The Russian MiG Aircraft Corporation has sent its MiG-29M OVT to Dubai, where it promises to provide a show-stopping star turn, as it has previously done at many European air displays.
The MiG-29M OVT is a one-off test aircraft, converted from one of the original six MiG-29M (9-15) prototypes, and represents part of the test programme for the what MiG rather comically calls its new ‘Unificated’ family of advanced MiG-29 variants. It is not intended to form the basis of a service variant in its own right, though its thrust-vectoring engines could be offered as part of possible MiG-29SMT and MiG-35 production configurations.
Thrust vectoring endows the MiG-29 with unmatched low-speed and post-stall agility, giving an unparalleled ability to point the aircraft’s nose ‘off axis’ - and thus its missile seekers and sensors. Vectoring can be used to reduce take-off and landing distances dramatically.
MiG’s sales efforts are concentrated in two broad areas: the first encompassing the upgrade of existing 9-12, 9-13 and two-seat 9-51 airframes; the second based on new production of versions based on the advanced airframe of the 9-15/9-31 (MiG-29M and MiG-29K).
MiG offers a range of upgrade configurations, adding NATO-compatible IFF and communications systems, and a GPS-based navigation system to produce the MiG-29SD, and adding these and advanced weapons options to produce the MiG-29SM.
The definitive MiG-29SMT was developed as an upgrade configuration for Russia’s in-service MiG-29s, and introduces an extensively modernized glass cockpit, with full HOTAS controls, and a new open architecture avionics system integrated with Zhuk-ME radar. The MiG-29SMT has an increased maximum take off weight and a new swollen spine accommodating increased internal fuel tankage.
The Russian Air Force is upgrading a planned total of 150 MiG-29 and MiG-29UBs to MiG-29SMT and MiG-29UBT configuration, and the upgrade is also being pushed hard to export customers including the Yemen, which has ordered batches of 26 and 66 SMTs, and to Algeria and Eritrea.
The MiG-29K (9-41) and two seat MiG-29KUB (9-47) are carrier capable fighters developed to meet an Indian Navy requirement. They are based on the airframe of the original MiG-29M (9-15) variant, with increased internal fuel capacity, a fly-by-wire control system, and Klimov RD-33K turbofans rated at 19,400 lb thrust.
Both variants use the redesigned forward fuselage originally developed for the two-seat MiG-29M2. This was entirely different to the forward fuselage of the standard MiG-29UB two-seat trainer, which lacked radar and which had a second cockpit in front of the normal cockpit. The single-seat MiG-29Ks have a two-seat canopy, but with increased fuel tankage and equipment in the space formerly occupied by the rear seat and crew member.
The MiG-29KUB first flew on January 22, 2007, and the single-seat MiG-29K followed on 27 June. Two aircraft were due to be delivered to the Indian Navy in June 2007 and six more in November, with deliveries to be completed by 2009.
The other new-build version is the MiG-35 (originally known as the MiG-29M2), which combines the new ‘operational’ two seat forward fuselage with a Phazotron NIIR Zhuk-AE AESA (active electronically scanning array) radar, together with a new electro-optical sensor suite and a new, more capable defensive aids suite. The aircraft has a dedicated air-to-ground optronic sensor package mounted on the bottom of the starboard engine nacelle.
The MiG-35 is being heavily promoted to meet India’s MMRCA fighter requirement, and will be offered in single-seat and two-seat (MiG-35D) forms.
Back to the rest of Dubai 2007 show news, blogs, and pictures
Source: Flight Daily News
