- Yes
- No
Aircraft info:
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The MiG-29M2 MRCA or known as just the MiG-29M2 is a development made by the Mikoyan design bureau as a 4+ generation multi role fighter prototype primarily marketed as a export design, with the prototype being created on the basis of the earlier MiG-29M 9.15 by converting the 4th prototype bort 154 to a two seat tandem configuration. With additional enhancements to its avionics aswell.
Aircraft history:
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In 2001 MiG decided to respond to the Malaysian MRCA tender with an offer of the MiG-29M2, which would be a two seat tandem multi role jet. As part of the new jet offered it would include new avionics and engines and would be entirely built at MiGs own expense. The new M2 would be built from the older 9.15 MiG-29M airframe with the 4th prototype used for this.
The new MiG-29M2 would take to the skies for the first time in August 2001 and make its public debut at the MAKS 2001 airshow in Moscow the same month. A few months later the MiG-29M2 would be displayed at the LIMA 2001 airshow in Malaysia, where the aircraft would be test flown by captain S. Ruzami would asses the flight characteristics of the aircraft. With captain Ruzami would say the aircraft similar levels of effectiveness as the Typhoon, Rafale and the Hornet, but the MiG-29M2 would not be selected for the tender.
The MiG-29M2 would continue to make appearances at airshows including domestic shows and international shows such as in India. With other MiG projects such as the MiG-29K/KUB also being developed at the same time, MiG decided to use the MiG-29M2 as a aerodynamic test bed for the future MiG-29K/KUB with the new unified cockpit structure, with the new cockpit developed for the MiG-29K/KUB receiving the internal designation 9.41 and 9.47 it would lay the ground work for the future unified family of fighters consiting of the MiG-29K/KUB, later MiG-29M/M2 (Model name was reused but they are not the same airframe as their earlier variants) and the future MiG-35.
But even after all this the life for the MiG-29M2 was not over after being attempted exported and being used as a aerodynamic test bed for the future MiG-29 family, the MiG-29M2 would be converted in to a technology demonstrator for the MiG-35 platform, receiving another set of new avionics and engines including an AESA radar with this model being named MiG-35D 9-15D.
Aircraft specifications:
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Dimensions and size:
- Lenght: 17,2m
- Wing span: 11,36m
- Wing area: 38m²
- Height: 4,7m
Weight:
- Standard take off weight: 17200 kg
- Maximum take off weight: 23500 kg
Engine output and flight performance:
- Top speed near ground: 1400 km/h
- Top speed at altitude: 2200 km/h
- Service ceilling: 16000m
- Engines: RD-33 Series 3M 2x
- Full afterburner engine output: 8700 kgf 2x (Bench thrust)
Onboard avioncs and other equipment:
- Radar: FGM-29 N010ME Zhuk-ME
- IRST: OLS-M
- RWR: L-150
- ESM: L-150
- Countermeasures: 2x BVP-60-26M countermeasure dispensers (120x countermeasures Not mounted on any 9.15 but it was planned with the mounts being covered with blankeing plates)
Additional Info about onboard equipment:
MiG-29M2 Brochure:
FGM-29 N010ME ZHUK-ME:
Armament:
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Main armament:
- GSH-30-1
- 9 total hardpoints
Additional equipment that can be mounted:
- Center line drop tank
Air to air missile:
- 6x RVV-AE
- 4x R-27R1/T1
- 2x R-27ER1/ET1
- 8x R-73
Air to ground missile:
- 4x Kh-29T/TD/L
Anti ship missile:
- 4x Kh-31A
- 4x Kh-35E
Anti radiation missile:
- 4x Kh-31P
Guided bombs:
- 4x KAB-500Kr
Unguided rockets:
- 4x B-8M1 rocket pods
- 4x S-24B rockets
Standard bombs:
- FAB-250
- FAB-500
Gallery:
Sources:
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MiG: Flying through the ages Vol 2
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Famous Russian Aircraft: Mikoyan MiG-29 & MiG-35 2019 by Yefim Gordon
