MiG-29 Fulcrum: Supersonic Interceptor and Multirole Jet Fighter

Design: Focus on Maneuverability and Speed

The Mikoyan MiG-29 (Микоян МиГ-29) is the embodiment of a Russian military aircraft. The interceptor and multirole fighter bomber MiG-29 uniquely combines unbelievable maneuverability with great speed. The first MiG-29 airframes were delivered to the Soviet airforce in 1983. The MiG-29 Fulcrum was exported to numerous countries: Until today, more than 1'500 aircraft in various versions of the air superiority fighter MiG-29 were built.

Short Range Combat is its Strength

After Germany's reunification, a whole squadron of MiG-29 aircraft came into possession of the German airforces. Western military advisors were astounded by the MiG's performance after they analyzed its flight characteristics. No western fighter could rival the MiG on a similarly high level. The flight characteristics were only matched by modern aircraft like the Eurofighter EF2000 Typhoon or the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, thirty years later. The MiG-29's flat fuselage contributes approximately 40% of the lift. This makes the MiG unbeatable, especially at low speeds. The further development of the MiG-29 OWT with 3D thrust vectoring amazes air show spectators with maneuvers that seem to defy physics - distractions that intend to disorientate enemy pilots. The "MiG Aircraft" was often used as an umbrella term for all Soviet-built aircraft. So sometimes you can see aircraft from other manufacturers like Suchoj being called a "MiG".

Commissioned at the End of the Soviet Era

The flight and maneuvering capabilities at low speeds and/or at high angles of attack - essiential for close combat - are unrivaled by the MiG's western counterparts. The MiG-29 has two Klimow/Sarkisow RD-33 reheated turbofan engines, which each produce more thrust with afterburner then any single equivalent western engine.

MiG-29 Box

Technical Data