In October 1977, the MiG-29, a light frontline fighter, which became one of the most successful fourth-generation machines, took to the skies for the first time. On Monday, October 6, it turned 48 years old. Over half a century of operation, the aircraft has undergone deep modernization and remains in service with dozens of countries in the world.
From Soviet Project to Worldwide Fame
According to NATO classification, the MiG-29 received the code name Fulcrum. This definition accurately reflects the intention of the Mikoyan Design Bureau — to create a balanced fighter capable of ensuring air superiority under any conditions.
The machine combined high maneuverability, reliability, and relative ease of maintenance, which made it in demand both in the USSR and abroad.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the MiG-29 continued to serve in the Russian Air Force, as well as in the armed forces of India, Poland, Germany, Serbia, and other countries. Naval, training-combat, and export modifications were created on its base, including the MiG-29M, MiG-29K, and MiG-35.
Technical Perfection and Modernization
The modern MiG-29M is capable of tracking up to ten targets and simultaneously engaging four of them. The radar station detects enemy fighters at a distance of up to 80 km. The cockpit view, display and navigation systems, as well as the ergonomics of the pilot's workplace, have been improved.
The flight performance characteristics of the MiG-29 remain impressive even by modern standards. The aircraft, with a height of 4.73 m, has a wingspan of 11.36 m and develops a speed of up to 2450 km/h (2.3 Mach).
The practical ceiling is 18 km, and the flight range at high altitude is 1430 km, with external fuel tanks — up to 2100 km.
The maximum take-off weight reaches 18.1 tons, while the armament accounts for up to 2.18 tons of combat load. The crew consists of one pilot, and in the training-combat version — two.
Legacy and Potential
The MiG-29 has become a symbol of engineering excellence and an example of how the combination of technical elegance and combat effectiveness can remain relevant for decades.
Its structural strength margin and the possibility of further modernization have ensured the fighter a long life, and the aircraft itself remains a kind of "fulcrum" of Russian aviation.
Earlier www1.ru reported that Russia is ready to offer supplies of Su-57 and S-400 air defense systems abroad.
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