All Discussions Tagged 'MiG-29' - Model Airplane Collectors2024-03-28T19:31:23Zhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=MiG-29&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHistory of MiG Aircraft (Part 8) – MiG-29 – MiG's 4th Generation fightertag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2015-04-12:6343803:Topic:1955652015-04-12T21:18:52.686ZAMhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/AhmedMisbah
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Introduction:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The lessons learned from the Vietnam War proved to both military personnel and aircraft designers around the world that the bid on BVR air-to-air engagements was very unrealistic. Engagements still occurred at visual range and only the agile fighters emerged victorious.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">By the late 1960s, it was obvious that the need was for fighters…</span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Introduction:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The lessons learned from the Vietnam War proved to both military personnel and aircraft designers around the world that the bid on BVR air-to-air engagements was very unrealistic. Engagements still occurred at visual range and only the agile fighters emerged victorious.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">By the late 1960s, it was obvious that the need was for fighters that would carry the latest in Sensors technology to allow pilots to engage enemies from beyond visual range and be able to outmaneuver them in close combat.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The west at that time observed that the Soviets have developed aircraft of their own that would excel in both areas (BVR and close combat). The Soviets had both the MiG-23 and MiG-25 (complemented by their aging but agile MiG-21). Those aircraft with their speed, radar, armament and design were capable of outperforming any western aircraft. The west needed to develop something that would encounter such a threat from the Soviets.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027315?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027315?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span><strong>MiG-23 Flogger</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025398?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025398?profile=original" width="640"/></a><strong>MiG-25 Foxbat</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Design on the first western 4th generation fighters began in 1968 when both the US Air force and Navy started requesting designs for aircraft that would replace their current fleet of F-4 Phantom II fighters. The aircraft proposed were the F-15 Eagle for the US Air force and F-14 Tomcat for US Navy.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027345?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027345?profile=original" width="543"/></a></span><strong>F-15 Eagle</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027466?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027466?profile=original" width="607"/></a><strong>F-14 Tomcat</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Both aircraft excelled over any existing Soviet fighter at the time in every aspect. Range, armament, radar, sensors, speed, you name it. But they had one major drawback and that was cost. That was one area in which the Soviets always excelled. Lower cost meant more aircraft can be ordered thus giving more striking power and more aircraft to cover losses endured in combat.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Requests were issued for having lightweight fighters that are cheaper and thus could be produced in larger numbers. General Dynamics won the bid for the USAF with its F-16 Fighting Falcon. McDonnell Douglas on the other hand won the contract for the Navy's lightweight fighter the F/A-18 Hornet.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027538?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027538?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>F-16 Fighting Falcon</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027613?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027613?profile=original" width="620"/></a><strong>F/A-18 Hornet</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The Soviets could not stand still watching the US develop all of these fighters with such superb qualities. The Soviet Air force decided to produce their own aircraft to counter America's long range and front-line fighters.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Development:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">In 1969, the Soviet General Staff issued a requirement for an "Advanced Frontline Fighter" program (called PFI). Specifications were extremely ambitious, calling for long range, good short-field performance, excellent agility, Mach 2+ speed, and heavy armament. The Russian aerodynamics institute TsAGI (Russia’s NASA) worked in collaboration with the Sukhoi design bureau on the aircraft's aerodynamics.</span><br/> <br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">By 1971, however, Soviet studies determined the need for different types of fighters. The PFI program was supplemented with an “Advanced Lightweight Tactical Fighter" program (called LPFI). The PFI fighter was assigned to Sukhoi, resulting in the Sukhoi Su-27, while the lightweight fighter went to Mikoyan. Detailed design work on the resultant Mikoyan Product 9 (designated MiG-29A) began in 1974, with the first flight taking place on 6 October 1977.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027635?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027635?profile=original" width="640"/></a><strong>Su-27 Flanker</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027644?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027644?profile=original" width="700"/></a><strong>MiG-29 Fulcrum</strong></p>
<p><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">The workload split between PFI and LPFI became more apparent as the MiG-29 filtered into front line service with the Soviet Air Forces in the mid-1980s. While the heavy, long range Su-27 was tasked with the more exotic and dangerous role of deep air-to-air sweeps of NATO high-value assets, the smaller MiG-29 directly replaced the MiG-23 in the frontal aviation role. Features such as rugged landing gear and protective intake grates allowed MiG-29 operations from damaged or under-prepared airstrips that Soviet war planners expected to encounter during a rapid armored advance.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024716?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024716?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Size difference between Su-27 and MiG-29 clearly describes their different roles</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027994?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027994?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></strong><strong>Size difference between Su-27 and MiG-29 clearly describes their different roles</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Design:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29’s design was based on an integral layout which was composed of:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-3">A mid-mounted swept wing with blended leading-edge root extensions (LERXs) which formed the aircraft’s single lifting body with the fuselage. </span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Leading edge slats fitted on the wings to enhance its lifting capacity.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Two vertical fins for providing the aircraft with better stability at high speed.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Two engines that were mounted under the lifting body for providing redundancy in case one engine fails to operate and for offering better performance.</span></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027590?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027590?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29 Fulcrum</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Though the Su-27 and F-16 incorporated fly-by-wire control systems, the MiG designers decided not to follow suit as they believed that fly-by-wire technology was not yet perfected to enter service on Soviet jets. Instead, the MiG designers went for an aircraft design that was aerodynamically stable with excellent instantaneous and sustained turn performance, high-alpha capability, and a general resistance to spins. The aircraft’s control however had limiters to prevent the pilot from exceeding its g and alpha limits.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">It is interesting to note that by the 1970s Western aircraft were starting to use <span class="font-size-3">lightweight composite material</span> in construction of their airframe. This was another feature that the MiG-29 fell behind in early models as it was not yet perfected in the Soviet Union. However, in later models, composite materials made a huge percentage of the overall material used to manufacture the aircraft's air frame as show below in the latest MiG-29K photo.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028336?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028336?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29K before the paint job. Composite material colored in yellow</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Powerplant:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 has two widely spaced Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines, each rated at 50.0 kN dry and 81.3 kN in afterburner. The engines are fed through intake ramps fitted under the leading-edge extensions (LERXs), which have variable ramps to allow high-Mach speeds. As an adaptation to rough-field operations, the main air inlet can be closed completely and alter using the auxiliary air inlet on the upper fuselage for takeoff, landing and low-altitude flying, preventing ingestion of ground debris.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028533?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028533?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Klimov RD-33 Engine</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029060?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029060?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29 air inlets covered on the ground to prevent ingesting ground debris</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Range:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 has a ferry range of 1,500 km without external fuel tanks, and 2,100 km with external tanks. The internal fuel capacity of the original MiG-29B is 4,365 liters distributed between six internal fuel tanks, four in the fuselage and one in each wing. For longer flights, this can be supplemented by a 1,500-litre centerline drop tank and two 1,150-litre underwing drop tanks. In addition, a small number have been fitted with port-side inflight refueling probes, allowing much longer flight times.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029185?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029185?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Cockpit:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The cockpit of the MiG-29 features a conventional center stick and left hand throttle controls. It has conventional dials, with a head-up display (HUD) and a Shchel-3UM helmet mounted display. Upgraded models introduce "glass cockpits" with modern liquid-crystal (LCD) multi-function displays (MFDs) and true HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) controls.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029361?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029361?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Older MiG-29 cockpit</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029896?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029896?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Older MiG-29 cockpit</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030504?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030504?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></strong><strong>Older MiG-29 cockpit</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031480?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031480?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>Older MiG-29 cockpit</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031803?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031803?profile=original" width="408"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>MiG-29 HUD</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031987?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031987?profile=original" width="640"/></a></strong></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>More advanced MiG-29SMT cockpit with MFDs and HOTAS controls<br/></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><strong>Ejection System</strong></span>:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">MiG-29 pilots sat in the respected Zvesda K-36D zero-zero (meaning zero altitude zero speed) ejection seat.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032386?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032386?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>K-36 Ejection Seat</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032660?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032660?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>K-36 Ejection Seat</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Judging by accidents we have seen in air shows that involved the MiG-29 and other Soviet/Russian fighters that utilized this seat, there are no doubts that the seat provides an impressive escape system. One notable accident was that in the 1989 Paris air show when a MiG-29 suffered from engine failure and the pilot had to eject second before the plane crashed at very low altitude.<br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032928?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032928?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29 pilot ejects before seconds from impact at very low altitude in 1989 Paris Air show</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong>Sensors:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The baseline MiG-29B has a Phazotron RLPK-29 radar fire control system which includes the N019 Sapfir 29 look-down/shoot-down coherent pulse-Doppler radar and the Ts100.02-02 digital computer. Tracking range against a fighter-sized target was only about 70 km in the frontal aspect and 35 km in the rear aspect.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033205?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033205?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><span class="font-size-2"><strong>N019 Sapfir 29 look-down/shoot-down</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 also incorporates the S-31E2 KOLS, a combined laser rangefinder and IRST in an "eyeball" mount forward of the cockpit canopy. This allows the MiG-29 to acquire and engage targets at acceptable ranges without emitting any radar signature.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033484?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033484?profile=original" width="350"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">S-31E2 KOLS</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Armament</span>:</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Armament for the MiG-29 includes a single GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon in the port wing root. This originally had a 150-round magazine, which was reduced to 100 rounds in later variants. Original production MiG-29B aircraft cannot fire the cannon when carrying a centerline fuel tank as it blocks the shell ejection port. This was corrected in the MiG-29S and later versions.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033620?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033620?profile=original" width="575"/></a></span><span class="font-size-2"><strong>GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Three pylons are provided under each wing (four in some variants), for a total of six (or eight). The inboard pylons can carry a 1,150 liter fuel tank, one Vympel R-27 (AA-10 "Alamo") medium-range air-to-air missile, or unguided bombs or rockets. Some Soviet aircraft could carry a single nuclear bomb on the port inboard station. The outer pylons usually carry R-73 (AA-11 "Archer") dogfight missiles, although some users still retain the older R-60 (AA-8 "Aphid").</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035625?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035625?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-27 (AA-10 "Alamo")</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869038649?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869038649?profile=original" width="480"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-73 (AA-11 "Archer")</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29’s BVR capabilities were very limited due to its relatively small radar, which in turn did not allow for its medium range R-27 missiles to be used with their full range. However, the fighter’s close combat capabilities were superb because of its R-73 missile.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The R-73 is an infrared homing (heat-seeking) missile with a sensitive, cryogenic cooled seeker with a substantial "off-bore sight" capability. The missile’s seeker can detect targets up to 40° off its centerline. It can be targeted by a helmet-mounted sight (HMS), allowing pilots to designate targets by looking at them. Minimum engagement range is about 300 meters, with maximum aerodynamic range of nearly 30 km at altitude.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039044?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039044?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-73 (AA-11 "Archer")</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039948?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039948?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-73 vectored thrust nozzle</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040365?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040365?profile=original" width="742"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-73 (AA-11 "Archer")</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040393?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040393?profile=original" width="305"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">MiG-29 R-73 Helmet Mounted Sight</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040756?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040756?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">MiG-29 R-73 Helmet Mounted Sight</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046435?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046435?profile=original" width="480"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">MiG-29 R-73 Helmet Mounted Sight</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">This weapon was certainly years ahead of its time. It later promoted the development of a number of western air-to-air missiles including the AIM-132 ASRAAM, IRIS-T, MICA IR, Python IV and the latest Sidewinder variant, the AIM-9X which entered squadron service in 2003.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Service History:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Like the MiG-15, the MiG-29’s combat records are not as impressive as those of its western counter parts though its potential and capabilities suggests otherwise. The reasons behind this could be the following:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Export versions of the MiG-29, which were not fitted with all of the aircraft’s avionics and armament, engaged the best the west had to put in combat. MiG-29s went into combat against F-15s and F-16s either flown by their producers (i.e. America) or their closest allies that acquired the aircraft with their full capabilities (e.g. Israel).</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Early MiG-29s (which mostly saw combat as the export versions) lacked many capabilities western aircraft enjoyed, such as HOTAS, inter-aircraft data link, and glass cockpits. This meant that MiG-29 pilots had to do more effort during combat than pilots flying western aircraft and in turn made them lose their situational awareness and fall behind.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Pilots chosen to fly the MiG-29s were never given the same training western pilots experienced in their air forces neither in duration nor in quality. The Soviet Union never offered its clients the opportunity to conduct training such as Red flag for instance. This meant that western aircraft pilots always had an edge when it comes to combat experience.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">MiG-29 pilots rarely got the chance to train against western aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16. On the other hand, F-15 and F-16 pilots got the chance to engage the MiG-29 in countries such as Germany. This meant that a western pilot understood how to engage the MiG-29 in combat while MiG-29 pilots had to rely on simulated engagements with aircraft mocking F-15s and F-16s.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">For an aircraft to emerge victories in a modern air engagement, it must be complemented with other assets such as AWACS, electronic jamming, air refueling, etc. Most air forces that used MiG-29s in combat lacked those assets and engaged other air forces (such as the USAF) which were fully equipped with them.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">In many of the engagements that involved the MiG-29, there were always more aircraft engaging it from the enemy side. Some people attribute this to the fact that the aircraft was feared so much that its enemies had to throw everything they had against it.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The most notable conflicts that involved the MiG-29 were the Gulf War and the Kosovo War.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046636?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046636?profile=original" width="600"/></a></span><strong><span class="font-size-2">Iraqi MiG-29</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Although the MiG-29 never enjoyed a good combat-record, it did earn much of its respect from its outstanding performance in air shows all around the world. Aerobatics performed by teams such as the Russian Swifts and Ukrainian Falcons demonstrated the aircraft’s agility and maneuverability in front of audiences worldwide.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046934?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046934?profile=original" width="670"/></a></span><strong>The Swifts (old livery)</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047167?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047167?profile=original" width="710"/></a><strong>The Swifts (old livery)</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869049812?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869049812?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>The Swifts (new livery)</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050111?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050111?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050242?profile=original"></a></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050242?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050242?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>Ukrainian Falcons</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Personal Account:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I never saw the MiG-29 but I do own 3 diecast models for it. Two models from Witty Sky Guardians and one from Maisto. I also own a model of the MiG-35 Super Fulcrum (picture at the end of the post).<br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026557?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026557?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span><strong>Witty Sky Guardians Soviet MiG-29 in 1:72 scale</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052684?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052684?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Witty Sky Guardians Slovak MiG-29AS in 1:144 scale</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Finale:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 hasn’t seen any major upgrades to the design of its airframe since its introduction in the 1980s. This is a great testimony to its ingenious design that was first proposed in the 1970s and still continuous to serve in the 21<sup>st</sup> century.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 currently serves in 24 countries. Mikoyan is looking forward to sell its latest variants to countries that want to upgrade their air forces but can’t afford buying or developing 5<sup>th</sup> generation fighters.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">New MiG-29 variants of the 4++ or 4.5 generation such the MiG-29M/M2, MiG-29SMT, MiG-29K, MiG-29OVT, and MiG-35 incorporate features and technologies from 5<sup>th</sup> generation fighters such as AESA radar, engines with thrust vectoring nozzles, integrated avionics, and improved radar jamming capabilities. These upgrades will surely make the MiG-29 a worthy opponent for years to come.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052920?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052920?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Mikoyan MiG-35</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053032?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053032?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029302?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029302?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>Mikoyan MiG-35</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053295?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053295?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029710?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029710?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>Mikoyan MiG-35 AESA Radar and Glass cockpit</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a> <span class="font-size-2"><strong><strong>My MiG-35 model</strong></strong></span></span></p> Air Forces owning both Su-27 and MiG-29tag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-10-13:6343803:Topic:1451342013-10-13T20:33:12.954ZAMhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/AhmedMisbah
<p><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was interested to find out which air forces around the world own both Russian 4rth generation fighters, the Su-27 Flanker and MiG-29 Fulcrum. I found out that 4 air forces own both fighters, one of which is an air force of an Arab state (Eritrean Air Force) and three ex-Soviet states (Russian Air Force, Ukrainian Air Defense Force and Kazakh Air and…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">I was interested to find out which air forces around the world own both Russian 4rth generation fighters, the Su-27 Flanker and MiG-29 Fulcrum. I found out that 4 air forces own both fighters, one of which is an air force of an Arab state (Eritrean Air Force) and three ex-Soviet states (Russian Air Force, Ukrainian Air Defense Force and Kazakh Air and Air Defense Forces).</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024716?profile=original"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024716?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500"/></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Su-27 (left) and MiG-29 (right)</strong></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/58884401.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/58884401.jpg?width=500" width="500"/></a></span><strong>Su-27 (left) and MiG-29 (right)</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/images/su-27-vs-mig-29.gif"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/images/su-27-vs-mig-29.gif?width=500" width="500"/></a><strong>Comparison between Su-27 and MiG-29</strong></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The Su-27 and MiG-29 were designed to perform different roles. Su-27 is an air superiority/multirole fighter designed to have the range to penetrate deep into enemy territory and strike and outmatch enemy aircraft, such as the F-15, with its long range radar and armament and its superior performance and maneuverability.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Sukhoi_Su-27SKM_at_MAKS-2005_airshow.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Sukhoi_Su-27SKM_at_MAKS-2005_airshow.jpg?width=500" width="500"/></a></span><strong>Su-27SKM Flanker</strong></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The MiG-29 on the other hand is also an air superiority/multirole fighter designed to operate from front-line bases. It is also designed to be a cheaper and smaller fighter than the Su-27 (so as to be produced in large numbers), with less range, armament radar range and performance. The MiG-29 can be considered the answer to the American F-16 and F-18.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/Serbian_mig-29_missiles.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/Serbian_mig-29_missiles.jpg?width=500" width="500"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29 Fulcrum</strong></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">When an air force has both these fighters in its inventory, it indicates that its doctrine allows for missions that can be satisfied by both aircraft according to their characteristics. Let us now take a look at each air force and see why its own both fighters:</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">1- Russian Air Force:</span></strong></span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Flag_of_the_Air_Force_of_the_Russian_Federation.svg/800px-Flag_of_the_Air_Force_of_the_Russian_Federation.svg.png"><img class="align-left" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Flag_of_the_Air_Force_of_the_Russian_Federation.svg/800px-Flag_of_the_Air_Force_of_the_Russian_Federation.svg.png?width=200" width="200"/></a></span></strong></span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">It makes perfect sense that the country that designed and produced the MiG-29 and Su-27 would actually OWN them. The Russian Air Force is the largest and oldest operator of both fighters since their introduction in the 1980s, with a total number of 289 MiG-29s and 355 Su-27s currently in service.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><strong><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">2- Eritrean Air Force:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-4"><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Emblem_of_Eritrea_(or_argent_azur).svg/401px-Emblem_of_Eritrea_(or_argent_azur).svg.png"><img class="align-left" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Emblem_of_Eritrea_(or_argent_azur).svg/401px-Emblem_of_Eritrea_(or_argent_azur).svg.png?width=200" width="200"/></a></span></span></strong></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The Eritrean Air Force saw a great expansion during the Eritrean-Ethiopian War. It acquired MiG-29s as an answer to Ethiopia’s purchase of the Su-27. The Su-27s were later acquired in 2003, most probably because the <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Eritreans lost 4 MiG-29s to</span></em> Ethiopian <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Su-27s between 1999 and 2000, which proved that the MiGs were no match for the Sukhois and needed to be complimented by more powerful fighters.</span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The Eritrean Air Force currently owns 18 MiG-29s and 16 Su-27s.</span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6izHM7-NzcQ/S2lRZeANm0I/AAAAAAAAAU4/iwzuJQ4w3eA/s400/Google+Satalite+of+Eritrea+Air+force.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6izHM7-NzcQ/S2lRZeANm0I/AAAAAAAAAU4/iwzuJQ4w3eA/s400/Google+Satalite+of+Eritrea+Air+force.jpg"/></a></span></em></span><strong>Images from Google Earth showing parked Eritrean AF Su-27s and a MiG-29</strong></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span class="font-size-3"><em><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">3- Ukrainian Air Defense Force:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Ensign_of_the_Ukrainian_Air_Force.svg/800px-Ensign_of_the_Ukrainian_Air_Force.svg.png"><img class="align-left" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Ensign_of_the_Ukrainian_Air_Force.svg/800px-Ensign_of_the_Ukrainian_Air_Force.svg.png?width=200" width="200"/></a></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">I couldn’t obtain information on when the Ukraine acquired MiG-29s and Su-27s. But I am assuming that both fighters were inherited from the Soviet Air Force when the USSR was dissolved.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The Ukrainian Air Defense Force currently operates 80 MiG-29s and 36 Su-27s. According to Wikipedia, the Ukrainian Air Defense Force plans to buy newer MiG-29s and Su-27s from Russian to modernize their air force. However, due to lack of funding, it is expected that they will continue modernizing existing fighters until a budget is allocated.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span class="font-size-3"><em><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">4- Kazakh Air and Air Defense Forces:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><em><span class="font-size-4"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Kazakhstan_AF_roundel.svg/630px-Kazakhstan_AF_roundel.svg.png"><img class="align-left" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Kazakhstan_AF_roundel.svg/630px-Kazakhstan_AF_roundel.svg.png?width=200" width="200"/></a></span></strong></span></em></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">Again, I couldn’t obtain information on when Kazakhstan acquired MiG-29s and Su-27s, but it seems that both fighters were purchased well after the resolution of the USSR. Kazakh Air and Air Defense Forces currently operate 39 MiG-29s and 26 Su-27s.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
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<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">In comparison with the MiG-29 and Su-27, 4 air forces own their western counter parts, the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Falcon and F-18 Hornet. Those air forces are the United States Air Force (though it currently does not operate the F-16), Israeli Air Force, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Air Force. The total number could have risen to 5 if the US approved Egypt’s request in 2002 to acquire F-15E Strike Eagles to serve with its large number of F-16s (240 fighters). However, this sale was banned after Israel provided evidence that the Egyptians considered Israel as the “enemy” in of Egypt’s military exercises (obviously, a peace accord doesn’t make an enemy a friend in an instant).</span></p>
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<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">Speaking of models, I own a couple of models for both fighters. I own 4 models for the Su-27 and its derivatives (Su-30, Su-35 and Su-37) and 3 models for the MiG-29.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025445?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025445?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span><strong>Witty Sky Guardian Su-27 Flanker scale 1:72</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025834?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025834?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Gaincorp Su-30MK Flanker C scale 1:72</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026010?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026010?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Altaya Su-35 (initially known as Su-27M) scale 1:72</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026272?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026272?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Maisto Tailwinds Su-37 Terminator (Flanker F)</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026557?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026557?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Witty Sky Guardian MiG-29 Fulcrum scale 1:72</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026715?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026715?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Witty Sky Guardian MiG-29AS scale 1:144</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com/files/jtIkBUuM4pD8oBNavSJtLeO70zNZ6Q1bwXsa09u9gSU*JsFm-N7VfX3kRH4d7HP9PDft5UfnWfZppLD3mZfewPP1XrDuyntr/DSC02243.JPG?width=737&height=552"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com/files/jtIkBUuM4pD8oBNavSJtLeO70zNZ6Q1bwXsa09u9gSU*JsFm-N7VfX3kRH4d7HP9PDft5UfnWfZppLD3mZfewPP1XrDuyntr/DSC02243.JPG?width=737&height=552"/></a><strong>Maisto Tailwinds MiG-29 Fulcrum</strong></p> Dogfights of the future !!tag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-01-23:6343803:Topic:1161362013-01-23T19:39:37.123ZAMhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/AhmedMisbah
<p>The History channel aired a TV series called “Dogfights” from 2006 to 2008. This was a military aviation series depicting historical re-enactments of air-to-air combat that took place in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and wars that took place in the Middle East such as the Six-Day War, 6th October War and Gulf War.</p>
<p></p>
<p>One of the most interesting episodes in this TV series was the last one in season two called “Dogfights of the Future”. This episode…</p>
<p>The History channel aired a TV series called “Dogfights” from 2006 to 2008. This was a military aviation series depicting historical re-enactments of air-to-air combat that took place in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and wars that took place in the Middle East such as the Six-Day War, 6th October War and Gulf War.</p>
<p></p>
<p>One of the most interesting episodes in this TV series was the last one in season two called “Dogfights of the Future”. This episode demonstrated a number of combat scenarios that may occur in the future with weapons currently under development such as the F-35, MiG-35 and scram jets and others that were still in development back in 2008 such as the F-22.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I decided to illustrate the different aircraft that took part in this TV series for aircraft enthusiast to know what aircraft will take part in conflicts of the future. Some of these aircraft are existing generation 4 and 4++ fighters that were produced from 1980 until our present day. Others are 5th generation fighters that were recently introduced in the inventory of western countries or are currently under development.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I will include a short description of each aircraft from Wikipedia and photos from my own collection and of the real vehicle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">F-22 Raptor:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation super-maneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems and final assembly of the F-22. Program partner Boeing Defense, Space & Security provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869023887?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869023887?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024011?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024011?profile=original" width="535"/></a><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024464?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024464?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026984?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026984?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">F-35 Lightning II:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability. The F-35 has three main models; the F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant, the F-35B is a short take off and vertical-landing variant, and the F-35C is a carrier-based variant.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027233?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027233?profile=original" width="500"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027368?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027368?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027554?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027554?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">MiG-29 Fulcrum:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union. Developed by the Mikoyan design bureau as an air superiority fighter during the 1970s, the MiG-29, along with the larger Sukhoi Su-27, was developed to counter new American fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. The MiG-29 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027590?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027590?profile=original" width="640"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027676?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027676?profile=original" width="382"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="415" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027909?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="415" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027909?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Su-30 Flanker-C:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Sukhoi Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat super-maneuverable fighter aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a multirole fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028054?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028054?profile=original" width="623"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027990?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027990?profile=original" width="623"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028187?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028187?profile=original" width="624"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028656?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028656?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029092?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029092?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">MiG-35 Fulcrum-F:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Mikoyan MiG-35 is a further development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB technology. It is classified as a 4++ generation jet fighter by Mikoyan. The first prototype was a modification of the aircraft that previously served as MiG-29M2 model demonstrator. 10 prototypes have been built so far and are currently subject to extensive field trials. The MiG-35 is now classed as a medium-weight aircraft because its maximum take-off weight has increased by 30 percent, exceeding its previous criteria of classification.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029302?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029302?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029710?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029710?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029822?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029822?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032363?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032363?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Su-47 Berkut (Golden Eagle):</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut was an experimental supersonic jet fighter developed by Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. A distinguishing feature of the aircraft was its forward-swept wing that gave the aircraft excellent agility and maneuverability. While serial production of the type never materialized, the sole aircraft produced served as a technology demonstrator prototype for a number of advanced technologies later used in the 4.5 generation fighter SU-35BM and current fifth-generation jet fighter prototype Sukhoi PAK FA.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032459?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032459?profile=original" width="560"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869034519?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869034519?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869037002?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869037002?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">B-2 Spirit:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit (also known as the Stealth Bomber) is an American strategic bomber, featuring low observable stealth technology designed for penetrating dense anti-aircraft defenses; it is able to deploy both conventional and nuclear weapons. The bomber has a crew of two and can drop up to eighty 500 lb (230 kg)-class JDAM GPS-guided bombs, or sixteen 2,400 lb (1,100 kg) B83 nuclear bombs. The B-2 is the only aircraft that can carry large air-to-surface standoff weapons in a stealth configuration.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869037278?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869037278?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869037427?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869037427?profile=original" width="600"/></a><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869038111?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869038111?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Dassault Rafale:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine delta-wing fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Dassault described the Rafale as being an omnirole fighter with semi-stealth capabilities. The Rafale is a multirole combat aircraft; capable of simultaneously undertaking air supremacy, interdiction, reconnaissance, and the airborne nuclear deterrent missions.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047465?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047465?profile=original" width="620"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047757?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047757?profile=original" width="400"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869049587?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869049587?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052222?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052222?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">B-1R Lancer:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The B-1R is a proposed upgrade of existing B-1B aircraft. The B-1R (R for "regional") would be fitted with advanced radars, air-to-air missiles, and new Pratt & Whitney F119 engines. This variant would have a top speed of Mach 2.2, but with 20% less range.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The model displayed below is of the B-1B not the B-1R. The difference between both aircraft is that the B-1R has the capability of carrying air-to-air missiles on external pylons and has a different tail section design meant to reduce its radar cross section.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052356?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052356?profile=original" width="623"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053928?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053928?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869055893?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869055893?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869069234?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869069234?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Boeing YAL-1:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser test bed, (formerly Airborne Laser) weapons system is a megawatt-class chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL) mounted inside a modified Boeing 747-400F. It is primarily designed as a missile defense system to destroy tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs), while in boost phase.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/YAL-1A_Airborne_Laser_unstowed.jpg/750px-YAL-1A_Airborne_Laser_unstowed.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/YAL-1A_Airborne_Laser_unstowed.jpg/750px-YAL-1A_Airborne_Laser_unstowed.jpg"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869070066?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869070066?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">MQ-9 Reaper:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (formerly called Predator B) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) for use by the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, the CIA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Royal Air Force, and the Italian Air Force. The MQ-9 and other UAVs are referred to as Remotely Piloted Vehicles/Aircraft (RPV/RPA) by the U.S. Air Force to indicate their human ground controllers. The MQ-9 is the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/MQ-9_Reaper_in_flight_%282007%29.jpg/800px-MQ-9_Reaper_in_flight_%282007%29.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/MQ-9_Reaper_in_flight_%282007%29.jpg/800px-MQ-9_Reaper_in_flight_%282007%29.jpg"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>I do not own a model of the MQ-9 Reaper, but I do own a model of the older RQ-1 Predator.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869070720?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869070720?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869072211?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869072211?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong>E-3 Sentry:</strong></span></p>
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<p>The Boeing E-3 Sentry is an airborne early warning and control (AWACS) developed by Boeing as the prime contractor. Derived from the Boeing 707, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications, and is used by the United States Air Force (USAF), NATO, Royal Air Force (RAF), French Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Force. The E-3 is distinguished by the distinctive rotating radar dome above the fuselage.</p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869072461?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869072461?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869072728?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869072728?profile=original" width="640"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869075122?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869075122?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869076567?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869076567?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
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<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Scram Jets:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>A scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) is a variant of a ramjet air-breathing jet engine in which combustion takes place in supersonic airflow. As in ramjets, a scramjet relies on high vehicle speed to forcefully compress and decelerate the incoming air before combustion (hence ramjet), but whereas a ramjet decelerates the air to subsonic velocities before combustion, airflow in a scramjet is supersonic throughout the entire engine. This allows the scramjet to operate efficiently at extremely high speeds: theoretical projections place the top speed of a scramjet between Mach 12 (9,100 mph; 15,000 km/h) and Mach 24 (18,000 mph; 29,000 km/h)[not verified in body]. The fastest air-breathing aircraft is a SCRAM jet design, the NASA X-43A which reached Mach 9.6. For comparison, the second fastest air-breathing aircraft, the manned SR-71 Blackbird, has a cruising speed of Mach 3.2 (2,100 mph).</p>
<p></p>
<p>The scram jets that were featured in the TV series were not recognizable. There was a mention however of the American Boeing X-51 scramjet. This is an unmanned scramjet demonstration aircraft for hypersonic (Mach 6, approximately 4,000 miles per hour (6,400 km/h) at altitude) flight testing. It successfully completed its first powered flight on 26 May 2010 and also achieved the longest duration flight at speeds over Mach 5.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/X-51A_Waverider_on_B-52_2009.jpg/800px-X-51A_Waverider_on_B-52_2009.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/X-51A_Waverider_on_B-52_2009.jpg/800px-X-51A_Waverider_on_B-52_2009.jpg"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Feel free to watch this episode on Youtube. I embedded the video below. Enjoy !!</p>
<p></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vnUwxDhE1kU?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p> </p> History of MiG Aircrafttag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2012-08-29:6343803:Topic:1011932012-08-29T18:15:55.771ZAMhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/AhmedMisbah
<p><span class="font-size-4">Hello guys….. I am happy to inform you that soon I will be posting a series of articles under the title “History of MiG Aircraft” in the “Historical Articles” forum. The articles posted under this title will include:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">1- <a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/history-of-mig-aircraft-part-1-birth-of-the-mig-bureau-and-mig" target="_blank">Part 1 – Birth of the MiG bureau and MiG…</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Hello guys….. I am happy to inform you that soon I will be posting a series of articles under the title “History of MiG Aircraft” in the “Historical Articles” forum. The articles posted under this title will include:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">1- <a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/history-of-mig-aircraft-part-1-birth-of-the-mig-bureau-and-mig" target="_blank">Part 1 – Birth of the MiG bureau and MiG aircraft</a>,</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">2- <a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/history-of-mig-aircraft-part-2-mig-9-fargo-mig-s-first" target="_blank">Part 2 – MiG-9 Fargo – MiG’s first operational jet fighter</a>,</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">3- <a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/history-of-mig-aircraft-part-3-mig-15-the-most-widely-produced" target="_blank">Part 3 – MiG-15 – The most widely produced jet</a>,</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">4- <a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/history-of-mig-aircraft-part-4-mig-17-mig-19-race-towards?xg_source=activity" target="_blank">Part 4 – MiG-17 /MiG-19 – Race towards supersonic speed</a>,</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">5- <a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/history-of-mig-aircraft-part-5-mig-21-the-most-widely-produced" target="_blank">Part 5 – MiG-21 – The most widely produced supersonic jet</a>,</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">6- <a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/history-of-mig-aircraft-part-6-mig-23-enter-the-variable-wing" target="_blank">Part 6 – MiG-23 – Enter the variable wing geometry fighter</a>,</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">7- <a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/history-of-mig-aircraft-part-7-mig-25-ussr-s-mach-3-interceptor" target="_blank">Part 7 – MiG-25 – USSR’s Mach 3 interceptor,</a><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">8- <span class="font-size-4"><a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/history-of-mig-aircraft-part-8-mig-29-mig-s-4th-generation" target="_blank">Part 8 – MiG-29 – MiG's 4th Generation fighter,</a></span><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">9- Part 9 <span class="font-size-4">– <span class="font-size-4">MiG-31 – The Foxbat's successor,</span></span> <br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">10- Part 10 – MiG-35 and beyond – The future of Mikoyan fighters.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">In these articles, I will describe the development of aircraft and their combat history. I will also include pictures of the different variants of each aircraft. Finally, I will include pictures of the diecast models I have of these famous Soviet/Russian fighters.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4"> </span></p>