The MiG-29 is simply the epitome of the Russian fighter jet. Test with the former German MiG-29 squadron (now sold to Poland) have shown it to be vastly superior to the F-18 of the Swiss Air Force with regard to fast turns. The MiG-29 combines exceptional handling characteristics with high speed in a unique way.
The Cockpit of the Soviet/Russian Jet Fighter MiG-29 Fulcrum
In 1971 the Soviets determined the PFI aircraft (=Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel, "Advanced Frontline Fighter")would be too expensive to procure in the quantities the Sovjets needed. So they divided the requirement into the TPFI program (Tyazhyolyy Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel, "Heavy Advanced Tactical Fighter", which ended in the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker program) and the LPFI program (Lyogkiy Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel, "Lightweight Advanced Tactical Fighter", which ended in the MiG-29 Fulcrum program). The latter paralleling the contemporary USAF decision that led to the "Lightweight Fighter" program and the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Northrop YF-17 Cobra (Todays Boeing F/A-18 Hornet). The MiG-29 Mass production began in 1982 and the first units reached the Soviet Air Force in 1983. Its flight and handling characteristics at slow speeds and/or high angles of attack – invaluably important factors for dogfights – have been unmatched by western competitor so far. The MiG-29 is equipped with two Klimov/Sarkisov afterburner turbofan engines RD-33 that produce higher thrust than any comparable engine of the West.
The Cockpit is comfortable, spacious and functional, its layout practical and simple.
The MiG-29 is capable of tracking and attacking several air targets at once. The sensors constitute a highly sophisticated complex which is capable of exchanging the gathered information with stations on the ground or coordinating airplanes. The infrared guidance system can be used to spot, track and attack a target while the radar remains in a passive mode ready to become active once the contact breaks off (e.g. because of the target disappearing within a cloud) or to fire a guided missile with semi-active target tracking.
Swiss MiGFlug-Customer Andre Iten in a MiG-29 in August 2007
Until then, the radar warning device of the targeted airplane will not notice the MiG-29’s activities. For short-range dogfights, the pilot’s helmet visor is capable of directing the guidance system of infrared missiles. Across the board, the impressive handling characteristics of the MiG-29 paired with its R-73 Archer missiles – superior to the Sidewinder – provide it with exceptional shot-range dogfight-capabilities.
The MiG-29 has been exported to numerous countries and more than 1500 units of its different variants have been built.
Flight program of the MiG-29
The following maneuvers will be flown:
- Breaking through the sonic barrier
- Rolls
- Immelmans
- Loopings
- Split-S
- Climbing and accelerating vertical climbing
- Diving and vertical diving
- Turns
- Tail-Slide
Passengers will have the opportunity to fly the MiG-29 themselves during parts of the flight!
Technical specifications MiG-29 Fulcrum
- Maximum speed: 2400 km/h at an altitude of 11000 m
- Service ceiling: 18000 m
- Range: 3500 km (2200 km without drop tanks)
- Rate of climb: 300 m/s
- Empty weight: 11600 kg | Max takeoff weight: 20500 kg
- Dimensions: Wingspan: 11.36 m | Length: 17.32 m
A Deutsche Luftwaffe (German Airforce) MiG-29 Fulcrum during a visit to Canada. Armed with R-60 air-to-air-missile without fins.
