Designed in 1972 as a replacement for the MiG-21 and MiG-23 in the fighter role, the Fulcrum slightly resembles the F-15 in basic configuration, but with the size of the smaller F/A-18. Despite the fact that the MiG-29 was not built with a fly-by-wire flight control system, it still has incredible agility and maneuverability. The first prototype flew on October 6, 1977 and entered service as the initial 'Fulcrum-A' in 1984. Combat capable two-seat trainers followed shortly thereafter. The 'Fulcrum-C' featured a deeper fairing, which allowed most of the avionics to be moved from the lower fuselage to provide more room for internal fuel. A 'Fulcrum-D' was designed for carrierbased use, but was rejected in favor of Sukhoi's carrier-borne Su-33 'Flanker'.
Prime Contractor: Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau
Nation of Origin: Soviet Union
Function: Multi-role fighter
Crew: 1
Year: 1977
In-service year: 1984
Engine: Two Sarkisov RD-33 afterburning turbofans, 18,300 lb thrust each
Dimensions
Wing span: 11.36 m / 37 ft 3 in
Length: 17.32 m / 56 ft 10 in
Height: 4.73 m / 15 ft 6 in
Weight: 33,600 lb empty / 40,785 lb max. take off
Ceiling: 55,775 ft
Speed: 2,445 km/h / 1,520 mph
Range: 2,100 km / 1,300 miles
Armament: One GSh-30-1 30mm cannon with 150 rounds, plus 6,614 lb including AAMs, ASMs, bombs, rockets, drop tanks, and ECM pods carried on six external points
Please click here to go back to the HOME page.