October 6, 1977 – the first flight of the MiG-29The Russian multi-purpose fighter of the fourth generation MiG-29 took to the skies for the first time on October 6, 1977.
45 years have passed since that day, but the aircraft is still in service not only with the Russian Aerospace Forces, but also in more than 20 countries.
More than twice exceeds the Su-27 in the number of units produced
On October 6, 1977, the MiG-29 fighter developed in the USSR made its first flight.
This is a jet fighter created by the MiG Design Bureau in the early 1970s and positioned as a fourth-generation fighter on a par with the American F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle and F/A-18 Hornet.
Although the aircraft was produced only in the USSR, at the end of the Cold War it was actively exported to Eastern Europe, developing countries, as well as to such friendly states as the DPRK, India and Iran.
Therefore, the total number of aircraft produced was more than 1,600 units, and in this respect it is more than twice ahead of the Su-27, of which about 700 were produced.
After the collapse of the USSR in December 1991 and the independence of its member countries such as Belarus and Kazakhstan, the MiG-29 began to operate in about 40 countries around the world, and as of 2022 they are still in service in more than 20 countries.
However, since a long range and duration of flight were required at the front, as well as a powerful radar for detecting targets at a great distance, after the end of the Cold War, the MiG-29 began to yield in characteristics to the released Su-27 and as a result lagged behind it in terms of exports.
Therefore, despite the fact that the MiG-29M and MiG-35 were developed, the characteristics of which were significantly improved, no country, including Russia, has yet adopted them in large numbers.
Comments from Japanese readers
HokkekuseiUnlike the Su-27, which required a certain level of service conditions due to its large size, the MiG-29, which initially proved itself well in local combat operations as a front-line fighter, can be serviced in poor conditions.
KuxWhen the Mig-29 first appeared, it was even said that in terms of elegant appearance it could compete with the F-15 and F-14.
There were no similar fighters in the USSR before. It was intended for front-line use, while the engine air intakes were closed during taxiing, and air intake was carried out from above. At the same time, the Su-27, thanks to its payload capacity and flight range, had great capabilities as a fighter-bomber. And the Mig-29 lacked versatility.
IsoIn the late 1970s, it was codenamed Ram-L, and its existence was confirmed in 1984.
The MiG-29 is a smaller and improved version of the Mig-25, and its design strongly resembles the American F-15 and F-18 fighters of the same period. Maneuverability even exceeded the performance of European and American aircraft.
RpfThe Mig-29 corresponds to the F-16, the Su-27 corresponds to the F-15.
Operational objectives are different. In terms of maneuverability, the Mig-29 is superior to the Su-27. The new modifications have improved on-board electronics and weapons.
Rf 08I thought that in the XXI century everything would depend on stealth technologies and advanced means of air combat, but this is not the case.
The rapid evolution of surface-to-air missiles has made it impossible to use fighter jets.
Mk1bThe MiG-29 has a light, compact fuselage with powerful engines, so it has high maneuverability.
In addition, it was equipped with an infrared detection system, so it could approach enemy aircraft with the radar turned off and launch missile strikes.
CtpThe Mig-29 was a successful export model, distinguished by high mobility, but the low resource and durability of the RD-33 engines led to the fact that its maintenance was expensive.
In addition, the engines were smoking heavily. Later, the designers made minor changes.
AriI think that the MiG-29 and Su-27 are modeled after the F-14 and F-16, respectively.
The cabin is located at the top, and the engines are at the bottom. The basic configuration is the same as that of the F-14, except for the changeable wings.
PochiSince the MiG-29 was designed to intercept enemy aircraft on the front line, it does not require additional fuel, so it was made small and maneuverable.
Like the F-16. It's silly to compare it with the Su-27, which has a different purpose.
PerInitially, the MiG-29 was intended for export, and the Su-27 for domestic use.
But abroad, the latter suddenly took a fancy. Most likely, the Su-27 brought a big profit to Russia. Probably, the Mikoyan Design Bureau did not expect this.
