Alan Dron
MAPO is looking at installing an air-to-air radar from the UK's Marconi Electronic Systems in its updated MiG-29SMT and two-seater UBT multi-role fighter aircraft, the Russian company said yesterday.
General designer Mikhail Korzhuyev also revealed that the UBT, derived from the UB two-seat conversion trainer but with a full combat capability, contains three separate radar systems.
A Marconi spokesman said later that: "We recognise the importance of the upgrade market for the MiG-29" and that the company was "-looking at options suitable for this platform", but that no single type of radar was being considered at present.
He noted that the company had recently appointed a director to look after the Russian market, "-which we take very seriously". His role was across the entire avionics spectrum, not just radars.
The existence of centimetric and millimetric radars for air-to-air and air-to-surface on the MiG-29UBT was reported last month.
What had not previously been reported was the existence of a sideways-looking millimetre-wave system, with the antenna for the system located in the lower wing.
Speaking through an interpreter later, Korzhuyev described its role as "radar reconnaissance", but declined to be drawn further.
Korzhuyev said the Russian air force will receive 20 updated examples of the MiG-29 in the coming year, some of which may be converted from existing aircraft rather than new-builds.
A new radar is being considered for the MiG-29
Source: Flight Daily News
