MiG-29KUB (9-47) Naval fighter (Training aircraft)

In numbers  Through the lens  Video

NATO reporting name: Fulcrum-D


On January 20, 2007, maiden flight of MiG-29 KUB, with two-member crew, M.A. Belyaev and P.N. Vlasov. It took-off for the first time for a 20-minute flight held at 11.46 am Moscow.
Compared to its predecessors, the "KUB" in addition to the upgrading of electronics, engines (modified version of RD-33 with a 7% increase in thrust and their "useful life" at 4.000 hours) 

 MiG-29KUB - Flight refueling probe © Konstantinos Panitsidis 

The MiG-29 KUB is a two-seater twin-engine marine version (based on the MiG-29K) equipped with RD-33MK engines (nautical version), without variable thrust nozzles.

In order to take up less space on the aircraft carrier the aircraft has folded wings while the auxiliary locks above the LERX are absent.

A landing hook is placed on the rear and fitted with a Western air-friendly refueling system.
The aircraft is developed by RSK MiG especially for India, when the agreement for the acquisition of the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft type was signed in 2004.

The order consisted of 16 aircraft in total (and 30 optional by acquisition until 2015), 12 of which were MiG-29K and 4 MiG-29KUB. The aircraft is mass-produced and is in service with the Russian and Indian navies.

The main differences between the MiG-29 (all versions) are:

- improved aerodynamic features
- increased reliability of equipment (devices and systems)
- lower flight costs per hour 2.5 times
- the operational useful life of the boat has increased 2.5 times
- advanced IFF identification system
- increased internal transport fuel
- payload increased
- maximum take-off weight increased to 24,500 kg
- special coating for low trace of signature ground mapping (with 5x5m resolution, 1x1m in the near future) new generation holographic device on windshield
- all systems are Western standard compatible 

 
 MiG-29KUB - Folding mechanism © Konstantinos Panitsidis 

In the development of the aircraft were widely used synthetic materials amounting to a total weight of 15%. The electronic equipment includes the installation of the Zhuk-ME type radar (also equipped with the MiG-29K and MiG-29 SMT) and the new generation of systems (electronic sighting, electric optical and other systems). The maximum combat range scanning range is about 120 km and can simultaneously track up to 10 targets and simultaneously launch missiles at four targets.

Radar, due to its performance, also provides the capability of detecting aerial targets based on threat hierarchy, entrapment and attack of helicopters even when they are in a state of suspension, analysis of hostile formation, detection of fixed, moving targets and priority marine. Information is provided to the crew through six or seven electronic displays of Russian origin (three front and four rear, 152x203 mm, 1024x768 resolution).

It also has a new generation of electro-optical complex consisting of Infrared Detection and Tracking Infrared and Laser Distance Measurement.
The complex includes the Optical Laser Station and Infrared Detection System and Helmet JHMCS (Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System), (for the "K" Helmet JHMCS is Thales TopSight) and Night Vision Goggles.

MiG-29KUB's armament is analogous to the "K" version and includes RVV-AE and R-73E mid-range missile, Kh-35E or Kh-31A attack missile, Kh-31P missile missile and air bombs.

Armor transfer capabilities can be improved by apostolic requirements.

Radar “Zhuk-ME” Multifunction Radar with a Slotted antenna array 
Operation modes: Air-to-Air: Detection of targets and measurement of the it range
 -in look-up mode
- in look-down mode (against ground/sea background)

Single target track
Track of 10 targets in the track-while-scan and simultaneous attack against 4 targets.
Close maneuvering combat modes (Vertical, HUD field of view, Sighting, Boresight, Slewable). Helicopter detection and attack, including of hovering. Target class identification and target quantity determation. 

Technical specifications

Photos MiG-29KUB ("9-47"), MAKS 2007.