Russian heavyweight RSK MiG is progressing with the development of its innovative MiG-35 fighter and aims to offer it in response to India’s RFP for 126 fighters to replace the country’s fleet of ageing MiG-21s.
The MiG-35 is the new name for the MiG-29OVT, which features an all-axial deflected vectored thrust (DTV) engine for extreme manoeuvrability. DTV also gives the aircraft the ability to fly at very low altitudes without resorting to high angles of attack.
Alexey Fedorov, RSK MiG’s director/designer general, says that the company felt the aircraft warranted the new designation due to its extended airframe life over the MiG-29OVT and the addition of the Tikhomirov NIIP Bars-29 active phased array radar.
“We have extended the life cycle of the airframe to around 6,000h,” says Fedorov. “The MiG-35 has a host of improved, compatible technology and can now compete successfully with every other modern fighter in the world.”
Fedorov adds that the use of omni-directional DTV makes the MiG-29M/M2 more precise and effective.
The MiG-35 should debut in 2006, but show visitors can see just how manoeuvrable a MiG with vectored thrust can be every afternoon.
The company has brought two MiG-29SMT variants to woo Dubai crowds. One is demonstrating its new, vectored thrust capabilities in the flying display, while the other is on view in the static park.
The MiG-29SMT features the new Zhuk-ME multimode radar, open architecture avionics with a MIL-STD-1553B multiplex bus, a multichannel navigation system and a new fuel system that allows longer range and in-flight refuelling.
MiG is also on target to deliver 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB aircraft to the Indian navy. Test flights will begin in 2006 with delivery taking place over 2007-9. India has an option for a further 30 aircraft for delivery in 2010-15.
These variants include a helmet-mounted target designation system, a solid-state laser rangefinder and the ability to detect targets both in front and behind the aircraft.
Fedorov is bullish about MiG’s future. “Our rivals on the Indian tender are quite serious, but we are optimistic and hope to be victorious,” he says. The company has seen good growth over the last year with sales up 113% over the 12 months to November. Annual revenues are now in excess of $1 billion and the company delivered, upgraded and overhauled a total of 52 aircraft for foreign customers in 2005, including upgrading Slovakia’s MiG-29s to NATO standards.
Fedorov also hints that MiG could soon be developing commercial aircraft with Airbus, but declines to give details.
The MiG-35 is the new name for the MiG-29OVT, which features an all-axial deflected vectored thrust (DTV) engine for extreme manoeuvrability. DTV also gives the aircraft the ability to fly at very low altitudes without resorting to high angles of attack.
Alexey Fedorov, RSK MiG’s director/designer general, says that the company felt the aircraft warranted the new designation due to its extended airframe life over the MiG-29OVT and the addition of the Tikhomirov NIIP Bars-29 active phased array radar.
“We have extended the life cycle of the airframe to around 6,000h,” says Fedorov. “The MiG-35 has a host of improved, compatible technology and can now compete successfully with every other modern fighter in the world.”
Fedorov adds that the use of omni-directional DTV makes the MiG-29M/M2 more precise and effective.
The MiG-35 should debut in 2006, but show visitors can see just how manoeuvrable a MiG with vectored thrust can be every afternoon.
The company has brought two MiG-29SMT variants to woo Dubai crowds. One is demonstrating its new, vectored thrust capabilities in the flying display, while the other is on view in the static park.
The MiG-29SMT features the new Zhuk-ME multimode radar, open architecture avionics with a MIL-STD-1553B multiplex bus, a multichannel navigation system and a new fuel system that allows longer range and in-flight refuelling.
MiG is also on target to deliver 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB aircraft to the Indian navy. Test flights will begin in 2006 with delivery taking place over 2007-9. India has an option for a further 30 aircraft for delivery in 2010-15.
These variants include a helmet-mounted target designation system, a solid-state laser rangefinder and the ability to detect targets both in front and behind the aircraft.
Fedorov is bullish about MiG’s future. “Our rivals on the Indian tender are quite serious, but we are optimistic and hope to be victorious,” he says. The company has seen good growth over the last year with sales up 113% over the 12 months to November. Annual revenues are now in excess of $1 billion and the company delivered, upgraded and overhauled a total of 52 aircraft for foreign customers in 2005, including upgrading Slovakia’s MiG-29s to NATO standards.
Fedorov also hints that MiG could soon be developing commercial aircraft with Airbus, but declines to give details.
Source: Flight Daily News
