MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighters were over carrier deck take-off/landing exercises. The exercises were successful, ARMS-TASS reported Sep. 29. Both planes have accomplished a number of take-offs and landing in September 28 and 29 from the Kuznetsov carrier in Barents sea . The planes are made for Indian Navy and will be based on Vikramaditya carrier now refurbished in Severodvinsk , Russia
Russian TV reports: the radar has a capability for 10 TWS with 4 simultaneously attacked targets. After accomplishing the Indian contract the planes (24) will be made for Russian Navy too. RAC MiG can produce first plane within 18 months after a contract would been signed. The airframe life resourse of the new planes is more than twice longer than a regular MiG-29 has. The fly time cost is 2.5 times lower than with an old MiG-29.
Update October, 1: According to the Indian press, two single seater fighters and two double seater trainers will be transferred to India in November, but the transfer will take several weeks as the aircraft will be knocked down and delivered by ship. The ream of Indian Navy was onboard the carrier when the planes were tested.
Russian TV reports: the radar has a capability for 10 TWS with 4 simultaneously attacked targets. After accomplishing the Indian contract the planes (24) will be made for Russian Navy too. RAC MiG can produce first plane within 18 months after a contract would been signed. The airframe life resourse of the new planes is more than twice longer than a regular MiG-29 has. The fly time cost is 2.5 times lower than with an old MiG-29.
Update October, 1: According to the Indian press, two single seater fighters and two double seater trainers will be transferred to India in November, but the transfer will take several weeks as the aircraft will be knocked down and delivered by ship. The ream of Indian Navy was onboard the carrier when the planes were tested.
India will probably have a long wait before it can operate the MIG 29 off its own carrier. The main delay being the 3 to 4 years before the Gorshkov has been fully renovated and can then begin to be operated by the Indian Navy.
ReplyDeleteHello Igor
ReplyDeleteAre you sure the flight time is 2.5 times more, and not less?
Ups I think I misread the phrase!
ReplyDeleteGreat update Igor. While watching the videos of the tests I couldnt help noticing the smokefree engines and superb low speed handlings of the MiG29Ks. I do hope that India will order a second batch soon, and with the Russian Navy operating the same type in future, the logistics support will become secure too.
ReplyDeleteHello Igor, there were some reports that the optional Mig 29K/KUB for India are offered with Zhuk AE, can you confirm that?
ReplyDeleteAlso I read that Russia will upgrade the Mig 29 SMT that was given back from Algeria, can you tell me what the difference will be?
And my last question, will Russia order Mig 35 for the airforce too?
to anon October 2, 2009 2:22 PM:
ReplyDelete1) AESA Zhuk-AE on the next batch of MiG-29K\KUB is very possible, considering the radar is ready and India's Navy is interested to maximize the MiG-29K potential. However, I have no insider info about negotiations on this issue.
2) The former Algerian MiGs are reworked to be compatible with Russian AF standards in radio, avionics etc. The current Zhuk-M radar is remained with only minor modification perhaps.
3) There was a declaration about intentions, but no signed contract till now. It's unlike Su-35, which has been already contracted for production in 2011-2013.
Great going. I would love to see Mig 29K With Zhuk-AE.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, the IN will have to operate their MiG-29K Fulcrums from a naval air base before the Vikramaditya can be delivered.
ReplyDelete