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Mikoyan MiG-29 (Fulcrum)

The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a twin-engine jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union by the Mikoyan design bureau as an air superiority fighter during the 1970s. It was meant to be the answer to the U.S. built F-15 and F-16.

Mikoyan Mig-29 of the Polish Air Force
Mikoyan Mig-29 of the Polish Air Force

It made its first flight in 1977 and entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1982.

It was oriented towards combat against any enemy aircraft, but many MiG-29s have been modified as multirole fighters capable of performing a number of different operations. They are sometimes equipped to use a range of air-to-surface armaments and precision munitions.

The MiG-29's wings are swept-back and tapered with square tips. The aircraft’s fixed-wing profile with large wing leading-edge root extensions gives good manoeuvrability and control at subsonic speeds, including manoeuvres at high angles of attack. It can fly at Mach 2.2.

The MiG-29 has been manufactured in several major variants. The MiG-29K is the carrier-based version. A two-seater version, MiG-29M2, took its maiden flight in 2001.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the air forces of several former Soviet republics have continued to operate the MiG-29, the largest of which is the Russian Air Force. The MiG-29 has also been a popular export aircraft; more than 30 nations either operate or have operated the aircraft in their air forces.

Over 1,600 MiG-19s have been built.

MiG-29 Photos

Mikoyan MiG-29 of the Polish Air Force (Photos by DELEHELLE Eric)
Mikoyan Mig-29 of the Polish Air Force
Cockpit view of a Mikoyan Mig-29 of the Polish Air Force
Tail view of the Mikoyan Mig-29 of the Polish Air Force
Engines of the Mikoyan Mig-29 of the Polish Air Force
Mikoyan Mig-29 of the Polish Air Force in flight