Page 81 - Combat Aircraft (January 2020)

In the second half of a two-part feature, Combat Aircraft looks

at the most ambitious ‘Fulcrum’ derivative — the MiG-29M.
It was also used as a baseline for the MiG-29K shipborne
derivative, eventually ordered by India and Russia. After the
MiG-29K’s land-based export version was sold to Egypt, the
further improved MiG-35 was ordered for the Russian air arm.

REPORT AND PHOTOS Alexander Mladenov

The new intake FOD protection this much heavier ‘Fulcrum’ derivative.
MiG-29K AND MiG-35 included a simpli ed retractable system The afterburning turbofan introduced
SPECIFICATIONS of meshed grills preventing ingestion of a new low-pressure compressor for a
greater mass- ow. This, combined with
debris on take-o and landing.
MiG-29K MiG-35 The revised wing design retained the the higher-temperature turbine, resulted
Dimensions same span but was made capable of in a signi cant thrust increase compared
Length 17.30m 17.32m carrying much greater weights, with a with the baseline model. The new engine
Wingspan 11.99m 11.99m total of eight hardpoints — four under had a hybrid digital/hydro-mechanical
Height 4.40m 4.40m each console. The strengthened wing control system for even better response.
Wing area 42.00m 2 42.00m 2 structure enabled the MiG-29 to carry up Rated at 86kN (19,400lb st or 8,766kgf)
Weights to 9,920lb (4,500kg) of ordnance. at full afterburner, the RD-33K’s dry
Normal take-o 18,550kg 17,500kg
Maximum take-o 24,500kg 23,500kg The undercarriage members were rating was set at 53.96kN (12,122lb st or
Maximum payload 6,500kg 6,500kg reinforced — while remaining externally 5,500kgf).
Performance unchanged — in order to enable a In its initial form, the MiG-29M boasted
Maximum speed at sea level 1,400km/h 1,400km/h maximum take-o weight of more than a much more modern cockpit layout,
Maximum speed at high altitude 2,200km/h 2,100km/h 48,450lb (22,000kg). with a pair of cathode ray tube (CRT)
Ceiling 17,500m 16,000m More powerful Klimov RD-33K engines, multi-function displays and hands on
G limits +9/-3 +9/-3 originally developed for the shipborne throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls. It
Range at high altitude on internal fuel 2,000km 2,000km MiG-29K, were installed on the M version had an all-new weapons control system
Ferry range with three external tanks 3,000km 3,000km
in order to enhance the performance of (WCS) centered on the then brand-

www.Key.Aero // January 2020 81

21/11/2019 20:53
80-87 MiG-29 pt2 C.indd 81
80-87 MiG-29 pt2 C.indd 81 21/11/2019 20:53