Mikoyan MiG-29M

Mikoyan

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1939
Founder	Artem Mikoyan, Mikhail Gurevich
Headquarters	Moscow , Russia
Products	Military aircraft, including MiG-29M
Website	www.migavia.ru

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The Mikoyan MiG-29M (Russian: Микоян МиГ-29M; NATO reporting name: Fulcrum-E) is a Russian multirole fighter aircraft that had its maiden flight in 2005. The MiG-29 platform now includes the MiG-29M alongside its naval carrier-based counterpart, the MiG-29K. An earlier iteration, informally referred to as the "MiG-33", was developed during the mid-1980s by the Mikoyan design bureau as a direct forerunner of the MiG-29M.

Development

During the mid-1980s, an advanced version of the original MiG-29 was proposed to fulfill the Soviet Union’s western frontline requirements. The goal was to create a multirole fighter capable of providing both defensive air superiority and offensive strike capabilities. This initiative led to designs for both single-seat and two-seat variants. However, changes in military doctrine caused the project to be put on hold. Initially designated as "MiG-33," it was later renamed the MiG-29ME for export purposes in the 1990s. The two-seat variant, widely known as the MiG-29MRCA, served as MAPO-MiG’s main candidate in numerous international fighter competitions and eventually evolved into what is now recognized as the Mikoyan MiG-35. Prior to 1990, six units of this type were constructed. These aircraft underwent continuous upgrades, including one that was fitted with experimental thrust-vectoring engines, which ultimately led to the development of the MiG-29OVT.

The contemporary MiG-29M model is derived from the land-based version of the MiG-29K, sharing avionics and several other systems. It is now part of a "new unified family" distinct from the earlier "MiG-29 fighters family." The two-seat configuration of this model is designated as the MiG-29M2.

MiG-33

Main article: Mikoyan MiG-33

In the early 1990s, both Sukhoi and Mikoyan briefly adopted a practice of assigning new model numbers to upgraded aircraft to create the impression of entirely new designs rather than mere enhancements. However, the VVS rejected these marketing-driven designations, leading to their rapid discontinuation. Following Sukhoi's lead, Mikoyan introduced its initial model under this naming strategy as the MiG-29ME, which was publicly unveiled as the MiG-33 at the 1994 Farnborough Airshow. This variant represented the export version of the MiG-29M (Product 9.15) "Super Fulcrum", a significantly modernized, fully multirole iteration of the MiG-29.

Although the MiG-33 label was soon abandoned, the MiG-29M arguably warranted a distinct designation due to its extensive redesign compared to earlier MiG-29 models. Despite minimal external alterations, the MiG-29M was engineered as a fully multifunctional fighter capable of executing air-to-ground missions with precision-guided weaponry alongside traditional air-to-air combat roles. The cockpit saw enhanced pilot interfaces and integration of advanced equipment from newer generations. Additionally, internal fuel capacity was increased to extend operational range.

Procurement

Reports from November 2013 indicated ongoing negotiations between Egypt and Russia for the acquisition of 24 MiG-29M/M2 aircraft intended for the Egyptian Air Force. In April 2015, Egypt became the first international buyer by signing a $2 billion contract for 46 MiG-29M/M2 multirole fighters. On 26 October it was announced that Algeria became the second nation outside Russia to purchase the MiG-29M. Discussions between Argentina and Russia regarding potential acquisitions of MiG-29M and MiG-35 aircraft were reported in March 2021.

Design

File:Cokpit.MiG-29M.jpg

Cockpit of a MiG-29M at MAKS 1997

File:MiG-29SMT at the MAKS-2011 (02).jpg

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

The MiG-29M/M2 represents an upgraded variant of the original MiG-29, designed to enhance its multi-role functionality by incorporating advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground precision-guided weapon systems. Its combat range was also notably extended through an increase in internal fuel storage capacity.

Throughout its development, several modifications were introduced. The airframe was reconstructed using a lightweight Aluminium-lithium alloy, improving the aircraft's thrust-to-weight ratio. Changes included a redesign of the air intake ramps, elimination of the upper intake louvers to accommodate additional fuel within the LERXs, installation of mesh screens to protect against foreign object damage (FOD), and enlargement of the inlet dimensions to allow greater airflow.Template:Fix/category

Equipped with an inflight-refueling (IFR) probe, the aircraft can carry three external fuel drop tanks. The revamped airframe significantly boosted internal fuel volume in both the dorsal spine and LERXs fuel tanks.Template:Fix/category These enhancements enable the single-seat version to achieve an operational range of 2,000 km relying solely on internal fuel, extend to 3,200 km with three drop tanks, and reach up to 6,000 km when combined with inflight refueling and external tanks.

Powerplant

The RD-33MK engine, an advanced iteration of the RD-33, delivers a 7% power increase over the original model by utilizing modern materials for the cooled turbine blades. It generates a thrust of 9,000 kgf. Addressing prior critiques, this engine variant operates without visible smoke and incorporates features that diminish its infrared signature. Additionally, thrust vectoring nozzles can be supplied upon customer request. The dry weight stands at 1,145 kilograms (2,520 lb), comparable to the baseline engine due to advanced materials used in blade cooling, while maintaining identical length and maximum diameter. The engine integrates systems to reduce both infrared and optical detectability. Its service life has been extended to 4,000 hours.

Sensors

The primary enhancements include the Zhuk-ME pulse-Doppler airborne radar, updated IRST systems, a helmet-mounted target designation apparatus, and advanced electronic countermeasures. As detailed in PHAZOTRON's product literature, this radar can detect aerial targets up to 80 km away, simultaneously scan and track ten targets, monitor four targets continuously, and engage two targets concurrently.

Egypt

In April 2015, Egypt finalized an agreement to acquire 46 MiG-29M/M2 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for completion by 2020. The Egyptian versions are identified as MiG-29M (9.41SM) for the single-seat model and MiG-29M2 (9.47SM) for the two-seater variant. These aircraft share numerous features with the MiG-35, which was initially unveiled in Lukhovitsy in January 2017.

The Egyptian MiG-29s are equipped with upgraded RD-33MK smokeless engines, the Zhuk-ME pulse-Doppler radar, and the latest OLS-UE electro-optical targeting system that provides both television and infrared imagery to cockpit displays. Unlike earlier IRST systems on MiG-29s that only offered infrared visuals, this system includes a laser rangefinder. Additionally, they carry the T220/e targeting pod enabling deployment of precision-guided munitions as well as unguided bombs with reduced circular error probability. For electronic warfare capabilities, these jets are fitted with the MSP-418K active jammer pod utilizing DRFM technology to deceive radar-guided missiles. This pod has been exhibited at MAKS but has yet to be adopted by the Russian Air Force.

Egypt received its initial shipment of MiG-29M/M2 aircraft in April 2017 and had incorporated 15 units into its fleet by year-end. Plans for a modernization program were anticipated around 2020 to enhance the airborne radar, software systems, and other avionics. The Egyptian Air Force intends to operate its MiG-29Ms until approximately 2060.

On 3 November 2018, one Egyptian MiG-29M crashed during a routine training sortie due to technical failure; the pilot successfully ejected.

At the onset of the 2023 Sudan clashes, five MiG-29s stationed at Merowe Air Base were seized by the Rapid Support Forces. By 17 April 2023, satellite imagery indicated that at least one aircraft had been destroyed while two others sustained damage.

Syria

The initial agreement for 12 of the latest fighter jets was finalized in 2007, positioning the Syrian Air Force as the inaugural purchaser, with delivery scheduled to conclude by 2012. In 2012, Syria reportedly committed to acquiring an additional 12 MiG-29M/M2 aircraft. However, during the Farnborough Air Show in July 2012, Russia declared it would suspend the supply of weapons, including combat aircraft, to Syria in light of the ongoing Syria Civil War. On 31 May 2013, Sergei Korotkov, the director general of RSK MiG, announced plans to finalize a contract with Syria for over ten MiG-29 M/M2 fighters, noting that a Syrian delegation was present in Moscow to negotiate contract conditions and delivery schedules. By late May 2020, a shipment comprising 12 MiG-29SMT fighters had been delivered to Syria.

Serbia

The Serbian Air Force planned to acquire multiple MiG-29M/M2 aircraft to replace its outdated MiG-21s. In 2013, reports from the media revealed Serbia's intention to buy six MiG-29M/M2 jets. However, rather than purchasing new MiG-29Ms, Russia gifted six pre-owned MiG-29 fighters to Serbia in October 2017. Subsequently, Serbia funded their modernization efforts.

Algeria

In 2019, Algeria signed an agreement at the MAKS international military exhibition to obtain 14 MiG-29M/M2 fighters. The initial deliveries commenced in October 2020.

Variants

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

This version is an enhanced, single-seat multi-role fighter featuring a revamped airframe design. It replaces traditional mechanical flight controls with a fly-by-wire system and is equipped with upgraded RD-33 ser.3M engines. Its NATO reporting name is 'Fulcrum-E'.

MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61)

A two-seat trainer variant based on the MiG-29M design. This model was never produced and its development effectively continued under the designation 'MiG-29M2'.

MiG-29M2 / MiG-29MRCA

The MiG-29M2 is a two-seat variant of the MiG-29M. It shares nearly identical specifications with the MiG-29M, though it has a slightly shorter ferry range of approximately 1,800 km. RAC MiG showcased this model at several aviation exhibitions, including the Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE 2004), globalsecurity.org, deagel.com, Jane's, Armedconflicts.com, airwar.ru warshistory.ru, redstar.gr, and migavia.ru | prime units? = met | crew = 1 or 2 personnel | length m = 17.37 | span m = 11.99 | height m = 4.4 | wing area sqm = 42 | empty weight kg = 11600 | gross weight kg = 17500 | gross weight note =

19,000 kg (41,888 lb) applicable for MiG-29M2 variant

| max takeoff weight kg = 26500 | eng1 number = 2 | eng1 name = Klimov RD-33MK | eng1 type = afterburning turbofan engines | eng1 kn-ab = 88.26 | max speed kmh = 2100 | max speed note = / M2.25 at high altitude
::::1,400 km/h (870 mph; 760 kn) / M1.13 at low altitude | range km = 2000 | range note =

1,700 km (1,100 mi; 920 nmi) for MiG-29M2

| ferry range km = 3000 | ferry range note = with three external fuel tanks

2,700 km (1,700 mi; 1,500 nmi) for MiG-29M2

| ceiling m = 16000 | ceiling note =

16,200 m (53,150 ft) for MiG-29M2

| g limits = +8 to +9 | climb rate ms = 330 | wing loading kg/m2 = 442 | thrust/weight = 1.02 | guns = single 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 autocannon with ammunition of 150 rounds | hardpoints = nine total (eight beneath wings, one on fuselage) | hardpoint capacity = supports up to 5,500 kg (12,100 lb) of ordnance | hardpoint rockets =

• • • Four S-8 rocket rockets
      
    • Six S-25 (rocket) rockets

| hardpoint missiles =

• • • Air-to-air missiles:
      
      • Four R-73E
        
      • Four R-77 (RVV-AE)
        
      • Four R-27 variants R/ER/T/ET
        
    • Air-to-surface missiles:
      
      • Two Kh-29 models L/T/D
        
    • Anti-shipping missiles:
      
      • Two Kh-31A
        
      • Two Kh-35U
        
    • Anti-radiation missiles:
      
      • Two Kh-31P

| hardpoint bombs =

• • • Two KAB-500KR TV-guided bombs
      
    • Two KAB-500L laser-guided bombs
      
    • Two KAB-500OD bombs

| avionics = *Phazotron Zhuk-M / Zhuk-ME radar system
*OEPS-29 electro-optical targeting system }}

References

Citations

Bibliography

• Gordon, Yefim and Peter Davison. Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum. Specialty Press, 2005. ISBN 978-1-58007-085-0.
• Lake, John. Jane's How to Fly and Fight in the Mikoyan MiG-29. HarperCollins, 1997. ISBN 0-00-472144-6.

External links

• Official Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG pages for MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29SMT and upgraded MiG-29UB
• Overview of MiG-29M/M2 on globalsecurity.org