MAPO

Manufacturer

PWR

Max TD

Max

TR

WS

FL

Max

RF

Max

Kts/Mach

H

Max

OC

C

Max

WLE

E

CR Max

MiG-23ML Flogger G Fighter/attack

78.5 kN

122 kN

7.8

16.7

1,950

M 2.35

5

60,700

3000

1150

1 x Aero-engine Scientific Technical Complex "Soyuz" R35 300 Turbojet

Max internal fuel

MiG-25P Foxbat Interceptor/air superiority

86.3kN

109.75kN

14.0

19.8

1,250

M 2.83

62,335

1

2000

2h 5min

2 x Aero-engine Scientific Technical Complex "Soyuz" R15BD 300 Turbojet

Max internal fuel

MiG-27 Flogger D Attack

78.45kN

122.3kN

16.7

M 1.7

7

45,900

4000

540

1 x Aero-engine Scientific Technical Complex "Soyuz" R29B 300 Military Turbofans/Jets

MiG-29 Fulcrum Interceptor/air superiority

49.4kN

81.4kN

11.4

17.3

1,500

M 2.3

55,775

3000

2 x Klimov Corporation RD 33 Military Turbofans/Jets

Max internal fuel

MiG-31 Foxhound Interceptor/air superiority

13.5

22.7

3,300

M 2.83

67,600

3h 36min

720

2 x Soloviev D-30F Turbojet

MiG-AT Light-attack/Trainer turbofan/jet-powered

14.1kN

10.2

12.0

300

460kt

50,850

2

2 x Snecma-Turboméca Larzac 04-R20 Military Turbofans/Jets

Range is range; contender for Russian air force trainer programme; Prototype

Abbreviations: PWR-Power, Max TD-Thrust dry, Max TR-Thrust re-heat, WS-Wingspan, FL-Fuselage length, Max RF-Max range (km), H-Hardpoints, Max OC-Max Operating Ceiling, Max Pay.-Max Payload, C-Crew, P-Pax, Max WLE-Max Load External (warload) (kg), E-Endurance, CR Max PNR-Combat Radius Max Payload No-Refuel.

Moscow Aircraft Production Organisation MIG, 71st Botkinsky Drive, Moscow 125040, Russia; Tel:+7 095 252 8283, Fax:+7 095 250 0770

MiG-21

India has agreed to an upgrade of some 100 of its MiG-21 Fishbeds by Russia's MAPO. Two of that country's MiG-21s are being upgraded at the Sokol manufacturing plant in Nizhny Novgorod, although delays in delivery of avionics have hampered the project.

The upgrade is based on Mikoyan's proposed MiG-21-93, which uses the Phazotron Kopyo lightweight multi-mode radar. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is also offering an upgrade for the MiG-21, with Cambodia as one of three customers.

MiG-23/27

As well as considering upgrades for the MiG-21, some firms have also explored possible options for the MiG-23/27 Flogger. Licence manufacture of the MiG-27M (Flogger J) continues in India, as the Bahadur. The Russian air force has withdrawn most of its Floggers.

There are two main versions, the multi-role MiG-23 and the ground-attack MiG-27. The MiG-23B (Flogger F) and MiG-23BN (Flogger H) export models have a combination of the MiG-27's forward fuselage with the MiG-23's airframe, intakes and nozzle, while the MiG-23MS (Flogger E) has the MiG-21's Jay Bird radar in place of the original High Lark.

The MiG-23U Flogger C two-seat operational trainer has an R-27 engine and the Jay Bird radar. The MiG-23ML Flogger G is a standard Russian operational model, powered by a 128kN Tumansky R-35 engine. A dedicated MiG-23P air-defence variant has some differences in avionics. The last variants are the MiG-23MLD Flogger K tactical fighter, with dogtooth wing-glove notches, and the MiG-27M/K Flogger J attack aircraft.

MiG-25

Most MiG-25 Foxbats have been withdrawn from Russian service, although a limited number of late-model reconnaissance and defence-suppression aircraft have been retained. The MiG-25BM Foxbat P defence-suppression variant entered service in the late 1980s, armed with 40km-range AS-11 Kilter anti-radar missiles. In 1980, a MiG-25PD Foxbat E modified interceptor with a limited look-down capability entered service.

MiG-29

The Russian air force plans to upgrade early model Fulcrums to MiG-29SMT standard, providing a reasonable air-to-surface capability. The MiG-29M advanced Fulcrum programme remains in abeyance, and MAPO has also failed to interest the Russian air force in a thrust-vectoring variant of the aircraft, the MiG-35.

Flight-tests of the MiG-29M began in 1989. This model has the Phazotron Zhuk radar and associated Vympel R-77 (AA-12 Adder) active-radar medium-range missile. Other variants in the Fulcrum family include the MiG-29SE, MiG-29SM, and MiG-29SD, as well as the MiG-29K. More than 500 Fulcrums are operational with CIS air forces, and some 300 have been exported.

MiG-31

The MiG-31M Foxhound B upgrade programme has effectively ended with only six prototypes built. At least two aircraft remain at the Ahktubinsk air base in southern Russia and may be used as development test aircraft for the radars and weapons systems. Two examples of an anti-satellite MiG-31M were also produced. The basic Foxhound remains in service with the Russian air-defence forces.

Article 1.44

Two prototypes of Mikoyan's MFI fifth-generation fighter, referred to as Article 1.44s, have been built, but have yet to be flown. The aircraft are likely be used only as technology demonstrators. The aircraft is a single-seat, twin-engined, close-coupled delta-canard design in the 30-35t weight class.

MiG-AT

MAPO is competing with Yakovlev for the Russian air force's requirement to replace Aero L-39 jet trainers. Its MiG-AT is a two-seat, twin turbofan advanced jet trainer. The prototype rolled out in May 1995 and flew in March 1997.

LFI

MAPO has begun work on a fifth-generation LFI lightweight fighter to supersede its MFI. Single- and twin-engined designs are being considered for an aircraft on the 20t class.

Source: Flight International