In the mid-1990s, the Indian Air Force (IAF) actively operated the MiG-27ML, a locally assembled licensed version of the Soviet fighter-bomber. The aircraft was valued for its simplicity, reliability, and powerful strike potential.
By the early 2000s, it became clear that the "Bahadur" fleet (as the MiG-27 was called in India) needed modernization. The most logical solution seemed to be the installation of a more modern AL-31 engine, which was used on the Su-30.
From MiG to "Bahadur" with AL-31
After the appearance of the Su-30MKI and familiarization with its AL-31F power plant, Indian engineers proposed replacing the outdated R-29B with this engine. According to their calculations, this solution would reduce fuel consumption by 20% and increase thrust by almost a ton.
In 2003, an experimental AL-31F series 30S was created—a lighter version redesigned to fit the dimensions of the MiG. The unit turned out to be 200 kg lighter than the previous engine, but significantly more powerful.
A MiG-27 was selected for testing and modified for the new engine. The fighter's tests were conducted at the Mikoyan bureau's airfield from late 2007 to early 2008. Test pilot Oleg Antonovich performed a total of 10 flights lasting more than 10 hours.
Results and Dead End of the Project
The modernized MiG-27 confirmed all calculations—the increase in power was significant, and the aircraft became more dynamic and economical. To demonstrate it to the Indian delegation, the aircraft was repainted in the colors of the Indian Air Force and assigned the tail number "115." However, the new engine changed the aircraft's center of gravity, which required the designers to make modifications.
The project looked promising, but soon the leadership of the Indian Air Force changed. The new commander decided to completely abandon the modernization of the MiGs and focus on rearming the fleet with Su-30MKI and the light Tejas.
Thus, the ambitious program effectively stopped, although the MiG-27s remained in service for more than a decade—until 2019.
Fate of the Experimental MiG-27
The test aircraft has been preserved and stands today at the Ramenskoye airfield. The fighter participated in the MAKS air shows and even appeared on the day of the city of Zhukovsky. Aviation enthusiasts hope that the aircraft will take its rightful place in the museum, becoming a reminder of a bold engineering experiment that was ahead of its time.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that modified T-90S tanks were spotted at exercises abroad.
