# Mig-62PM Fulcrum V

Mig-29 of the German Luftwaffe (Air Force) nose on.
Image Source: Paul Nann's Aviation Gallery
  The Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-29 was introduced into service in 1987. The Fulcrum, as it became known, heralded a new generation of fighters for the USSR. When the USSR became the CIS, the Fulcrum stayed in the militaries inventory. It had good foreign sales, with India and Syria the main buyers, as well as other countries.
  However, it soon became apparent that the Mig-29 fighter fell short of expectations (which is why you see more versions of the Su-27, the Mig-29 wasn't really a "growth" type of airplane) and was modified. Some of the main objection was the limited range, and the fact that the plane was unsuited to BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat. The radar first installed could track up to two targets, and engage up to one target. It was also reported to be unreliable, and the navigation system, as well as the Radar Warning Reciever (RWR). In 1982, when the fighter was just entering service, it was upgraded. Named the Mig-29S ("Fulcrum-C"), the system was allegedly compromised by a spy, who was subsequently shot. Introduced in 1984, the Mig-29S featured a N019M Topaz radar system. This allowed the Fulcrum-C to engage up to two targets in BVR combat. This also allowed the plane to carry the R-77 ("AMRAAMski"), as well as R-27E extended range semi-active radar homing AAM. The fighter's maximum AoA (Angle of Attack) was increased from 22 degrees to 28 degrees. Other improvements included nominal things such as avionics, radios, as well as the ability to carry drop tanks to improve it's range. The old ant-FOD doors were removed and replaced with titanium grills (like the ones on the Su-27). This not only reduced weight, but increased the fuel considerably. Also added was a detachable inflight refuelling system, as well as the short range radio for in-flight refuelling was also moderinized.
  The Mig-62PM has been modified over the years, one major improvement has been the upgunning of the Fulcrum III. The addition of hardpoints on the intake added firepower to the aircraft which added some prestige to the aircraft. This allowed the earlier versions to compete with the Su-27 series of aircraft. Also, the vectored engines mounted on the Su-56 are also mounted, as well as forward canards to improve it's maneuverability. A retractable refuelling probe is also installed to increase it's endurance on missions, as well as MFD's included in the earlier variants. The modern day Mig-62PM is still obsolete, as the frame is nearly 80 years old, and numerous upgrades over the years have extended the life of the Fulcrum fighter. One important modification to the overall design was a reworked cockpit and canopy, allowing 360 vision.

  Handling | Speed | Body | Armor | Signature | Autopilot | Cost
  3 | 875/1550* | 5 | 15 | 3 | 5 | 19M¥

  Seating: 1 bucket seat (1 + 1 for two-seat version)
  Access: 1 canopy
  Economy: 1 km per liter
  Cargo: 2 underseat (+ 2) + 2 storage
  Fuel: 2,000 liters (1,950 two-seat)
  Sensors: Military I (6)
  ECM/ECCM: Military II (5)/Military II (5)
  Additional Features: One hardpoint mounted Vigilant rotary cannon with a 500 round belt. Available is one inner wing hardpoint with 10 CF capacity, three outer wing hardpoints with 6 CF capacity. Also mounted on the intakes is a single hardpoint with a 4 CF capacity each. A fly-by- wire system is installed. See below for more information .
  *Increase max speed to 2,700kph on afterburner, and Economy is 6 liters per kilometer.
  Like the Su-56, the Mig-62 has the same maneuvering equipment as the Su-56, allowing exceptional combat maneuvers in combat. With the addition of upgraded electronics, composite frame with added armor increases the plane considerably. The canards give a -2 modifier to all maneuvering tests required, as well as the engines giving a -1 modifier. And yes, I know the photo doesn't reflect my mods, but if it does, rest assured I will put it up!
  Comments?
  Me.
  Homepage
  Information from various sources on the web and Janes Defence Weekly, as well as my imagination. , 1996, 1997.