"Fulcrum": Why the MiG-29 Fighter Remains a Masterpiece of Engineering Thought After Almost 50 Years

MiG-29 (NATO classification: Fulcrum) is a Russian front-line multirole supersonic fourth-generation fighter. It is made according to an aerodynamic configuration, a mid-wing aircraft with a trapezoidal mechanized wing.

MiG-29 aircraft
Image source Sergey Bobylev/ TASS

It has a vertical twin-fin tail with all-moving stabilizers. The aircraft has an integral layout: the wing and fuselage form a single load-bearing body, which provides greater lift at high angles of attack and less drag.

The updated version of the MiG-29M is capable of tracking up to ten targets and firing at four simultaneously. The detection range of enemy fighters is up to 80 km. For the pilot, the view from the cockpit has been improved, the information content of navigation and weapons indication systems has been increased, as well as ergonomics.

The embodiment of advanced technologies is the MiG-35, which is close to the fifth generation. Experts call the new product a deep modernization of the MiG-29, noting a number of design changes, including equipping with modern automated systems and wider use of composites.

The aircraft is equipped with a 30 mm GSh-301 cannon, and can carry air-to-air missiles of various types (R-60M, R-73 and R-27R), aerial bombs and unguided rockets on six suspension units.