Mikoyan MiG-29K (9.31): Fulcrum Goes to Sea

[WalletWorrier]

The MiG-29K (9.31) was a project to develop a naval variant of the MiG-29 for use on the Project 1143.5-class aircraft carriers. With folding wings, improved avionics, substantially more powerful engines, and additional hardpoints, the MiG-29K was quite the upgrade over MiG-29s then in service and was even more capable than its land-based counterpart, the MiG-29M. The collapse of the Soviet Union would result in the end of the programme with only two prototypes produced. However, the MiG-29K would be revived a decade later with the updated MiG-29K (9.41) for the Indian Navy and the MiG-29KR (9.41r) for the Russian Navy.

Would you like to see this in-game?

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History

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Origins
While the Soviet military could match or surpass that of NATO on land and in the skies, the Soviet Navy lagged far behind that of Western nations, in particular the United States. Soviet naval doctrine in the early Cold War sought to fight an asymmetrical battle against the USN, developing advanced anti-ship missiles and submarines. However, the Soviets recognized that if they wanted to truly project naval power on equal footing with the United States, they would need to develop a powerful carrier fleet.
With no previous experience in designing or operating carriers and with how enormously complex and expensive such vessels were, the plan was to gradually build up to a full carrier fleet in four phases over several decades.
First would be the Moskva-class helicopter carriers first entering service in 1967. Small and affordable but providing great experience with carrier operations in addition to the carriers’ primary role of ASW.
Second came the Kiev-class carriers from 1975, this time equipped with actual aircraft in the form of the Yak-36/38.
Following on the Kiev-class would be the Project 1143.5 class, the first true Soviet fleet carriers.
Finally, the 90s would see the Project 1153 class- massive and modern nuclear-powered supercarriers to rival anything the Americans could create.
The Project 1143.5 carriers were originally intended to be equipped with navalized MiG-23s and Su-25s, the MiG-23K and Su-25K (K for Korabelnyy “shipborne”, not to be confused with the later Su-25K, K for Kommehrcherskiy, “commerical”). However, as a new generation of aircraft became available plans changed, with the carriers instead of carry navalized versions of the MiG-29 and Su-27, the MiG-29K and Su-27K respectively, in a high-low mixture similar to the F-18 and F-14 on American carriers. The MiG-29K was to provide general air defense while the Su-27K would perform interception as well as antishipping duties. One or both of these aircraft could potentially be replaced by the Yak-41 then in development to replace the Yak-38M. However, modifying the existing land-based aircraft was seen as a more reliable bet.

An early concept of the Project 1153 carrier with MiG-23Ks and Su-25Ks

The MiG-29K
Development of the MiG-29K began in 1984. It was developed alongside the MiG-29M (9.15), with the two sharing a similar design with the goal of producing a unified aircraft family. Like the MiG-29M, the MiG-29K would be constructed of Al-Li alloys and feature larger aerodynamic surfaces, more powerful engines, advanced avionics, increased fuel capacity, additional armament hardpoints, and an improved countermeasures/ECM suite. However, the MiG-29K also differed from the MiG-29M in several ways. Most notably, the wingtips could fold inwards to reduce space on the carrier. The aircraft’s structure was reinforced to handle the additional loads of carrier take-off and landing, and the drag chute was replaced by an arrestor hook. The MiG-29K’s engines were further upgraded to a maximum thrust of 9,400kgf (92kN) to allow takeoff from the carrier.
In 1982, a MiG-29 9.12 was modified with an arrestor cable and designated the MiG-29KVP, Korotkii Vzlet i Posadka “Short Takeoff and Landing”. This aircraft served as the testbed for ramp launches and arrested landings for a MiG-29, operating from the NITKA complex in Crimea.
The first true prototype of the MiG-29K took flight in June 1988. Designated Blue 311, this prototype lacked a weapons system and was used in testing at NITKA through '88 and '89. On 1st November 1989, 311 would make its first landing aboard the Tsibli, as the Admiral Kusnetsov was named at the time, the Su-27K and Su-25UTG prototypes completing their first carrier landings that same day. The Su-27K would touch down first, marking the Soviet’s first landing of a conventional aircraft upon a carrier. Not to be outdone, the MiG-29K would perform the first takeoff of a conventional aircraft from a Soviet carrier the next evening. Flight testing of this prototype would continue into the 90s with 320 test flights recorded with only one notable issue, a crash landing due to pilot error on the 313th flight (the pilot, like a true War Thunder player, accidentally retracted the landing gear).
The second prototype, Blue 312, would join 311 in September 1990. 312 was fitted with a complete weapons and avionics fit and represented the final production configuration of the MiG-29K. Both prototypes would participate in state acceptance trials beginning in August 1991.

311 snags the wire

312 prepares for takeoff, with the Su-25UTG and Su-27K behind

Cancellation
By the beginning of state acceptance trials in 1991, the Soviet Union was falling apart. And like so many other aircraft of the era, the end of the Cold War killed the MiG-29K.
For starters, the fleet it was intended to serve on was cancelled. Only one of the planned two Project 1143.5-class carriers, the Admiral Kuznetsov, was completed. The other, the Varyag, would eventually be sold to China. And the planned three Project 1143.7-class nuclear carriers would never materialize.
Additionally, the advanced systems of the MiG-29K itself gave it high development, procrurement, and operation costs. By comparison, the Su-27K was much less advanced but that meant that it was faster and cheaper to produce. In early 1992, both the MiG-29K and its land-based counterpart the MiG-29M would have their state acceptance trials cancelled. The Su-27K would be the Admiral Kuznetsov’s sole fixed-wing aircraft, entering service in 1994 as the Su-33.
Mikoyan would continue to test and advertise the MiG-29K and M, hoping for interest from either the Russians or an export customer. The MiG-29K would be displayed at the 1992 MosAeroShow as well as the 1993 and 1993 MAKS. However, no such customers materialized. Well, almost none.

312 at MAKS 95

312 with a wider armament load at MAKS 1993

Revival
In 2004 the Indian Navy purchased the Kiev-class carrier Admiral Gorshkov (formally Baku). The Admiral Gorshkov was to be upgraded and refitted into a STOBAR carrier similar to the Admiral Kuznetsov and be rechristened the INS Vikramaditya, serving as the Indian Navy’s flagship. India’s existing carrier INS Viraat was outfitted with obsolete Sea Harriers, so the Vikramaditya would need to be purchased alongside new carrier aircraft. The Su-33 and MiG-29K were naturally the top candidates, having been designed for the the launch and landing equipment used on the Admiral Kuznetsov and then reused on the Vikramaditya. Because the Vikramaditya was considerably smaller than the Admiral Kuznetsov, it would be able to carry on a limited complement of the large Su-33s. So, the Indian Navy petitioned Mikoyan for 12 updated and upgraded MiG-29Ks and 4 twin-seat MiG-29KUB trainers. These would be the project 9.41 and 9.47 respectively, and feature improved avionics and armaments. I won’t go more into detail because there’s already a suggestion for the Indian MiG-29K. India currently operates 34 MiG-29Ks and 6 MiG-29KUBs.
Even when it first entered service, the Su-33 was outdated. It utilized cold-war era avionics and armaments and could not go toe-to-toe with aircraft such as the F-18C. But it was all the Russian Navy could afford. Now with India shouldering the majority of the development costs for the MiG-29K and with the Su-33 production’s ceased the MiG-29K became a very attractive replacement to the aircraft that once replaced it. Development of modified versions of the MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB with all Russian-produced avionics and systems (the K and KUB including some Indian and Ukrainian systems) began in 2009. These were the MiG-29KR (9.41r) and MiG-29KUBR (9.47r) though sometimes they are simply referred to as the MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB due to the lack of external distinguishing features. 20 KRs and 4 KUBRs were ordered in 2012 and delivered by 2016, where they currently serve as the primary air wing of the Admiral Kuznetsov and saw combat in Syria. However, with the Admiral Kuznetsov in a seemingly endless cycle of repairs and refits it’s unclear how significant the MiG-29KR’s role will be in the future.

312 was reused as the testbed for the MiG-29K (9.41)

941, the prototype of the MiG-29K (9.41)

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Specifications

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Airframe
Length: 17.27m
Span: 11.99m
Wing Area: 43.0m^2
Height: 4.73m
Crew: 1
Empty Weight: 12,700kg
Loaded Weight: 15,570kg
MTOW: 22,400kg

Propulsion
2x RD-33K afterburning turbojets
Max Thrust (dry): 53.96kN (each)
Max Thrust (WEP): 92.21kN (each)
Max Thrust (WEP): 184.43kN (total)
Max TWR: 1.48
Internal Fuel: 5,670L
External Fuel: 1x1,520L + 2x1,150L (3,820L total)

Flight Performance
Max Speed (sea level): 1,400km/h (Mach 1.13)
Max Speed (11km): 2,300km/h (Mach 2.16)
Max Climb Rate (sea level): 260m/s
Max Load: +8.5/-4g
Ceiling: 17,400m

Armament
GSh-30-1 30mm cannon
100 rounds

Suspended loads distributed over 8 under-wing hardpoints and one under-fuselage one
Air-to-Air:
8x R-60M
8x R-73
4x R-27R/T/ER/ET (inner, inner-middle pylons)
8x R-77

Air-to-Ground:
6x Kh-25ML (inner, inner-middle, outer-middle)
6x Kh-29L/T/TD (inner, inner-middle, outer-middle)
2x S-25O/OF/OFM/LD (inner?)
4x KAB-500L/Kr (inner, inner-middle)
16x FAB-250 (double pylons? quadruple on inner, inner-middle, centerline?)
9x FAB-500 (additionally on centerline?)
4x ZB-500 (inner, inner-middle)
4x B-8M1 pod (20x S-8 each) (inner, inner-middle)
4x B-13L pod (5x S-13 each) (inner, inner-middle)
4x S-24B (inner, inner-middle)

Other:

4x Kh-31A (inner, inner-middle)

Supersonic IOG/ARH antiship missile entering service in 1984. Comparable to the AS.34. Would be very niche as it can’t target ground targets but would be very interesting to see not just for the MiG-29K but a number of other vehicles that carry it

4x Kh-35 (inner, inner-middle)

Subsonic IOG/ARH antiship cruise missile. Only entered service in the 2000s but then again so did the MiG-29K.

4x Kh-31P (inner, inner-middle)

Antiradiation version of the Kh-31A, entering service in 1988. Three models are available with different seeker bands.

6x Kh-25MP (inner, inner-middle, outer-middle)

Antiradiation variant of the Kh-25ML, entering service in 1981. Tuned to counter the MIM-23 Hawk and variants.

6x Kh-25MPU (inner, inner-middle, outer-middle)

Upgraded version of the Kh-25MP entering service in 1990. Designed to destroy the Roland and Crotale/Crotale NG (ITO90) systems and now with IOG.

Fuel:
1x 1,500L drop tank (fuselage)
2x 1,150L drop tank (inner)

Avionics
N010 Zhuk Pulse-Doppler Radar
Air-to-air and air-to-ground modes
12 air targets tracked, 4 engaged
Can detect and track moving or stationary ground targets
Terrain following

OLS-M optoelectronic suite
IRST, air-to-air and air-to-ground modes
TV channel for ground strike
Laser rangefinder/designator

SOI-29K data presentation system
Integrated HUD
Two CRT MFDs

L-150 Pastel RWR
Mak-F MAWS

Gardeniye-1FU radar jammer
2x BVP-60-26 countermeasures dispensers (120 countermeasures total)

Schchel-3UM HMS

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The MiG-29K (9.31) in-game

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The MiG-29K (9.31) would make for an excellent 13.7 fighter following the Yak-141. Honestly I’m surprised that it wasn’t added in Hornet’s Sting as it’s the natural counterpart to the F-18C, though not quite as powerful especially now the Hornets have AIM-120Cs. The 9.31 would also lay the groundwork for the future addition of the MiG-29KR (9.41r).
Performance-wise, the MiG-29K would be in many ways similar to the MiG-29SMT (which was a budget development of the MiG-29M, the land-based counterpart of the MiG-29K) but in many other ways it’d be a dramatic improvement. So instead of a usual pros and cons list this time we’ll be comparing the MiG-29K with the SMT.

Pros

• ~13% more thrust
• Additional pair of armament hardpoints
• Greatly improved agility
• Twice as many countermeasures! Though 120 is still pretty disappointing
• Upgraded RWR
• MAWS
• 3x as many Kh-29s
• Access to wider variety of CAS ordinance including laser-guided munitions

Cons

• ~8% heavier
• Slightly slower top speed
• Less powerful radar
• Less cannon rounds

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Gallery

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312 on the deck with R-27 and R-73

A close look at the wing folding mechanism

The folding wings allowed for more efficient stowage

Standard antiair and antiship loadouts

Inside the cockpit

Almost the title image but it wasn’t available in a high enough resolution

312’s new 21st century livery

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Sources

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“Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum”- Yefim Gordon
MiG-29K: The Naval Fulcrum – Battle Machines
MiG-29K/9.31 (Fulcrum D) :: Ruslet
Russia's MiG-29K Aircraft Carrier Fighter Is Now In Limbo - 19FortyFive
MiG-29KR/KUBR (Fulcrum K) :: Ruslet

[JamesPond1200-psn]

You, uh… didn’t make the poll functional. I can’t vote!

[PlayedStatue626-live]

I would +1… If I could

[ILuvAnneHathaway]

+1 for the sea Fulcrum

[AydanL44100]

Hell yeah

[R_nminbiY_n]

Ok there’s nothing wrong with the poll code, I’ve edited the post and regenerated it and the poll still doesn’t work. Seems like a forum issue rn.

Worst case scenario, we may have to lock it and ask you to repost.

OK I fixed it, I still have no idea what the issue was. Apologies for your notification spam.

[Kingtiez-live]

+1, as a premium, I’d rather have the 9.41 as tech tree.

[AlvisWisla]

Both should be tech tree.

[iboopy]

Yea the 29K would fit perfectly after the Yak 141

[Perma_frost]

+1 would love to see this is the naval line and the 29M foldered with the SMT. Both all 13.7

Perhaps the MiG-29K 9.41r and the MiG-35 can go to 14.0 or higher depending if gaijin decompresses or adds new armament to Russian jets.

[iboopy]

I’d also love to see some of the more radical MiG-29s, such as the OVT. I do think russia should have a 9.12 instead of a 9.13 (Despite the 13 being used more, in game it’s 150? kg heavier than the other ones and looks worse)

[WalletWorrier]

whoops forgot to update my template after the I-22 had this same issue. Fixed!

[WalletWorrier]

Polls don’t work if there’s any quote blocks before them in the post. Dunno why. My bad, forgot to remove the quote block for the intro (this has happened before)

[WalletWorrier]

Agreed.
@Kingtiez-live
I’d forsee both as tech tree vehicles. The MiG-29KR would come at a later date and higher BR and have R-77-1, possibly R-77M, and R-74M (on top of its further improved engines and avionics including AESA)
Similar story to the MiG-29M (9.15) and MiG-35.
@iboopy
Maybe the OVT could be an event/premium?

[iboopy]

I’d hope something as unique as the OVT wouldn’t end up a premium, wouldn’t mind event too much as I don’t really see where it could go in the TT

[ILuvAnneHathaway]

OVT would make an awesome event vehicle imo, I would use it 24/7 for duels in custom lobbies.

[Perma_frost]

Im grinding for the 9.13 right now. 150kg isnt a huge difference but it can be noticeable is you are used to flying the 9.12. I think of it like the difference in weight for the french 2000-5F and taiwanese 2000. The taiwanese one is lighter by 150 or so kg, but in essence they play the same.

I personally think the 9.31 and 9.15 will kinda be like the F-15C and F-15E. The 15E is heavier but has more thrust (akin the the 9.31) while the 9.15 is lighter but has less thrust).

As for the 9.13 for the ussr IMO the least they can do is give it series 2 RD-33s, and potentially add a 9.13S at 13.0 with R73s and the R-27ER/ET, not to mention its upgraded Radar and ability to pull more AoA. :D

[kizvy]

@WalletWorrier

• Twice as many countermeasures! Though 120 is still pretty disappointing
• Upgraded RWR

how 9.31 get twice the number of cms compared to the smt if already gets 116 cms?

also, how is the rwr upgraded? doesn’t the 9.31 get the spo-15 rwr? only the 9.41 gets the l-150, l-150 didn’t exist in the 80s.

I don’t see the l-150 antennas on this plane.
IMO -1 from me, will be garbage and will basically be a worse 9.13. I say add the 9.41. Feel like you’re confusing 9.31 and 9.41 a lot in this post

[BasherBenDawg8]

More missiles is greatly appreciated, a wonderful aircraft they should have arrived long ago, and hopefully it’s later variants will show up as well.

[TheDogePro101]

+1. Would be a great refresher for the Yak’s line/interesting foundation for future naval aircraft