The Russian multirole light fighter of the "4++" generation MiG-35, whose characteristics are as close as possible to the fifth generation, is inferior to its predecessor, the MiG-29, according to Bulgarian Military.
According to the publication, MiG-29 aircraft are supplied to other countries, but there is no interest in the MiG-35 from foreign buyers.
MiG-29 operators prefer proven Soviet technology. Why? The fact is that the production of the MiG-29 is more economically profitable than the MiG-35.
The MiG-29 is not a new aircraft, but it is still capable of performing combat missions. And for many missions, the capabilities of the modernized MiG-35 are not needed.
Journalists of the publication believe that the MiG-29 will be an important asset until the MiG-35 is fully integrated into the Russian Aerospace Forces. Currently, Russia is armed with MiG-29SMT models, which are equipped with an improved N010 "Zhuk-M" radar.
This radar surpasses the capabilities of the systems installed on the MiG-35. The N010 "Zhuk-M" can track up to 10 targets. The MiG-29SMT also received a radar with synthesized aperture (SAR, for remote sensing of the terrain), which is crucial for modern multirole fighters.
Another reason why operators prefer the MiG-29 is the lengthy testing of the MiG-35. According to Bulgarian Military, problems with some systems appeared during the tests, and it took time to fix them.
MiG-35 characteristics:
- Crew - 1,2 people
- Length - 17.3 m
- Wingspan - 12 m
- Empty weight - 11,000 kg
- Maximum take-off weight - 24,500 kg
- Engine - RD-33MK or RD-33MKB
- Speed at altitude - 2.35 Mach
MiG-29 characteristics:
- Crew - 1,2 people
- Length - 17.32 m
- Wingspan - 11.36 m
- Empty weight - 10,900 kg
- Maximum take-off weight - 18,480 kg
- Engine - RD-33
- Speed at altitude -2.3 Mach
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