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MiG-29 Fulcrum Fighter Jet

MiG-29 Fulcrum Fighter Jet

Brand: Mikoyan
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4th Generation
Maximum Speed ~ Mach 2.25 (~2,400–2,450 km/h)
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range Varies with variant, typically ~ 80–100 km in early models (upgradeable in modern versions)

Full Specifications
Product Overview
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Full Specifications

General Information

Name	MiG-29 “Fulcrum”
Manufacturer	Mikoyan / Russian Aerospace
Country of Origin	Soviet Union / Russia
Type / Role	Air superiority / multirole fighter
Generation	4th Generation
Status	Active in many air forces, upgrades ongoing
First Flight	Late 1970s prototypes (ca. 1977 / 1981)
Introduction / In Service Since	Mid-1980s (≈ 1985)
Number Built	Several hundred (export + domestic)
Operators	Over 30 countries (Russia, India, Ukraine, etc.)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	17.32 m
Wingspan	~11.36 m
Height	4.73 m
Wing Area	~ 38 m²
Empty Weight	~10,900 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	~18,480 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None (uses external hardpoints)
External Hardpoints	6 under-wing pylons (plus under-fuselage)

Performance

Maximum Speed	~2,400–2,450 km/h (~Mach 2.2–2.25)
Range	~1,430 km (ferry ~2,100 km)
Combat Radius	~700 km (approx, variant-dependent)
Service Ceiling	~18,000 m
Rate of Climb	~330 m/s ≈ ~ 65,000 ft/min equivalent
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	High in dogfight regime (≈1:1 range depending on load)
G Limits	±9 g typical (variant dependent)

Powerplant

Engine Type	Klimov RD-33 turbofan (afterburning)
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	~18,300 lbf (~81.4 kN) with afterburner in many sources
Thrust Vectoring	No (not in base Fulcrum; some advanced experimental versions)
Fuel Capacity	(Internal) ~7,716 lb (~3,500 kg) estimated in some sources

Armament

Gun	30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	R-73, R-27, other variants possible
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Limited in upgraded versions (rocket pods, guided munitions)
Bombs	Up to light/medium bombs in upgraded versions
Hardpoints	6 external pylons (plus under-fuselage)
Payload Capacity	Varies—commonly up to ~4,000 kg or more depending on variant and configuration

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Varied by variant; original pulse-Doppler in early models; upgraded versions have improved radar
Radar Range	~80–100 km in early versions (upgradeable)
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Some variants feature countermeasure pods, radar warning receivers, chaff/flare systems
Targeting System	On-board targeting radar + optical/IR systems, helmet sight linkage in later upgrades
Helmet Display	In modernized versions, helmet-mounted sights integrated with R-73 missile
Navigation	Inertial navigation / Doppler / satellite updates in newer versions
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Basic autopilot; no full AI control in original, incremental assistance in upgrades
Communication	Standard UHF/VHF, link systems; upgraded versions may support datalink integration

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Relatively high (non-stealth platform)
Stealth Features	Minimal; limited shaping and reduction measures, but not a stealth design
Infrared Signature Reduction	Basic plume shielding, but still strong IR signature
Sensor Fusion	In modern variants, improved fusion of radar, IR, EW data
Networking Capabilities	In upgrades, support for datalinks and limited networked operations

Variants

Special Export Versions

Many export trims (e.g. downgraded radar, simplified systems)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Kargil (India), Syria, Libya, Ukraine, Ethiopia–Eritrea, others
Notable Operators	Russia, India, Ukraine, Iran, Poland, many others
Combat Proven?	Yes, in many theaters (though with mixed results)
Mission Types	Interception, air superiority, escort, limited ground attack (upgraded)

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	Varies widely by variant and upgrades (often tens of millions USD)
Development Cost	Soviet-era, not publicly broken out
Program Name	MiG-29 / Fulcrum series
Funding Countries	Former USSR / Russia; export customers fund retrofit programs

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Continuous avionics modernization, sensor upgrades, datalinks
Future Replacement	Many air forces gradually shifting to 5th-generation fighters
Export Restrictions	Arms-export controls, embargoes depending on user country
Notable Achievements	Longevity, widespread operational use, upgrading legacy fighters
Competitors	F-16, F/A-18, Mirage 2000, Su-27, J-10 etc.

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Very high maneuverability and dogfight performance
Proven multirole flexibility in upgraded variants
Relatively lower acquisition/operating cost versus advanced Western fighters
Widely exported—ample spare parts aftermarket and upgrade paths
Capable of being retrofitted with modern avionics and Western weapons

CONS

Limited internal fuel, restricting range/endurance
Older radar and sensors lag behind modern AESA systems
High maintenance demands and lifecycle aging
Cockpit ergonomics, situational awareness remain inferior to modern Western jets
Vulnerable in contested airspace lacking stealth and networked capabilities

MiG-29 Fulcrum Fighter Jet – Full Specifications

The MiG-29 Fulcrum remains one of the most recognizable Cold War-era fighter jets still in active service worldwide. While no longer cutting-edge in every respect, its enduring presence in many air forces attests to its value as a relatively affordable, agile air superiority and multirole aircraft.

Manufacturer, Origin & Purpose

Designed by Mikoyan in the Soviet Union during the 1970s, the MiG-29 emerged to counter new U.S. fighters like the F-15 and F-16, filling a tactical air superiority role. Produced by the MiG design bureau and later under Russian Aerospace, it was fielded in the mid-1980s. Its mission set spans air defense, interception, and in upgraded variants, limited ground-attack.

Capabilities & Performance

The MiG-29 can exceed Mach 2.2 to Mach 2.25 (≈ 2,400–2,450 km/h at altitude) with a service ceiling near 18,000 m (≈ 59,000 ft). Its unrefueled combat range is roughly 1,430 km, and ferry range with external tanks can stretch toward 2,100 km. The climb rate is about 330 m/s (≈ knot equivalent) and its agility is widely lauded, especially in within-visual-range engagements.

Powered by twin Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines (with afterburners), each producing roughly 18,300 lbf of thrust with afterburner in some variants it offers strong thrust-to-weight and can pull high G in dogfight scenarios.

Armament & Systems

The MiG-29 carries a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon and supports a mix of air-to-air missiles (e.g. R-73, R-27). In upgraded variants, limited air-to-ground ordnance (rocket pods, guided bombs) are possible. It features radar and avionics upgrades in later versions (e.g. MiG-29SMT/M) including improved displays, digital systems, and add-on EW suites. Some operators have integrated Western-style munitions (e.g. AGM-88 HARM on Ukrainian Fulcrums).

Operational Use & Relevance

Over 30 nations have flown the MiG-29 in various forms; as of 2024, some 809 were estimated in service globally. It has seen combat in conflicts from the Kargil war (India) to Syria, Libya, and more recently in the Ukraine conflict. Its main disadvantage in modern contexts is fuel limitations, aging sensors, maintenance burdens, and limited situational awareness compared to newer Western fighters.

In a U.S.-centric context, interest in the MiG-29 often centers on threat assessment, adversary capabilities, and modernization strategies rather than procurement. It remains a relevant case study in legacy fighter adaptation strategies.

Variants

Field	Example
MiG-29A / 9-12	Base single-seat air superiority version
MiG-29UB / 9-51	Two-seat trainer / conversion version
MiG-29S / SMT	Upgraded version with greater fuel, avionics
MiG-29M / Fulcrum-E	Multirole modern variant with digital systems
MiG-29K / KUB	Naval carrier-based variant
Special Export Versions	Many export trims (e.g. downgraded radar, simplified systems)

Reviews

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