MiG-29 (9.12B)

ChieftainWarrior · April 21, 2024, 7:40am

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North Korean sub-tree in China
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MiG-29 (9.12B)

History
In the late 1980s-early 1990s, North Korea received a number of MiG-29s from the Soviet Union / Russia. First deliveries in 1987 included 13 MiG-29 (9.12B) and 2 trainer aircraft alongside. The MiG-29 (9.12B) is a downgraded version of the 9.12A, and was exported to other countries like Hungary, Iraq, Syria and Yugoslavia. Some sources indicate even more were obtained by the DPRK, but 13 at a minimum. These 13 (or more) aircraft remain in service to this day, as the most advanced fighters in the KPAAF’s arsenal.

Characteristics
The MiG-29 (9.12B) is a downgraded export version of the standard 9.12 – identical to the in-game MiG-29 for Hungary, and very similar to the East German MiG-29 (9.12A). The 9.12B specifically had a simplified N-019EB radar and OEPrNk-29E2 targeting/nav system.

North Korea have a wide range of AAMs in their arsenal, including R-60, R-73 and R-27R/ER. This would give the MiG-29 9.12B identical missile loadouts to the in-game MiG-29 9.12 and 9.13s, with potential for R-73 bringing it up to a BR of ~12.3, but I believe the North Korean MiG-29 (9.13B) could fill that niche better.

NK_MiG-29_R-60_drill_top

MiG-29 (unknown variant) firing R-60

Otherwise, the North Korean MiG-29 remains identical to the standard MiG-29 9.12. There is some very limited photographic evidence that at least 1 MiG-29 (likely a 9.12, serial number 550) had a modified cockpit, including a new MFD, which may indicate capabilities closer to the MiG-29 SMT.

MiG-29 cockpit with new MFD

Whether this upgrade went any further than 1 test vehicle is unknown.

Conclusion
If North Korean aircraft were to be added to the game (in either a North Korean sub-tree, or a United Korean tree), the MiG-29 (9.12B) would be the second best jet they could receive (for now, who knows what they’ll buy/develop in the future). It would either occupy a BR of 12.0, the same as the other MiG-29 9.12/9.13s in game, or could potentially go higher if given R-73s, but I believe that would be best reserved for the 9.13B.

Specifications
Length: 17.3m
Width: 11.4m
Height: 4.73m
Weight: 18.5t
Engine: 2x Klimov RD-33
Maximum Speed: 2,448km/h

Countermeasures: 60x

Primary Armament: GSh-30-1 30mm autocannon
Suspended Armament: R-27R, R-60, R-73

Images

Spoiler

Older green and blue camouflage

trump-mig29-nkor20
Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong-un Kim Jong-eun or Kim Jung-eunWPK Central Military Commission, vice chairman north Korea air force 1017 Force MiG-29 fighter. Force fighter flight demonstration MiG-29 (7)