The MiG-29 is a Russian made plane for the past, present, and future. It is arguably the most agile, and best dogfighter in the world. It is structurally similar to the American F-15 Eagle, but has the small size of the
F-18 Hornet. The MiG-29 has a relativly old style cockpit, but would be a match to any western fighter now in service. An upgrade project saw a new
MiG- 29M prototyped. This new version included fly-by-wire controls, improved FLIR systems, a larger tailplane, modern missiles, a new 30-mm cannon (replacing the old 28-mm version.), and brand new engines fetueing new single crystal blade technology. Because of the present Russian econemy, and the government favour for the Su-37 "Flanker", the project and development came to a hault. There is hope still for the MiG- 29M, as it is being reborn in the new MiG-35, with all the same upgrades plus thrust vectoring, and a partial glass cockpit. It is uncertain whether this variant will be produced. |
