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Mikoyan MiG-29M

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MiG-29M
A Russian Air Force MiG-29M2
Role Multirole fighter
National origin Russia
Manufacturer Mikoyan
Designer Mikoyan
First flight 2005;19 years ago(2005)[1]
Status In service
Primary users Russian Aerospace Forces
Egyptian Air Force
Algerian Air Force
Developed from Mikoyan MiG-29
Variants Mikoyan MiG-29K
Developed into Mikoyan MiG-35

TheMikoyan MiG-29M(Russian:Микоян МиГ-29M;NATO reporting name:Fulcrum-E) is a Russianmultirole fighterthat first flew in 2005.[1]The unified platform that is theMiG-29is now comprised by the MiG-29M and a navalcarrier variant,theMiG-29K.A direct predecessor of the MiG-29M, sometimes known informally as the "MiG-33",was developed by theMikoyandesign bureauin the mid-1980s.

Development

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In the mid-1980s, a development of the original MiG-29 was proposed to meet the Soviet western frontline requirement. It was required to be a multirole fighter for the frontline defensive air force to gain offensive strike ability.[2]This development resulted in a single-seat and a two-seat variant. The proposal was then grounded as a result of shifts in military strategy. The model was named "MiG-33" and later received the MiG-29ME designation for the export market in the mid-1990s. A two-seat model of the standard, commonly known as the MiG-29MRCA, was the MAPO-MiG's primary contender for many international fighter aircraft bids, later evolved into theMikoyan MiG-35.Six of these models were built before 1990.[3]They were constantly upgraded with various components and one received experimental vector thrust engines which eventually became the MiG-29OVT.

Current model with designation MiG-29M is developed as land variant of MiG-29K with whom it shares avionic and other components and now belongs to the "new unified family" instead of the "MiG-29 fighters family" which comprise the older variants.[4]MiG-29M2 represents two–seat variant of MiG-29M.

MiG-33

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Main article:Mikoyan MiG-33

During the early 1990s, it became briefly popular for Sukhoi and Mikoyan to assign new designations for upgraded models to make them appear "new and improved" instead of just "improved". The VVS[5]did not accept these marketing designations and most were soon dropped. Following Sukhoi's initiative in this approach, Mikoyan's first such offering was theMiG-29ME,which first publicly appeared as theMiG-33at the 1994Farnborough Airshow.The MiG-29ME was the export version of theMiG-29M(Product 9.15) "Super Fulcrum", a comprehensively upgraded, fully multirole version of the MiG-29.

Although the MiG-33 designation was soon dropped, the MiG-29M may have merited a new designation in that it is in many ways a thoroughly redesigned version of the MiG-29. While external differences are few, the MiG-29M was a fully "multifunctional" fighter capable of performing air-to-ground combat with precision-guided munitions (PGMs), along with air-to-air roles of earlier MiG-29 versions. Pilot-aircraft interfaces in the cockpit were also improved and a wide range of new-generation equipment installed. The aircraft's internal fuel capacity was also increased to add combat range.

Procurement

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In November 2013, it was reported thatEgyptand Russia were negotiating an order of 24 MiG-29M/M2s for theEgyptian Air Force.[6][7]In April 2015, Egypt became the first export customer when it signed a $2 billion contract for the purchase of 46 MiG-29M/M2 multi-role fighters[8][9]On 26 October it was reported that Algeria become second country outside Russia to procure the MiG-29M.[10]In March 2021 there were talks betweenArgentinaand Russia regarding the purchase of MiG-29M andMiG-35.[11]

Design

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Cockpit of a MiG-29M at MAKS 1997
Weapons load display of a MiG-29SMT at MAKS 2011

The MiG-29M/M2 aircraft is a revision of the basic MiG-29. It achieved a more multi-role capability with enhanced use ofair-to-airandair-to-groundhigh-precisionweapons.[4]It also featured a considerably increased combat range, owing to an increase in its internalfuelcapacity.[4]

A few changes took place during the aircraft's development. The redesigned airframe was constructed from a lightweightAluminium-lithium alloyto increase thethrust-to-weight ratio.The airintake ramps' geometry was revised, the upper intakelouverswere removed to make way for more fuel in theLERXs,mesh screens introduced to preventforeign object damage(FOD) andinletdimensions were enlarged for higherairflow.[citation needed]

The aircraft is built with an inflight-refueling (IFR) probe and is able to carry three fuel drop tanks. The redesigned airframe also significantly increased internal fuel capacity in the dorsal spine and LERXs fuel tanks.[citation needed]These give the single-seat aircraft an operational range of 2,000 km with internal fuel, 3,200 km with three fuel drop tanks, and 6,000 km with three drop tanks and inflight refueling.[4]

Powerplant

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The RD-33MK, the latest revision of theRD-33,has 7% more power in comparison to the baseline model due to the use of modern materials on the cooled blades, and provides a thrust of 9,000 kgf. In response to longtime criticism, the new engines are smokeless and contain improvements that reduce its infrared visibility. Thrust vectoring nozzles are now offered upon customer's request.[12][13]Dry weight is 1,145 kilograms (2,520 lb) compared to the baseline model through modern materials used on the cooled blades, although it retains the same length and maximum diameter. Incorporated is an infrared and optical signature visibility reduction system. Service life has been increased to 4,000 hours.[14][15]

Sensors

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Main upgrades consist of the Zhuk-ME pulse-Doppler airborne radar, along with revised IRST systems,[4]a helmet-mounted target designation system and electronic countermeasures. According toPHAZOTRON's product brochure, new radar is capable of detecting air targets at ranges up to 80 km, track-while-scan of ten targets, track four targets and attack two targets at a time.[16]

Operational history

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Egypt

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Egypt signed a contract for 46 MiG-29M/M2 in April 2015,[17]with deliveries to be completed by 2020.[18]The Egyptian variant is designated as the MiG-29M (9.41SM) for the single seater, and MiG-29M2 (9.47SM) for the two seater. They are in many aspects similar to the MiG-35, which was first displayed inLukhovitsyin January 2017.[19]

The Egyptian MiG's include the upgradedRD-33MKsmokeless engines,[20]Zhuk-MEpulse-doppler radar, latest OLS-UE electro-optical targeting station, which feeds both TV and IR imagery to the cockpit display and includes alaser rangefinder,unlike previous IRSTs installed on MiG-29s that only featured IR imagery,[21]and the T220/e targeting pod, allowing the utilization of precision-guided munitions, as well as unguided bombs with a lowcircular error probability.[22][23]Forelectronic warfarepurposes, the aircraft will be supplied with the MSP-418K active jammer pod which usesDRFMtechnology to spoof radar-guided missiles.[citation needed]The pod was previously displayed atMAKSair shows and is yet to enter service with the Russian Air Force.[21]

The country received its first batch of MiG-29M/M2s in April 2017, and by the end of the year had 15 aircraft in its inventory.[24]A proposed modernization is intended to follow in 2020, providing refinements to the airborne radar, software and other avionics. The Egyptian Air Force is expected to keep its MiG-29Ms in service until 2060.

On 3 November 2018, an Egyptian Air Force MiG-29Ms crashed due to a technical malfunction when on a routine training flight. Pilot ejected safely.[citation needed]

Five of the MiG-29s were atMerowe Air Baseat the start of the2023 Sudan clasheswhere they were captured by theRapid Support Forces.[25]By 17 April 2023, satellite imagary appeared to show at least one had been destroyed and two damaged.[25]

Syria

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TheSyrian Air Forcereportedly agreed to buy 24 MiG-29M/M2s in 2012.[26][27]In July 2012 at the Farnborough Air Show, Russia announced it would not deliver weapons, including combat aircraft, to Syria due to the ongoingSyria Civil War.[28]On 31 May 2013, RSK MiG's director general, Sergei Korotkov, stated that the company plans to sign a contract with Syria to deliver "more than 10" MiG-29 M/M2 and that a Syrian delegation was in Moscow to discuss terms and deadlines of a new contract supplying fighter jets to Syria.[29][30]At the end of May 2020, a batch of MiG-29 of unknown version has been delivered.[31]

Serbia

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TheSerbian Air Forceintended to buy several MIG-29M/M2s to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet.[32][33][34]In 2013, media reports indicated that Serbia planned to purchase six MiG-29M/M2 fighters.[35]Instead of buying MiG-29M in October 2017, Russia donated six used MiG-29 fighters to the Serbian Air Force, with Serbia paying to upgrade them.[36]

Algeria

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Algeria procured 14 MiG-29M/M2 according to a contract signed in 2019 during the international military fair MAKS.[37]Deliveries started in October 2020.[38]

Variants

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MiG-29M / MiG-33 (Product 9.15)

Advanced single-seat multi-role variant, with a redesigned airframe, mechanical flight controls replaced by afly-by-wiresystem and powered by enhanced RD-33 ser.3M engines. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-E'.

MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61)

Two-seat training variant of the MiG-29M. Never built. Effectively continued under the designation 'MiG-29M2'.

MiG-29M2 / MiG-29MRCA

Two-seat version of MiG-29M.[39]Identical characteristics to MiG-29M, with a slightly reduced ferry range of 1,800 km.[39]RAC MiG presented in various air shows, to name a few, Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE 2004),[40]Aero India2005,[41][42]and MAKS 2005.[43]It was once given the MiG-29MRCA designation for marketing purposes and has evolved into theMiG-35.The MiG-29M2's number of the hardpoints increased to nine and maximum external payload increased to 6,500 kg, depends on type of equipment and armament.[44]

Operators

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Main article:List of Mikoyan MiG-29 operators
Algeria
Egypt
Russia

Specifications (MiG-29M)

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Data fromMikoyan,[48]globalsecurity.org,[49]deagel.com,[50]Jane's[51]

General characteristics

  • Crew:1 or 2
  • Length:17.37 m (57 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan:11.99 m (39 ft 4 in)
  • Height:4.4 m (14 ft 5 in)
  • Wing area:42 m2(450 sq ft)
  • Empty weight:13,380 kg (29,498 lb)
  • Gross weight:19,200 kg (42,329 lb)
19,000 kg (41,888 lb) for MiG-29M2

Performance

  • Maximum speed:2,100 km/h (1,300 mph, 1,100 kn) / M2.25 at high altitude
1,400 km/h (870 mph; 760 kn) / M1.13 at low altitude
  • Range:2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi)
1,700 km (1,100 mi; 920 nmi) forMiG-29M2
  • Ferry range:3,000 km (1,900 mi, 1,600 nmi) with 3x drop tanks
2,700 km (1,700 mi; 1,500 nmi) forMiG-29M2
  • Service ceiling:16,000 m (52,000 ft)
16,200 m (53,150 ft) forMiG-29M2
  • g limits:+8 to+9
  • Rate of climb:330 m/s (65,000 ft/min)[52]
  • Wing loading:442 kg/m2(91 lb/sq ft)
  • Thrust/weight:1.02

Armament

Avionics

See also

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Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

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Citations
  1. ^ab"MiG-29M/MiG-29M2".Migavia.Archived fromthe originalon 27 September 2020.Retrieved26 October2020.
  2. ^Lake, John,Jane's How to Fly and Fight in the Mikoyan MiG-29,p. 19. HarperCollins, 1997.ISBN0-00-472144-6.
  3. ^"aviapedia.com".www.aviapedia.com.Archivedfrom the original on 1 June 2007.Retrieved29 May2007.
  4. ^abcde"MiG-29M/MiG-29M2 Multirole Fighters".Archived fromthe originalon 6 July 2007.Retrieved5 July2007..Rac MiG
  5. ^Voyenno-Vozdushnyye Sily:literally "Military Air Forces",videSoviet Air Forces
  6. ^Henry Meyer and Mariam Fam, Bloomberg News (12 November 2013)."Russia negotiates its biggest arms deal with Egypt since the Cold War after Barack Obama cuts defence aid".National Post.Retrieved14 November2014.
  7. ^Los Angeles Times (13 February 2014)."Amid U.S.-Egypt chill, Sisi seeks military assistance from Russia".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on 22 April 2014.Retrieved14 November2014.
  8. ^Мы обезопасились от катастрофических последствий.migavia.ru(in Russian). Archived fromthe originalon 7 February 2016.Retrieved13 February2016.
  9. ^Корпорация "МиГ" поставит два истребителя МиГ-29М/М2 в Северную Африку(in Russian). 5 February 2016.Archivedfrom the original on 19 May 2017.Retrieved13 February2016.
  10. ^"L'Algérie réceptionne ses premiers Mig 29 M/M2".25 October 2020.Archivedfrom the original on 9 February 2023.Retrieved26 October2020.
  11. ^"Rusia apuesta fuerte en materia de Defensa en Argentina".19 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 29 October 2021.Retrieved20 March2021.
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  13. ^MiG-29M/M2Archived3 January 2008 at theWayback Machine.RAC MiG
  14. ^(in Russian)RD-33MKArchived27 September 2007 at theWayback Machineklimov.ru
  15. ^[1]Archived27 September 2007 at theWayback Machineklimov.ru
  16. ^GDC (18 August 2021)."NPO PHAZOTRON Zhuk Radar, a demised hope for Russian aerospace industries".Global Defense Corp.Archivedfrom the original on 23 November 2021.Retrieved23 November2021.
  17. ^ab"Согласован контракт на поставку 46 истребителей МиГ-29 в Египет".Ведомости.24 May 2015.Archivedfrom the original on 26 June 2018.Retrieved28 February2019.
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  21. ^ab"МиГи для Египта оснастят новейшим оборудованием".iz.ru.15 July 2016.Archivedfrom the original on 25 April 2019.Retrieved9 June2019.
  22. ^"Системы наведения на цель ракет с МиГ-35 поставят в Египет в 2016 году".ria.ru.9 November 2015.Archivedfrom the original on 12 June 2018.Retrieved9 June2019.
  23. ^"Модель самонаводящейся подвесной авиационной бомбы Т220/э".Archivedfrom the original on 9 June 2019.Retrieved9 June2019.
  24. ^"Российское оружие удержало свое место".kommersant.ru.5 March 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 6 December 2018.Retrieved9 June2019.
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  26. ^"U.S. Says Russia 'Fuels Fire' by Selling Arms to Syria".3 March 2012. Archived fromthe originalon 2 June 2013.
  27. ^"Procurement (Syria), Procurement".25 July 2012. Archived fromthe originalon 11 September 2012.
  28. ^"Russia calls halt to supply of new equipment to Syria".10 July 2012. Archived fromthe originalon 3 September 2014.
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  31. ^"Russia says it delivered MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Syria - Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East".www.al-monitor.com.4 June 2020.Archivedfrom the original on 1 May 2022.Retrieved1 May2022.
  32. ^"Нови" мигови "и С-400 стижу у Србију".politika.rs.1 December 2012.Archivedfrom the original on 6 November 2018.Retrieved9 June2019.
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  34. ^"Vučić u poseti Rusiji".rts.rs.21 August 2012.Archivedfrom the original on 10 September 2020.Retrieved9 June2019.
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  38. ^"L'Algérie réceptionne ses premiers Mig 29 M/M2".menadefense.net(in French). 25 October 2020.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2020.Retrieved26 October2020.
  39. ^abMiG-29M / MiG-29M2 pageArchived3 January 2008 at theWayback Machine.RAC MiG.
  40. ^"People's Daily Online – Latest MiG-29 planes to be flown".Archivedfrom the original on 11 December 2007.Retrieved5 February2010.
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  46. ^"Egyptian MiG-29 deliveries concluded as Su-35 deliveries begin".29 June 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 2 January 2023.Retrieved2 July2021.
  47. ^"ВКС России планируют иметь 700 истребителей".bmpd.livejournal.com.16 December 2016.Archivedfrom the original on 27 October 2017.Retrieved13 July2019.
  48. ^MiG-29M2 product pageArchived9 November 2018 at theWayback Machine.MiG
  49. ^MiG-33 pageArchived12 April 2022 at theWayback Machine.globalsecurity.org.
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Bibliography
  • Eden, Paul (ed.).The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft.London: Amber Books, 2004.ISBN1-904687-84-9.
  • Gordon, Yefim and Peter Davison.Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum.Specialty Press, 2005.ISBN978-1-58007-085-0.
  • Lake, John.Jane's How to Fly and Fight in the Mikoyan MiG-29.(HarperCollins, 1997.ISBN0-00-472144-6)
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