Armament of the MiG 29 fighter:

  • Maximum weight – 3000 kg on six pylons.
  • Gun GSh-30-1.
  • Air-to-air missiles R-27, R-73, R-60.
  • Air-to-surface weapons: FAB-250 and FAB-500 bombs.
  • Cluster bomb KMGU-2.
  • NURS 57 mm, 130 mm and 240 mm.
  • Atomic bomb RN-40.

Interesting facts from the practice of flying a MiG 29 fighter

Aerobatics MiG 29

Interestingly, it could take off on one engine and start the second one already in flight - this saved time when taking off on alert.

When performing the “bell” aerobatics maneuver, when the car, having accelerated, goes vertically upward, it seems to freeze there and then falls down, and at the same time it disappeared from the radar screens, imagine what was happening at the tracking points.

In air combat, the pilot had an advantage - a flight helmet with a monocular sight, which made it possible to catch the target even when the nose of the plane was pointed in the other direction; in combination with the use of the R-73 missile, this was deadly for the enemy.

The rough skin that covered the aircraft's body created an intermediate layer that improved flight performance.

Another interesting, but bitter fact. In May 1989, during his regular duty, Captain Zuev, having lulled his colleagues with a cake containing sleeping pills, took them to Turkey. To avoid conflict, the Turkish authorities immediately returned the plane to Russia, and Captain Zuev, pretending to be a military dissident, received asylum in the United States.

But be that as it may, later modifications and its wonderful continuation still guard the air borders of our Motherland.

Video: vertical take-off of a MiG 29 aircraft

Video: Riding a fighter into the stratosphere: unique panoramic footage from the MiG-29