IAF Mig-29

[John]

Not necessarily all RD-33 engines have multi axis thrust vectoring, but TVC is an option for RD-33 series 3, still their is no report of whether India would opt for TVC Klimovs or not.



why isn't the Mig-29 twin engined?

well they might as well get the TVC, it reduces heat signature makes it deadlier.

 

[Payeng]

well they might as well get the TVC, it reduces heat signature makes it deadlier.

TVC reducing heat signature, I didn't get it.

 

[vijaytripoli]

:Laie_46::Laie_46::Laie_46::Laie_46::Laie_46::Laie_46::Laie_46::Laie_46:

Damn!..i missed the twin engined part completely!....thnx payeng

U MADE MY DAY MAN.
CHAU

 

[John]

TVC reducing heat signature, I didn't get it.

yes TVC nozzles help reduce the heat signature of the aircraft especially in non-after burning thrust settings.

 

[Payeng]

I think TVC is employed to direct the thrust other than parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

TVC in the Su 30 MKI do not help in reducing infrared signature

Infrared reduction can be delivered by obstructing direct visibility of the exhaust, injecting cool air with the exhaust flow, using heat sinkers, circulating coolants fluids plus other military secrets, but I never heard of TVC having a function in reducing IR signature.

Are you talking about variable nozzle?

 

[icecoolben]

Can our mig-29 do tactical bombing roles? Why not just convert it into attack aircraft and start working on mca.

 

[AJSINGH]

Mig 29 is hell of a combat aircraft ..it was slap on the face of american combat industry ...more robut than the F-16 and equalled f-15 ...when it came out ..it had IRST ball and Helmet mounted vision....which were not seen in f-16 and F-18 ..after 4 years of service ..f-16 and f-18 had helmet mounted vision

 

[shankarosky]

thrust vectoring objective is not reduce heat signature -its sole purpose is to improve agility of an aircraft - like sukhois can execute a flat spin that is turn without any appreciable change in altitude impossible in aircraft without thrust vectoring option
Also is allows very high angle of attack at low speed a feat impossible with normal aircraft -whcih would stall and fall of sky if attempts such a move

 

[F-14]

Baaz : Induction of the MiG-29 (1987) [www.bharat-rakshak.com]

 

[shankarosky]

another advantage of thrust vectoring is exteremely short take of length for an aicraft of it size quick change of altitude .attitude and most importantly speed in close in air combat - in atail chase situation Su -30 can "brake" causing the chasing aircraf to overshoot and in a moment the hunter becomes the hunted easy prey to sukhois gun or a heat seeking missile up the hot ramp

 

[RPK]

Russia to complete overhaul of 63 Indian fighter jets in 2013 | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire

MOSCOW, September 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will finish upgrading MiG-29 fighters in service with the Indian air force in 2013, a Russian defense industry source has said.

Russia's MiG company signed last year a contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to upgrade over 60 MiG-29 fighters, in service since the 1980s.

"The implementation of the contract started last year, and it will be fulfilled in 2013," the source told RIA Novosti on Thursday.

According to the source, during the upgrade the MiG-29s will be fitted with advanced avionics, new multi-functional Zhuk-ME radars, a new weapon control system, as well as revamped engines.

The service life of the aircraft will be extended from 25 to 40 years.

The official said the first four Indian MiG-29 fighters are being modernized and flight-tested in Russia and the remaining aircraft will be overhauled in India with the aid of Russian experts.

The contract stipulates the construction of MiG consignment depots and service centers in India, along with simulators for pilot training.

 

[IBRIS]

Russia to complete overhaul of 63 Indian fighter jets in 2013

MOSCOW, September 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will finish upgrading MiG-29 fighters in service with the Indian air force in 2013, a Russian defense industry source has said.

Russia's MiG company signed last year a contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to upgrade over 60 MiG-29 fighters, in service since the 1980s.

"The implementation of the contract started last year, and it will be fulfilled in 2013," the source told RIA Novosti on Thursday.

According to the source, during the upgrade the MiG-29s will be fitted with advanced avionics, new multi-functional Zhuk-ME radars, a new weapon control system, as well as revamped engines.

The service life of the aircraft will be extended from 25 to 40 years.

The official said the first four Indian MiG-29 fighters are being modernized and flight-tested in Russia and the remaining aircraft will be overhauled in India with the aid of Russian experts.

The contract stipulates the construction of MiG consignment depots and service centers in India, along with simulators for pilot training.
Russia to complete overhaul of 63 Indian fighter jets in 2013 | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire

 

[IBRIS]

Russia to deliver engines for Indian MiG fighters

ZHUKOVSKY, August 21 (RIA Novosti) - Rosoboronexport and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) have signed a contract at the MAKS-2009 air show on the delivery of 26 RD-33 series 3 engines to India, Russia's state arms exporter said on Friday.

The RD-33 series 3 is an upgraded version of the RD-33 powerful RD-33 turbofan engine with thrust vectoring for MiG family fighters. The engine provides superior maneuverability and enhances the fighter's performance in close air engagements.

In 2005, Russia signed a $250 million deal with India to modernize engines for the MiG-29 fighters of the Indian Air Force. According to the terms of the deal, HAL will make 120 RD-33 series 3 jet engines at its Koraput plant for the upgrade of MiG-29 fighters.

The current contract will help HAL master the assembly of the RD-33 jet engines and use the experience in the assembly of next generation jet engines.

"These engines are installed on MiG aircraft, including the MiG-35 fighters, which are participating in the announced tender on the delivery of 126 fighters to the Indian air force," a Rosoboronexport official said.

Six major aircraft makers - Lockheed and Boeing from the United States, Russia's MiG, which is part of the UAC, France's Dassault, Sweden's Saab and the EADS consortium of British, German, Spanish and Italian companies - are in contention to win the $10 billion contract.

Russia has said that the first two MiG-35 aircraft will be delivered to India in August for test flights prior to the results of the tender. In late 2009, Russia will conduct a series of flight tests with live firing for an Indian air force delegation at a testing ground in Russia.

Moscow has also said it is ready to transfer all key technology to India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and provide assistance for the production of the aircraft in the country if MiG-35 wins the tender.
Russia to deliver engines for Indian MiG fighters | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire

 

[IBRIS]

Four MiG-29 fighter jets to join Indian navy in October - source
Four MiG-29 fighter jets to join Indian navy in October - source | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire

 

[IBRIS]

 

[Quickgun Murugan]

Can the existing Mig 29's radar be upgraded to Zhuk AE- AESA radar of Mig 35?

 

[Vladimir79]

Can the existing Mig 29's radar be upgraded to Zhuk AE- AESA radar of Mig 35?

Only if you upgrade the databus, which means just about rewiring the whole aerocraft.

 

[AJSINGH]

MiG-29SMT FULCRUM
The basic MiG-29A has no air-to-ground capability beyond unguided rockets and free-fall iron bombs. The SMT upgrade provides a Zhuk radar with air-to-ground modes and the ability to deliver guided munitions. Range was initially a weak point with the MiG-29, and while later versions were modified to carry more fuel, the Russian air force prefered the larger Su-27 and its derivatives. The MiG-29SMT fighter displays a number of essentially new capabilities to effectively destroy both air and ground (sea surface) targets with the use of high-precision “air-to-air” and “air-to-surface” missiles, thus combining the roles of air superiority fighter and strike fighter.

The MiG-29SMT is the up-to-date modification of MiG-29 multirole frontline fighter. The aircraft exhibits a long flight range due to extra capacity of integral fuel tanks and installation of in-flight refueling system (similar to that of the MiG-29SD). The aircraft and engine service life and time limits and design service life have been feasibly increased; the labor requirements and maintenance costs have been reduced.

The MiG-29 evolution program initiated in the late 80-s led to the creation of the aircraft distinguished from the basic version not only by noticeable improvement of the fighter main parameters as a weapons platform-carrier (longer operational range), but also by principally new features.

The most vital feature of this fighter is the capability to effectively operate against air and ground or sea surface targets with the use of high-precision air-to-surface missiles, thus making it a multirole combat aircraft incorporating in one air vehicle the qualities of air superiority fighter and tactical strike aircraft.

The weapon control system of the MiG-29SMT aircraft is built around the ZHUK-ME advanced multimode radar developed by the PHASOTRON-NIIR Moscow-based company. The integrated system incorporates a digital top-level computer system based on the principles of open architecture with use of multiplex data buses, meeting the MIL-STD-1553B requirements, and new information-control system employing full-color large-format liquid-crystal displays, measuring 152 x 203 mm (6 x 8 inch). The displays are developed by the Ramenskoye instruments design bureau (city of Ramenskoye, Moscow region).

The HOTAS concept is fully realized in the MiG-29SMT cockpit; the pilot controls the aircraft, performs targeting and launches weapons without removal of hands from the control stick and throttle control lever.

The MiG-29SMT aircraft six underwing and one ventral store stations can carry up to 5000 kg of external load, including the R-73E agile air-to-air missiles with a combined gas-aerodynamic control system and IR seeker with a wide off-boresight angles range, the RVV-AE medium-range air-to-air missiles with an active radar seeker and the R-27R1/ER1 medium-range air-to-air missiles with a semi-active radar seeker.

In operation against ground and sea surface targets, the MiG-29SMT is able to effectively use contemporary high-precision weapons: the Kh-29T(TE) air-to-surface missiles with a TV seeker, the Kh-31A antiship missiles, the Kh-31P antiradar missiles, the KAB-500KR guided bombs with a TV seeker and powerful warhead.

The upgraded model of batch production MIG-29SMT fighter has an additional two tanks of propellant can cover, without refueling, up to 3,500 kilometers and carry up to 5 tonnes of combat payload. The hatch design compares favorably with that of the predecessor models. The upgraded MIG can be committed to action as a fighter, interceptor, attack, reconnaissance or command post plane. It can, as a command post plane, be acting in contact with A-50 long-range radio detection and control jets. Any kind of Russian- or foreign-made air-to-air and air-to-surface launchers may be mounted aboard this plane.

A new up-to-date cockpit data display and control field, open-architecture airborne equipment complex based on highly effective computing facilities and multiplex communication channels (new navigation, ECM, communication, guidance and data recording systems) can be integrated. The aircraft can be provided with the "Zhuk-M" multimode radar boosting a longer range of air target detection and +/-90° viewing angle in azimuth. The radar is able to track a greater number of targets and engage them simultaneously; scanning in the air-to-surface modes (including those of high resolution) based on indication of moving and sea-surface targets have been incorporated. The weapons mix is widened.

At the buyer's request, radar-absorbent coatings can be applied, Western and national equipment can be installed and number of store stations can be increased. The process of in-service aircraft upgrading up to the MiG-29SMT level has been developed. Works on the aircraft further upgrading are under way.

MiG Corp. has also developed a modular system of MiG-29 upgrading to the MiG 29SMT level. This system is flexible, allowing potential clients to chose the set of aircraft upgrades what they really need. Set of upgrades includes three modules. First module is upgrading the aircraft weapons control system transforming MiG-29 into multirole fighter. A new “Zhuk-ME” radar with a terrain mapping mode is installed. Upgrade of the weapons control system allow to increase considerably the range of “air-to-air” and “air-to-ground” guided and unguided weapons.

While keeping unbeatable air combat characteristics, MiG-29 obtains strike functions, comparable with modern foreign competitors. Second module is increasing internal and drop fuel tanks capacity, upgrading fuel system and installing in-flight refueling equipment, adopted, according to customer’s demand, for usage with Russian or foreign tanker aircraft. Third module is upgrading of on-board equipment and installation digital fly-by-wire control system. Pilot’s cockpit is equipped with color LCD MFDs, modern flight navigation and communication equipment including satellite navigation of Russian or foreign origin, fully compliant with NATO and ICAO standards.

In case of MiG-29 complete upgrading to MiG-29SMT level the customer receives a generation “4+” level aircraft, close in characteristics and by set of equipment to the newest MiG-29M. It is equal, even superior in some positions, to foreign competitors, able to keep, prior to proper exploitation and maintenance, its combat effectiveness for the next 20 years. And MiG Corp. can make all upgrades on the territory of customer and on its manufacturing facilities.

The MiG-29SMT aircraft features:

■· Longer range and flight endurance;
■· High combat effectiveness;
■· Superb agility;
■· High reliability and flight safety;
■· Easy operation and reduced DOC, up-to-date logistic support;
■· Advanced architecture of cockpit avionics and information control system, HOTAS;
■· Integrated fire-control system consisting of upgraded radar fire-control system built around the ZHUK-ME advanced radar boasting longer operating ranges, multichannel firing and up-to-date air-to-surface modes, and of IR search and track system and helmet-mounted sight;
■· Up-to-date navigation, radio communication, electronic countermeasures, monitoring and recording systems as well as optronic and reconnaissance pods;
■· Modified weapon system including the RVV-AE, R-27ER1, R-27ET1, R-27R1, R-27T1, R-73E air-to-air missiles, the Kh-31A, Kh-31P, Kh-29T (TE), Kh-29L air-to-surface missiles, the KAB-500KR (OD), KAB-500L guided bombs, rockets, free-fall bombs and the GSh-301 built-in gun.
Options

■- the MiG-29 aircraft basic version can be upgraded to the MiG-29SMT level;
■- the upgraded aircraft can be equipped with avionics and armed with weapons of non-Russian origin

MiG-29SMT FULCRUM

 

[AJSINGH]

MiG-29SMT Program
As of February 2005, upgraded MiG-29SMT fighters were manufactured for export to Yemen and Eritrea, but had yet to be ordered by Russia. In 1995, 'MAPO' MIG began flight testing an upgraded MiG-29SM prototype, precursor to the SMT now being offered to all MiG-29 operators. In 1998 a decision was made by the Defense Ministry to launch a quantity-modernization program of the MiG-29 fighters. The SMT upgrade (Product 9-17) program was officially sanctioned in September 1998 with authorisation for modernisation of up to 180 in-service MiG-29s of the Russian Air Force. These aircraft were to receive upper fuselage conformal fuel tanks and comprehensive avionics upgrade, with options for increased thrust engine, new wing, EW system, electro-optic pods and new weapons capability.

A total of 150 to 180 modernized MiG-29SMTs were to be introduced in service with the Russian Air Force. Extensive modernization is planned only of the aircraft produced through the previous decade. This would provide a dramatic increase in combat capabilities of the Russian Air Force. The modernization program started in September 1998 by the Kubinka military aircraft-repair plant and the MAPO MIG. The first batch of 10 to 15 MiG-29SMTs was to be delivered before the end of the year. In 1999, a total of 20 to 30 MiG-29 fighters were modernized into the MiG-29SMT version, claimed to be approaching fifth-generation fighters in terms of characteristics. Starting from the year 2000, the program's annual modernization rate was planned to reach 40 MiG-29SMTs. The overall plan provided for modernization of 150 recently manufactured MiG-29s, with the remainder of the older aircraft being withdrawn from service (presently there are 330 MiG-29 aircraft in Russian combat units and 130 in training units).

An avionics/cockpit mock-up that was a rebuilt Fulcrum A (925) displayed in August 1997 at Moscow Air Show. The first flight of the MiG-29 SMT took place on 22 April 1998 from the Zhukovski military airfield. It was the first of three or four trials aircraft preceded by the first flight of the SMT prototype on 29 November 1997.

The first series production MiG-29SMT upgrade, 01 Blue (also marked '172' in small white numerals on the fin tip), was rolled out by the manufacturer on 29 December 1998. The aircraft was due to be moved by road the following day to Zhukovsky for its first flight, prior to being flown to Lipetsk early in the new year to begin service testing with the Russian Air Force. In original plan MIG 'MAPO' would have delivered 10 to 15 upgraded aircraft in 1998, 30 in 1999 and 40 per year from 2000 until all 180 had been redelivered. The Russian Air Force also planned to upgrade 124 MiG-29UB trainers to MiG-29UBT, equivalent to SMT configuration. Financial difficulties prevented delivery of more than three MiG-29 SMT aircraft to the Russian Air Force.

The MiG-29SMT aircraft was in serial production since 2004 and was supplied to customers. The RAC "MiG" upgraded the aircraft previously supplied to a number of Customers into the MiG-29SMT type. By late 2003 the company had booked 20 firm orders for MiG-29SMT. This aircraft is already known in the Arab world, since Yemen became its launch customer. In addition, MiG-29SMTs have been ordered by Eritrea.

Yemen's government ordered six new MiG-29SMT fighters, two training-and-combat MiG-29Ubs and the modernization of another 12 aircraft up to the level of MiG-29SMT. A new radar "Zhuk-ME" mounted on these machines makes them different from a regular model. The parties came to an agreement that Yemen was supposed to receive first aircraft back in late 2003 and it was stipulated that the contract would be fully completed this year. However, MiG was able to supply a mere two training-and-combat MiG-29UB and only mid-year.

According to the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo, by early 2004 Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez was ready to buy up to 50 new Russian MIG-29SMT Fulcrum combat aircrafts, 40 Mi-35 helicopters and 100,000 AK-47 assault rifles in an operation estimated in $8 billion.

On December 23, 2004 MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation gained the ‘Golden idea’ national award, established by Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, in nomination “For development of defence products for exports” on the results of 2003 for development of MiG-29SMT fighter aircraft. Awards were handed to MiG Corp. (Mikoyan design bureau, Fedotov Flight-Testing Center) representatives, as well as to its main partners in this project – FSPC Ramenskoye Instrument Design Bureau, “Fazotron-NIIR” JSC and Russian Air Force State Flight-testing Center representatives.

The contract for the delivery of 28 MiG-29SMT fighters and six MiG-29UBT trainers worth 1.27 billion USD to Algeria was signed in late January 2006 and entered into force in March of 2006, during the visit of President Putin. Algeria received between two to four MiG-29UBT in December 2006, and by April 2007 MiG Corporation had transferred 15 MiG-29SMT/UBT. However, in April 2007 the Algerian military stopped making payments on the contract and made several claims regarding the quality of the transferred aircraft. By the end of 2007, the Federal Agency for Military-Technical Cooperation, Rosoboroneksport and MiG Corporation came to the conclusion that the best solution to the crisis was to agree to take back the fighters and attempt to replace the MiG-29SMT contract with other agreements.

In early 2008 it was reported that the Russian Air Force was commissioning the 15 fighters Mig-29SMT Algeria had refused.


Performance data:


Takeoff weight, kg
- normal 17 000
- maximum 22 000
Engine type/thrust with A/B ON RD-33 ser.3/2õ8300
Maximum operational g-load 9
Maximum airspeed, km/h
- at altitude 2 400
- at S/L 1 500
Service ceiling, m 17 500
Operational range, km
- on internal fuel/with 3 fuel drop tanks 2 100/>3 000
- with 3 fuel drop tanks and in-flight refueling >6 000
Maximum weapon load, kg 4 500

MiG-29SMT FULCRUM

 

[AJSINGH]

HISTORY BEHIND MIG 29 BAAZ
MiG-29 Baaz
In order to fill the gap in the force level of the Air Force, Government approved in October 1981 the procurement of MiG-29 aircraft [including trainers] in flyaway condition and with an option for its licence manufacture in India. Payment of Rs 3.92 crores was made to the manufacturers in May 1982 for retention of this option. The contract for procurement of the aircraft was concluded with aircraft manufacturers of a foreign country in October 1982 for Rs 621.75 crores. The contract covered integration and operational clearance of a variety of weapons but not the supply of these weapons.

An Indian evaluation team evaluated the MiG-29 aircraft during November/December 1980 and found it suitable for the intended role. The team, however, stated that the aircraft was still in its infancy and its various systems were under different phases of development and the aircraft as a weapon system would achieve its designed performance when fully developed. The team recommended procurement of improved radar under development subject to its satisfactory performance in air to air and air to ground roles. However, as the improved radar was under development till completion of the negotiations, the existing radar was selected. The team added that the satisfactory performance of the aircraft be determined under tropical conditions in India.

A negotiation committee held discussions with the manufacturers between October 1981 and March 1982. The negotiation committee stated that they did not have any meaningful yardsticks to go by in determining the negotiating position. According to the Ministry, the Air Staff Requirements (ASRs) available for air superiority and ground attack roles were to become the basis for price negotiations with the sellers. The fact, however, is that normally the ASRs are meant for technical evaluations and cannot form the basis of price negotiation.

An agreement was signed in October 1982 with the manufacturers for the supply of aircraft including trainers, and option for licence manufacture in India at a cost of Rs 621.75 crores at 1981 price level plus escalation. The option was surrendered in June 1984 in favour of induction of another advanced technology aircraft. An additional agreement was entered into with the manufacturer in March 1986 for the procurement of aircraft in flyaway condition to be supplied by September 1988 at a cost of Rs 107.74 crores plus escalation for sustaining the unit establishment (UE) till the turn of the century.

All the aircraft contracted in October 1982 and March 1986 were delivered between December 1984 and May 1986 and February and September 1988 respectively as scheduled. However, there was delay in ferrying of 31 per cent aircraft from the Soviet Union and the delay averaged six months per aircraft. Two aircraft delivered by the manufacturers in April and October 1988 were ferried only in October 1990. Ministry stated in December 1994 that the aircraft were ferried in batches to make the ferry cost effective. The Ministry added that after delivery, the two aircraft were loaned to seller for electronic warfare system (EWS) integration.

In November 1984, the flying task was fixed at 15 hours per month per aircraft in respect of the fighter and 20 hours per month per aircraft in respect of the trainer aircraft. There were, however, shortfalls in the flying task. Air HQ stated in March 1994 that flying efforts had to be curtailed due to limited availability of spares and other infrastructure required.

The aircraft were purchased when it was still at the development stage, with the result these had to be updated progressively through a series of modifications including refit. Though the modifications were completed by April 1988, there had been delay of six years in integration of the improved radar and other systems as discussed below.

The manufacturers had guaranteed certain performance parameters under tropical conditions. The tropical trials of the aircraft were conducted in India in July 1986. The system performance of the aircraft at the prescribed temperature, however, could not be evaluated as the maximum temperature during trials was below that value. The attack system of the aircraft also could not be evaluated as weapons were not available for trials by then. Admitting the facts, the Ministry stated in December 1994 that some trials had been carried out in ensuing years when weapons were made available and it met all the designed and operational requirements.

As regards the guaranteed performance of the aircraft systems, the Ministry had intimated in March 1990 that certain deficiencies were noticed during combat flying and the manufacturers had agreed to provide modifications to rectify these deficiencies and the implementation of these modifications was in progress. It was noticed that some of the deficiencies like misting of the canopy still persisted even after nine years of the induction of the aircraft.

Though the aircraft had been inducted into squadron service in June 1985 and its tropical trials conducted in July 1986 had revealed high rate of failure of aircraft radars, the modification was completed only in January 1993. i.e. after six years of the induction of the aircraft and till then the aircraft were without improved version of radars and EWS which affected the operational and training commitments of the Air Force.

While the aircraft was inducted in June 1985, the facilities in India for its repair/OH were completed only by 1996 and till then the repair arisings would continued to be sent to the manufacturers abroad for repair. In the absence of indigenous repair/OH facilities, the Air Force had entered into three different repair contracts for repair of assemblies, sub-assemblies and live repair units for which Rs 67.62 crores had been paid to the manufacturers till December 1993. Further, by the time the repair facilities would be completed, nearly 40 per cent of the total technical life of the aircraft would be over.

In early 2008 IAF entered into an agreement with Russia's MIG-RAC for upgradation of 63 MIG-29 air superiority fighters in a deal worth 964 million dollars.


MiG-29 Baaz