INTRODUCTION

The MiG-29K is a Russian designed multirole fighter that is intended for use on aircraft carriers. It was developed from the older MiG-29M design during the late 1980s. The MiG-29K is known to NATO as the Fulcrum D. The aircraft was originally designed for use in Russia, but it was not until India ordered a batch of MiG-29Ks that the aircraft found a home.

DEVELOPMENT

Production of the aircraft was originally limited to just two prototypes produced during the early 1990s because Russia’s own Navy decided to use Su-27K aircraft at this time. However, the manufacturer of the MiG, the Mikoyan company continued to develop the design of the MiG-29K and towards the end of the decade, the interest of India’s Navy gave the project a boost after India purchased an aircraft carrier from Russia and then needed to obtain aircraft for use on the ship.

The initial design process began during the 1980s, when the Soviet Union required a supersonic fighter for use on its aircraft carriers. The design would be an adaptation of the MiG-29, specially modified for aircraft carriers. The first modifications that were made to the basic MiG-29 design included strengthening the undercarriage and the reinforcement of the tail section. The first modified variant of the MiG-29 was known as MiG-29KVP. The first flight of this aircraft took place in 1982, but trials showed that the aircraft did not have sufficient power or a large enough wing area. It was, therefore, decided that the naval fighter should be based upon the MiG-29M instead. Additional modifications were made to the MiG-29M undercarriage and to its folding wing area. This newly modified aircraft was named the MiG-29K.

The MiG-29K took its first test flight in 1988 and it was first landed on an aircraft carrier in 1989. The aircraft also took off from the deck for the first time during the same trial. Tests continued between 1989 and 1991, but after the Soviet Union collapsed, the project was put on hold.

PROCUREMENT

India ordered 16 MiG-29Ks in 2004, including four two seated training aircraft. Deliveries of these aircraft started in 2009 and they are expected to be completed in 2012. A new deal for the procurement of another 29 MiG-29K aircraft was signed by India in 2010, the same year that the first MiG-29Ks entered service in the Indian Navy. The newer batch of aircraft is expected to be delivered by 2015 and they will be used on India’s domestically built aircraft carrier.

DESIGN

The MiG-29K is a multirole fighter aircraft for use on aircraft carriers. It is intended to provide air cover for shipping, to target ground and sea surface targets using guided weapons, and to gain air security.

These newer MiG-29K aircraft differ significantly from the prototype aircraft that were created in 1991. The later versions of the aircraft have the Zhuk-ME multi-function radar systems as well as multifunctional color displays in the cabins. They also use the hands on throttle and stick control principle. Other upgrades to the more modern versions of the MiG-29Ks include the capability of handling RVV-AE active homing air to air missiles, air to ground precision weapons, R-27ER/ETs and antiship and antiradar missiles. Retractable grills were fitted to the engines in order to provide protection from FOD, instead of the more complex grill arrangements used on the normal MiG-29s.

The MiG-29K airframe shares a number of features with the MiG-29 airframe. However, there are also some important differences between the MiG-29K and the MiG-29. The Mig-29K airframe was dramatically modified in comparison to the airframe of the MiG-29M, but the basic configuration is still essentially the same. The airframe of the MiG-29K has been adapted for use on aircraft carriers, with a stronger undercarriage, airframe and an arrestor hook. The MiG-29K has wider landing gear, catapult attachments and folding wings. In addition to the single seater MiG-29K, a two seat training version of the aircraft, the MiG-29KUB, is also available.

The MiG-29K has a remote controlled folding wing with a large area of 42 vs. 38 meters square. The engines are protected during land based take off with retractable screens over the adjustable center line air intakes. The MiG-29Ks also have reinforced landing gear, hooks and fuselage that is protected against corrosion and which has been specifically designed for a deck based aircraft. Composites were used in the airframe, together with a smaller amount of advanced alloys.

The MiG-29K features low-observable technology, electronic warfare systems, standoff weapons and reduced ballistic vulnerability to help to protect it. Its radar signature is reduced by the use of radar absorbing materials and special coatings. The radar reflecting surface of the MiG-29K, when a special coating has been applied, is about 4 to 5 times smaller than that of the MiG-29.

The displays in the cockpit include three color LCD MFD displays and a wide HUD. A helmet mounted system for targeting, the Topsight E, and a GPS system, Sigma-95, is also used. The aircraft has a system for generating oxygen on board.

RADAR

The MiG-29K uses a Zhuk-ME radar system that is an improved version of the N010 Zhuk radars used in the original variants of the aircraft. The Zhuk-ME system offers additional functions such as mapping and better signal processing. The radar system of the MiG-29K can detect signals at a range of 120 kilometers and it can track a maximum of 10 targets, engaging up to four at a time. When tracking targets on the surface, tanks can be detected by the radar at a 25 kilometer range and it can find naval destroyers at distances of 300 kilometers. Two targets on the surface can be tracked simultaneously.

The MiG-29K has systems that include multimode radar, a helmet mounted target designation system, an optronic system for searching and tracking, and target designation and fire control systems for passive, radar-seeking missiles. The IRST system can be used against both air and ground targets at distances of 15 kilometers.

The MiG-29K has a four channel fly by wire system. The MiG-29K has excellent landing accuracy which enabled it to be used with a three cable arrester system. The use of an autothrottle system helped to increase the accuracy of landing. The aircraft’s takeoff characteristics enable it to perform 90 percent of flights from carrier ships moving at 10 knots in tropical environments.

ENGINE

The MiG-29K engine has enhanced thrust and an emergency rating that is suitable for taking off from the deck of an aircraft carrier. The MiG-29K has an engine that can produce an additional 7 percent of power compared to the basic RD-33 engines that were used in the early aircraft prototypes. This is achieved through the use of different types of material in the blades. The MiG-29K engines are a widely spaced pair of RD-33MKs. The RD-33MK engines offer afterburner thrust of 9000 kgf. The engines are able to retain their performance in tropical climates. Systems are fitted into the engines in order to help to reduce the aircraft’s optical and infrared visibility.

RANGE

MiG-29K aircraft have a combat radius of 850 kilometers. The MiG-29K has a fuel capacity of 4560 kilograms, but its range can be increased up to 3000 kilometers through the addition of extra fuel in three drop tanks. In-flight refueling is also possible using the UPAZ refueling system. The aircraft can be fitted with a buddy store or aerial refueling system in order to refuel other aircraft.

WEAPONS

The MiG-29K has a combat payload of 5500 kilograms and 13 hardpoints for weapons and other external equipment were made available on the aircraft, increasing its payload. The Mig-20K is compatible with all of the weapon types that can be carried by the MiG-29M.

The MiG-29K has a 30 millimeter GSh-30-1 cannon with a 100 round magazine, although earlier versions have 150 rounds. The aircraft can carry electro optical and laser guided weapons, when a laser sight pod is attached. It can also be used with air to surface missiles, rockets and guided or unguided bombs. The MiG-29K can use Kh-35 and Kh-31A antiship missiles and RVV-AE, R-73E and R-27ER/ET missiles for air combat.