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Mikoyan MiG-29M

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The Mikoyan MiG-29M (Russian: Микоян МиГ-29M; NATO reporting name: Fulcrum-E) is a Russian multirole fighter that first flew in 2005.[1] The unified platform that is the MiG-29 is now comprised by the MiG-29M and a naval carrier variant, the MiG-29K. A direct predecessor of the MiG-29M, sometimes known informally as the "MiG-33", was developed by the Mikoyan design bureau in the mid-1980s.

MiG-29M
A Russian Air Force MiG-29M2
General information
TypeMultirole fighter
National originRussia
ManufacturerMikoyan
Designer
StatusIn service
Primary usersRussian Aerospace Forces
History
First flight2005; 19 years ago (2005)[1]
Developed fromMikoyan MiG-29
VariantsMikoyan MiG-29K
Developed intoMikoyan MiG-35

Development

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In the mid-1980s, a development of the original MiG-29 was proposed to meet the Soviet western frontline requirement. It was required to be a multirole fighter for the frontline defensive air force to gain offensive strike ability.[2] This development resulted in a single-seat and a two-seat variant. The proposal was then grounded as a result of shifts in military strategy. The model was named "MiG-33" and later received the MiG-29ME designation for the export market in the mid-1990s. A two-seat model of the standard, commonly known as the MiG-29MRCA, was the MAPO-MiG's primary contender for many international fighter aircraft bids, later evolved into the Mikoyan MiG-35. Six of these models were built before 1990.[3] They were constantly upgraded with various components and one received experimental vector thrust engines which eventually became the MiG-29OVT.

Current model with designation MiG-29M is developed as land variant of MiG-29K with whom it shares avionic and other components and now belongs to the "new unified family" instead of the "MiG-29 fighters family" which comprise the older variants.[4] MiG-29M2 represents two–seat variant of MiG-29M.

MiG-33

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Main article: Mikoyan MiG-33

During the early 1990s, it became briefly popular for Sukhoi and Mikoyan to assign new designations for upgraded models to make them appear "new and improved" instead of just "improved". The VVS[5] did not accept these marketing designations and most were soon dropped. Following Sukhoi's initiative in this approach, Mikoyan's first such offering was the MiG-29ME, which first publicly appeared as the MiG-33 at the 1994 Farnborough Airshow. The MiG-29ME was the export version of the MiG-29M (Product 9.15) "Super Fulcrum", a comprehensively upgraded, fully multirole version of the MiG-29.

Although the MiG-33 designation was soon dropped, the MiG-29M may have merited a new designation in that it is in many ways a thoroughly redesigned version of the MiG-29. While external differences are few, the MiG-29M was a fully "multifunctional" fighter capable of performing air-to-ground combat with precision-guided munitions (PGMs), along with air-to-air roles of earlier MiG-29 versions. Pilot-aircraft interfaces in the cockpit were also improved and a wide range of new-generation equipment installed. The aircraft's internal fuel capacity was also increased to add combat range.

Procurement

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In November 2013, it was reported that Egypt and Russia were negotiating an order of 24 MiG-29M/M2s for the Egyptian Air Force.[6][7] In April 2015, Egypt became the first export customer when it signed a $2 billion contract for the purchase of 46 MiG-29M/M2 multi-role fighters[8][9] On 26 October it was reported that Algeria become second country outside Russia to procure the MiG-29M.[10] In March 2021 there were talks between Argentina and Russia regarding the purchase of MiG-29M and MiG-35.[11]

Design

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Cockpit of a MiG-29M at MAKS 1997
 
Weapons load display of a MiG-29SMT at MAKS 2011

The MiG-29M/M2 aircraft is a revision of the basic MiG-29. It achieved a more multi-role capability with enhanced use of air-to-air and air-to-ground high-precision weapons.[4] It also featured a considerably increased combat range, owing to an increase in its internal fuel capacity.[4]

A few changes took place during the aircraft's development. The redesigned airframe was constructed from a lightweight Aluminium-lithium alloy to increase the thrust-to-weight ratio. The air intake ramps' geometry was revised, the upper intake louvers were removed to make way for more fuel in the LERXs, mesh screens introduced to prevent foreign object damage (FOD) and inlet dimensions were enlarged for higher airflow.[citation needed]

The aircraft is built with an inflight-refueling (IFR) probe and is able to carry three fuel drop tanks. The redesigned airframe also significantly increased internal fuel capacity in the dorsal spine and LERXs fuel tanks.[citation needed] These give the single-seat aircraft an operational range of 2,000 km with internal fuel, 3,200 km with three fuel drop tanks, and 6,000 km with three drop tanks and inflight refueling.[4]

Powerplant

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The RD-33MK, the latest revision of the RD-33, has 7% more power in comparison to the baseline model due to the use of modern materials on the cooled blades, and provides a thrust of 9,000 kgf. In response to longtime criticism, the new engines are smokeless and contain improvements that reduce its infrared visibility. Thrust vectoring nozzles are now offered upon customer's request.[12][13] Dry weight is 1,145 kilograms (2,520 lb) compared to the baseline model through modern materials used on the cooled blades, although it retains the same length and maximum diameter. Incorporated is an infrared and optical signature visibility reduction system. Service life has been increased to 4,000 hours.[14][15]

Sensors

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Main upgrades consist of the Zhuk-ME pulse-Doppler airborne radar, along with revised IRST systems,[4] a helmet-mounted target designation system and electronic countermeasures. According to PHAZOTRON's product brochure, new radar is capable of detecting air targets at ranges up to 80 km, track-while-scan of ten targets, track four targets and attack two targets at a time.[16]

Operational history

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Egypt

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Egypt signed a contract for 46 MiG-29M/M2 in April 2015,[17] with deliveries to be completed by 2020.[18] The Egyptian variant is designated as the MiG-29M (9.41SM) for the single seater, and MiG-29M2 (9.47SM) for the two seater. They are in many aspects similar to the MiG-35, which was first displayed in Lukhovitsy in January 2017.[19]

The Egyptian MiG's include the upgraded RD-33MK smokeless engines,[20] Zhuk-ME pulse-doppler radar, latest OLS-UE electro-optical targeting station, which feeds both TV and IR imagery to the cockpit display and includes a laser rangefinder, unlike previous IRSTs installed on MiG-29s that only featured IR imagery,[21] and the T220/e targeting pod, allowing the utilization of precision-guided munitions, as well as unguided bombs with a low circular error probability.[22][23] For electronic warfare purposes, the aircraft will be supplied with the MSP-418K active jammer pod which uses DRFM technology to spoof radar-guided missiles.[citation needed] The pod was previously displayed at MAKS air shows and is yet to enter service with the Russian Air Force.[21]

The country received its first batch of MiG-29M/M2s in April 2017, and by the end of the year had 15 aircraft in its inventory.[24] A proposed modernization is intended to follow in 2020, providing refinements to the airborne radar, software and other avionics. The Egyptian Air Force is expected to keep its MiG-29Ms in service until 2060.

On 3 November 2018, an Egyptian Air Force MiG-29Ms crashed due to a technical malfunction when on a routine training flight. Pilot ejected safely.[citation needed]

Five of the MiG-29s were at Merowe Air Base at the start of the 2023 Sudan clashes where they were captured by the Rapid Support Forces.[25] By 17 April 2023, satellite imagary appeared to show at least one had been destroyed and two damaged.[25]

Syria

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A first contract for 12 of the new fighters was signed in 2007, making the Syrian Air Force the very first client, with deliveries set to be completed by 2012.[26] Syria reportedly agreed to buy 12 additional MiG-29M/M2s in 2012.[27][28] In July 2012 at the Farnborough Air Show, Russia announced it would not deliver weapons, including combat aircraft, to Syria due to the ongoing Syria Civil War.[29] On 31 May 2013, RSK MiG's director general, Sergei Korotkov, stated that the company plans to sign a contract with Syria to deliver "more than 10" MiG-29 M/M2 and that a Syrian delegation was in Moscow to discuss terms and deadlines of a new contract supplying fighter jets to Syria.[30][31] At the end of May 2020, a batch of 12 MiG-29SMTs[32] has been delivered.[33]

Serbia

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The Serbian Air Force intended to buy several MIG-29M/M2s to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet.[34][35][36] In 2013, media reports indicated that Serbia planned to purchase six MiG-29M/M2 fighters.[37] Instead of buying MiG-29M in October 2017, Russia donated six used MiG-29 fighters to the Serbian Air Force, with Serbia paying to upgrade them.[38]

Algeria

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Algeria procured 14 MiG-29M/M2 according to a contract signed in 2019 during the international military fair MAKS.[39] Deliveries started in October 2020.[40]

Variants

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MiG-29M / MiG-33 (Product 9.15)

Advanced single-seat multi-role variant, with a redesigned airframe, mechanical flight controls replaced by a fly-by-wire system and powered by enhanced RD-33 ser.3M engines. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-E'.

MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61)

Two-seat training variant of the MiG-29M. Never built. Effectively continued under the designation 'MiG-29M2'.

MiG-29M2 / MiG-29MRCA

Two-seat version of MiG-29M.[41] Identical characteristics to MiG-29M, with a slightly reduced ferry range of 1,800 km.[41] RAC MiG presented in various air shows, to name a few, Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE 2004),[42] Aero India 2005,[43][44] and MAKS 2005.[45] It was once given the MiG-29MRCA designation for marketing purposes and has evolved into the MiG-35. The MiG-29M2's number of the hardpoints increased to nine and maximum external payload increased to 6,500 kg, depends on type of equipment and armament.[46]

Operators

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Main article: List of Mikoyan MiG-29 operators
  Algeria
  Egypt
  Russia

Specifications (MiG-29M)

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Data from Mikoyan,[50] globalsecurity.org,[51] deagel.com,[52] Jane's[53]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 or 2
  • Length: 17.37 m (57 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 11.99 m (39 ft 4 in)
  • Height: 4.4 m (14 ft 5 in)
  • Wing area: 42 m2 (450 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 13,380 kg (29,498 lb)
  • Gross weight: 19,200 kg (42,329 lb)
19,000 kg (41,888 lb) for MiG-29M2

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 2,100 km/h (1,300 mph, 1,100 kn) / M2.25 at high altitude
1,400 km/h (870 mph; 760 kn) / M1.13 at low altitude
  • Range: 2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi)
1,700 km (1,100 mi; 920 nmi) for MiG-29M2
  • Ferry range: 3,000 km (1,900 mi, 1,600 nmi) with 3x drop tanks
2,700 km (1,700 mi; 1,500 nmi) for MiG-29M2
  • Service ceiling: 16,000 m (52,000 ft)
16,200 m (53,150 ft) for MiG-29M2
  • g limits: +8 to +9
  • Rate of climb: 330 m/s (65,000 ft/min) [54]
  • Wing loading: 442 kg/m2 (91 lb/sq ft)
  • Thrust/weight: 1.02

Armament

Avionics

See also

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Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

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Citations
  1. ^ a b "MiG-29M/MiG-29M2". Migavia. Archived from the original on 27 September 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  2. ^ Lake, John, Jane's How to Fly and Fight in the Mikoyan MiG-29, p. 19. HarperCollins, 1997. ISBN 0-00-472144-6.
  3. ^ "aviapedia.com". www.aviapedia.com. Archived from the original on 1 June 2007. Retrieved 29 May 2007.
  4. ^ a b c d e "MiG-29M/MiG-29M2 Multirole Fighters". Archived from the original on 6 July 2007. Retrieved 5 July 2007.. Rac MiG
  5. ^ Voyenno-Vozdushnyye Sily: literally "Military Air Forces", vide Soviet Air Forces
  6. ^ Henry Meyer and Mariam Fam, Bloomberg News (12 November 2013). "Russia negotiates its biggest arms deal with Egypt since the Cold War after Barack Obama cuts defence aid". National Post. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  7. ^ Los Angeles Times (13 February 2014). "Amid U.S.-Egypt chill, Sisi seeks military assistance from Russia". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 22 April 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  8. ^ Мы обезопасились от катастрофических последствий. migavia.ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 7 February 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  9. ^ Корпорация "МиГ" поставит два истребителя МиГ-29М/М2 в Северную Африку (in Russian). 5 February 2016. Archived from the original on 19 May 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  10. ^ "L'Algérie réceptionne ses premiers Mig 29 M/M2". 25 October 2020. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  11. ^ "Rusia apuesta fuerte en materia de Defensa en Argentina". 19 March 2021. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  12. ^ Production, Aircraft Program, RD-33MK Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Klimov
  13. ^ MiG-29M/M2 Archived 3 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine. RAC MiG
  14. ^ (in Russian) RD-33MK Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine klimov.ru
  15. ^ [1] Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine klimov.ru
  16. ^ GDC (18 August 2021). "NPO PHAZOTRON Zhuk Radar, a demised hope for Russian aerospace industries". Global Defense Corp. Archived from the original on 23 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  17. ^ a b "Согласован контракт на поставку 46 истребителей МиГ-29 в Египет". Ведомости. 24 May 2015. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  18. ^ "Russia to supply nearly 50 MiG-29 fighter jets to Egypt". TASS. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
  19. ^ "МиГи летят покорять Индию". iz.ru. 12 October 2016. Archived from the original on 28 September 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  20. ^ Российские МиГ-29М полетят в Египет. poltexpert.org (in Russian). Archived from the original on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  21. ^ a b "МиГи для Египта оснастят новейшим оборудованием". iz.ru. 15 July 2016. Archived from the original on 25 April 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  22. ^ "Системы наведения на цель ракет с МиГ-35 поставят в Египет в 2016 году". ria.ru. 9 November 2015. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  23. ^ "Модель самонаводящейся подвесной авиационной бомбы Т220/э". Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  24. ^ "Российское оружие удержало свое место". kommersant.ru. 5 March 2018. Archived from the original on 6 December 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  25. ^ a b Tack, Sim; Rogoway, Taylor (17 April 2023). "Egyptian MiG-29s Destroyed In Sudan". The Drive. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  26. ^ "Why Syria Didn't Get the MiG-29 Fighters it Originally Ordered: MiG-29M Sale Cancelled For Older Models". Military Watch Magazine. 13 May 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  27. ^ "U.S. Says Russia 'Fuels Fire' by Selling Arms to Syria". 3 March 2012. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013.
  28. ^ "Procurement (Syria), Procurement". 25 July 2012. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012.
  29. ^ "Russia calls halt to supply of new equipment to Syria". 10 July 2012. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014.
  30. ^ "Russia to Sell at Least 10 MiG Fighters to Syria". themoscowtimes.com. 2 June 2013. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  31. ^ "Russia to sell at least 10 MiG fighters to Syria". news.yahoo.com. 31 May 2013. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  32. ^ "Syria Finally Receives Modern Fighter Jets From Russia: MiG-29SMTs to Bolster Damascus". Military Watch Magazine. 1 June 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  33. ^ "Russia says it delivered MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Syria - Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East". www.al-monitor.com. 4 June 2020. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  34. ^ "Нови "мигови" и С-400 стижу у Србију". politika.rs. 1 December 2012. Archived from the original on 6 November 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  35. ^ "Srbija pod štitom Rusije?". arhiva.vesti-online.com. 4 December 2012. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  36. ^ "Vučić u poseti Rusiji". rts.rs. 21 August 2012. Archived from the original on 10 September 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  37. ^ "Serbian Ministry of Defense intends to purchase MiG-29 fighters". ruaviation.com. 26 April 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  38. ^ "Serbia hopes to be through with MiG-29 modernization by Putin's visit in November". TASS. 29 July 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  39. ^ a b "Algeria orders more Russian fighters". janes.com. 12 September 2019. Archived from the original on 30 September 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  40. ^ "L'Algérie réceptionne ses premiers Mig 29 M/M2". menadefense.net (in French). 25 October 2020. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  41. ^ a b MiG-29M / MiG-29M2 page Archived 3 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine. RAC MiG.
  42. ^ "People's Daily Online – Latest MiG-29 planes to be flown". Archived from the original on 11 December 2007. Retrieved 5 February 2010.
  43. ^ "Rac MiG". Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  44. ^ "ACIG Exclusives: Aero India 2005: Chapter 4". Archived from the original on 24 April 2010. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  45. ^ "MAKS 2005 highlights". Archived from the original on 31 May 2007. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  46. ^ "Mig-29M2". Rosoboronexport. Archived from the original on 1 June 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  47. ^ Akramov (25 October 2020). "L'Algérie réceptionne ses premiers Mig 29 M/M2". MENADEFENSE (in French). Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  48. ^ "Egyptian MiG-29 deliveries concluded as Su-35 deliveries begin". 29 June 2021. Archived from the original on 2 January 2023. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  49. ^ "ВКС России планируют иметь 700 истребителей". bmpd.livejournal.com. 16 December 2016. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  50. ^ MiG-29M2 product page Archived 9 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine. MiG
  51. ^ MiG-33 page Archived 12 April 2022 at the Wayback Machine. globalsecurity.org.
  52. ^ "Ancile". www.deagel.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  53. ^ "MiG-29 and MiG-35"[permanent dead link‍]. (online subscription article) All the World's Aircraft, IHS Janes, 14 June 2017.
  54. ^ MIG-29/MIG-35 Fulcrum Counter-Air Fighter Archived 19 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine. warfare.ru
Bibliography
  • Eden, Paul (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
  • Gordon, Yefim and Peter Davison. Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum. Specialty Press, 2005. ISBN 978-1-58007-085-0.
  • Lake, John. Jane's How to Fly and Fight in the Mikoyan MiG-29. (HarperCollins, 1997. ISBN 0-00-472144-6)
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