- Yes
- No
G’day lads. I want to suggest a Hungarian fighter for Italy, where they lack a manoeuverable aircraft with IRCCM missiles. As a solution for this, I’ve decided to make a suggestion for the Hungarian MiG-29UB :)
Description:
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The Hungarian Air Force operates the Mikoyan MiG-29UB, also known as the “Fulcrum-B”. This aircraft is a two-seat variant of the MiG-29, designed primarily for training purposes. It is a twin-engine jet fighter used as a trainer aircraft, measuring 17.42 meters in length (57 feet 2 inches). The cockpit is equipped with a sophisticated weapon system and emergencies simulator, although the radar system is deleted to reduce weight. Its performance is similar to the single-seat MiG-29, but with reduced internal fuel capacity due to the addition of the second cockpit.
History:
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In 1993, Hungary obtained 28 MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia. This acquisition was part of a complex agreement that aimed to settle Russian state debt to Hungary. The MiG-29s were intended to replace Hungary’s aging fleet of MiG-21s and MiG-23s, although I think anyone would’ve known that.
However, the geopolitical landscape began to shift dramatically by the late 1990s. In 1999, Hungary joined NATO, which brought new operational standards and requirements. One significant challenge was ensuring interoperability with Western systems and meeting NATO standards, which were (ofc) different from the Soviet-era equipment Hungary had been using.
This shift meant that the MiG-29s, while advanced, were becoming increasingly incompatible with NATO’s integrated defense network. Maintenance and logistical support for the MiG-29s also became more challenging, as Hungary needed to align with NATO’s more standardized procedures and parts. Consequently, Hungary started transitioning towards Western aircraft, which included the acquisition of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters.
By 2010, Hungary had phased out most of its MiG-29s, with only a few remaining operational for limited roles.
Armaments:
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1 GSh-30-1 30mm cannon with 150 rounds
6 R-73 missiles
6 R-60M missiles
2 UPK-23 cannon pods
FAB 100 to FAB 500 bombs
80 S-8KO rockets
4 S-24B rockets
1 1500ml fuel tank
SPO-15 Beryoza RWR
OLS-K IRST
HMD (?)
(Finding images of Hungarian MiG-29UB’s having weapons is hard, so if you have any photos, then please feel free to share them!)
(HuAF MiG-29UB firing it’s R-73’s)
Specifications:
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In terms of dimensions, the UB has length of 17,42m, a height of 4,73m, a wingspan of 11,36m and at last a wing area of 31,80 square meters. Its empty weight is around 10800kg, and the max weight is around 14600kg. Because of it’s weight, it is (still) powered by 2 RD-33 engines, each giving the thrust of 5040kgf, or 8300kgf with afterburner on.
Sources:
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Hungarian Air Force - Wikipedia
File:Hungarian Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB Fulcrum-B.jpg - Wikipedia
File:Hungarian AF MiG-29UB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
Aviation Photography - Papa Air Base Hungary
MiG-29 Fulcrum & Saab Gripen Hungary - Hungarian Air Force 11 - AirTeamImages.com
Do you need an MiG-29 fleet? You can get it on sale in Hungary - DailyNewsHungary
11 éve történt: Vége, ennyi volt…(A MiG-29 és üzemeltetőik emlékére) - JETfly
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)