INTRODUCTION

The MiG-29 is a Russian air superiority fighter aircraft that is known by NATO as the Fulcrum and by the Indian Air Force as the Baaz or Eagle.

The IAF has procured 80 MiG-29 aircraft. It purchased 40 MiG-29B and four of the two seater training aircraft the MiG-29UB in 1987. In 1989, the IAF purchased another 24 MiG-29B and two MiG-29UB aircraft. In 1994, nine MiG-29B and one MiG-29UB aircraft were purchased. Three units in the IAF, squadrons 28, 47 and 223 use the MiG-29 aircraft.

The IAF placed its first order for MiG-29s in 1986. These aircraft were manufactured in Russia and assembled in India during 1987. In 1987, the IAF ordered a second batch of MiG-29s in 1989, in order to set up a third squadron of these aircraft. All of these earlier aircraft were delivered without nosewheel guards, with which they were later retrofitted by mid 1992.

A further batch of ten aircraft was ordered by the IAF in 1994. These aircraft featured an improved radar system with the ability to simultaneously lock onto two targets and they are also able to carry drop tanks under their wings.

UPGRADE

From 1996, a program of significant upgrades to the MiG-29 aircraft was begun. The aircraft were overhauled at the 11 Base Repair Depot in Ozhar. The airframes were stripped to their skeletons so that the rubberized parts could be replaced and the other parts cleaned and inspected. The wiring harnesses were replaced and the engines were sent to be overhauled at HAL in Koraput.

A contract for further upgrades on 63 of the single seater MiG-29 aircraft was signed with the Russian company RAC-MIG in 2008. After the loss of one of the aircraft in the same year, the contract was revised to cover just the remaining 62 aircraft. The upgrades are to be completed by 2014. These upgrades were designed to extend the lifetime of the airframes for an additional 1000 hours or 15 years, bringing the total lifetime of the aircraft to 40 years. The avionics systems were also to be upgraded.

In 2010, another set of modernization plans was set in motion for the IAF’s MiG-29 aircraft. These upgrades, to be carried out by Thales on behalf of the Russian MiG Corporation will include improvements to the combined interrogator transponder, from 2010, and equipment for cryptographic national secure mode capability, for delivery in 2011.

The avionics and radar systems of all the 69 operational MiG-29s are also undergoing upgrades, with Phazatron Zhuk-M radars replacing the older N-109 radars. The first six aircraft will be modified in Russia, but Indian company HAL will perform the upgrades on the rest of the aircraft domestically.

The MiG-29K is a variant of the MiG-29 that is designed for use on aircraft carriers. India has ordered 16 of these aircraft for use with its aircraft carrier, the INS Vikramaditya. Four of these aircraft will be two seat trainers, denoted MiG-29KUBs. Delivery of these MiG-29Ks to India began in 2009. India has subsequently ordered another 29 MiG-29Ks for use with the new aircraft carrier that is being manufactured domestically. The latest batch of MiG-29s are expected to start arriving in India in 2012.

DESIGN

The MiG-29 is designed to be used for the destruction of air targets within radar coverage and for the use of unguided missiles against ground targets during conditions when visual flight is possible.

MiG-29s have fixed wing profiles. The wings have large leading edge root extensions that provide excellent control and maneuverability, even at high angles of attack, when flying at subsonic speeds.

The MiG-29 is a single seat aircraft, although two set training aircraft are also available. The pilot is seated on a Zveda K-36DM/2-06 zero-zero ejector seat inclined at a 10 degree angle. The cockpit features a rear hinged blister canopy and an inclined one piece windscreen, with three mirrors providing visibility to the rear.

ENGINE

The MiG-29 has a pair of Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines, each of which can produce a maximum thrust of 18,300 pounds. The MiG-29 can achieve maximum speeds of Mach 2.35. The maximum range is 932 miles, but it can be extended to 1550 miles by performing an in-flight refueling. The aircraft can achieve a 23 degree per second stabilized turn rate.

RADAR

Radar is linked with laser rangefinders and helmet laser target designators through the fire control and mission computers. The MiG-29 can approach targets without emitting any detectable radio or radar signals.

The MiG-29 utilizes a multimode pulse Doppler radar for look down and shoot down engagements. The laser range finder and infra-red search and track system, which is mounted on a turret above the nose of the aircraft, are used with the helmet mounted target designation system and HUD.

An optical electronic navigation and attack system incorporating sighting, navigation and weapon control systems supports the radar, along with a data presentation system and helmet up display. The helmet display can be used with R-73RDM2 and R-60MK missiles.

NAVIGATION

Navigation systems include radio compasses, radar altimeters, marker beacon receivers and a system for short range navigation and instrument landing. The aircraft also feature communications radios and data links for targeting communication with radars based on the ground. IFF transponders and interrogators are also present.

WEAPONS

Nine weapons hardpoints are present on the aircraft. The weapons carried by the MiG-29 are typically R-60MK and R-73RDM2 air to air missiles and medium range R-27RE1/TE1 missiles. However, it is rumored that the MiG-29 can also carry RVV-AEE or R-77 missiles. The aircraft is also fitted with a single 30 millimeter GSh-30 cannon.

The aircraft’s self defense system is an electronic warfare suite that is built around Sirena-3 Radar Warning Receivers. The aircraft features ECM transponders as well as chaff or flare dispensers.

Upgrades to the MiG-29 have been made in order to fit CITs which enable the aircraft to interoperate with western aircraft in order to prevent friendly fire incidents by bringing the aircraft in line with NATO standards. Equipment has also been fitted to the aircraft in order to enable NSM mode, which provides national secure identification capability. Phazatron Zhuk-M radar systems are being fitted to the MiG-29s. The aircraft are being fitted with equipment that will provide improved combat abilities beyond the visual range and for air to air refueling to extend flight times.