Russia tests upgraded IAF MiG-29 fighter
05 Feb 2011
Moscow: Russia's MiG corporation said Friday it had carried out the first test flight of a MiG-29 fighter upgraded to Indian Air Force specifications under a $900 million contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under terms of contract the IAF's existing fleet of 69 MiG-29 aircraft will receive engine and avionics upgrades.
''On Feb 4, a MiG-29UPG fighter carried out its first test flight. The flight lasted for an hour and was flawless,'' MiG said in a statement.
Along with the avionics kit, the existing N-109 radar is being replaced by a Phazatron Zhuk-ME radar. The fighters will also receive upgrades that will enhance beyond-visual-range combat ability and provide air-to-air refuelling capability.
The upgrade will extend the service life of the aircraft from 25 to 40 years. The upgrades are expected to be completed by 2013.
Most of the systems introduced in the MiG-35, a hot contender for the IAF's medium range multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) tender can be retro-fitted onto older MiG-29s through up-gradation programmes. It may be assumed that these older MiG-29s are now being brought to near MiG-35 capability with these upgrades.
The MiG-35 boasts of improved reliability and serviceability, reducing operating costs and improving serviceability by 2.5 times as compared to older MiG-29s.