Cold Valentine: MiG 29

MiG 29 Fulcrum

Mikoyan-Gurevich

MiG 29 Fulcrum

The MiG 29 was initially developed in the 1970s as a high performance lightweight fighter to supplement the long range fighter-bomber role of the Su 27. In recent years modifications have been made to give the MiG 29 greater range and larger payload along with avionic updates to better compete with the F-15, F-16 and FA-18 in BVR (Beyond Visual Range) weapons systems.

MiG 29

Crew: 1

Power: 2 - Klimov 8312 kg / 18,300 lb afterburning thrust RD-33 turbojet engines

Max. Speed: 2445 kph / 1518 mph

Ceiling: 18,013 m / 59,060 ft

Range: 3000 km / 1863 miles

Climb: 19,825 m / 65,000 ft per minute

Weight -

Empty: 10,900 kg / 24,030 lb

Max. Take Off: 18,500 kg / 40,785 lb

Size -

Wingspan: 11.36 m / 37 ft 3 in

Wing Area: 38 sq m / 409 sq ft

Length: 14.87 m / 48 ft 9 in

Height: 4.73 m / 15 ft 6 in

Armament:

1 - 30 mm / 1.18 in cannon

6 - underwing hardpoints

up to 3000 kg / 6615 lb weapons

including: 6 AAMs or rockets or bombs

V I D E O

MiG 29 formation

The mission of the MiG 29 was primarily to protect the Su 27 in its ground attack role from F-15s and F-16s in the European Theater. The MiG's agility gave it unsurpassed close-in dogfight capability. It was designed to utilize rough air fields made available to it by advancing Warsaw Pact forces. The photo above is by Anton Pavlov and is posted at Air Force, Russia.

Missile launch.

The louvered intake above the wing is the alternative air flow into the engine used during taxiing while special doors close off the main air intakes, preventing debris from being ingested. This feature above the strakes is absent in newer models.

Ordinance

The ordinance displayed indicates the nature of the MiG 29 is one of maintaining air supremacy over the battle field. The Sukhoi Su 27 in ground attack mode would be vulnerable to attack from the air without the protection provided by the MiG 29 as a dedicated dogfighter.

Cutaway

Newer models of the MiG 29 have a hump along the spine behind the canopy where avionics have been moved to provide for greater internal fuel storage. A retractable refueling probe has also been added to boost its limited range.

Cockpit

Newer MiG 29s have a glass cockpit equipped with LCD and MFD (Multiple Function Display) in place of the original analog dials shown here. A new canopy provides better visibility and weapons aiming is aided by a HUD and a helmet-mounted system.

MiG 29 updated profile

This taxiing MiG 29 displays its larger spine, or hump, behind the canopy. An aircraft already known for its superb aerodynamics is attempting to match the sophisticated electronics of its competition. The photo is by Dmitriy Clerks and is posted at Air Force, Russia.

Aerial refueling

Providing for IFR (In Flight Refueling) indicates an expanded role for the MiG 29. The aircraft's designers, Mikoyan-Gurevich, are adapting the fighter to the world's changing political realities and tactical needs. With the demise of the Soviet Union economics plays an increasing role in the marketing of aircraft design.

Polish MiG 29A

Poland is an enthusiast of the MiG 29 having purchased additional aircraft from former Warsaw Pact countries Czechoslovakia and Germany. Like the strakes along the side of the fuselage the widely separated engines aid in low speed maneuverability while minimizing the penalty of high speed drag.