Mikoyan MiG-29M - Variants

Variants

MiG-29M / MiG-33 (Product 9.15)

Advanced single-seat multi-role variant, with a redesigned airframe, mechanical flight controls replaced by a fly-by-wire system and powered by enhanced RD-33 ser.3M engines. NATO reporting code is 'Fulcrum-E'.

MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61)

Two-seat training variant of the MiG-29M. Never built. Effectively continued under the designation 'MiG-29M2'.

MiG-29SMT (Product 9.17)

In 1998 a decision was made by the Defense Ministry to launch a quantity-modernization program of the MiG-29 fighters. Extensive modernization was planned only for the aircraft produced through the previous decade. The modernization program started in September 1998 by the Kubinka military aircraft-repair plant and the MAPO MiG. The first batch of 10 to 15 MiG-29SMTs was delivered before the end of the year. In 1999, a total of 20 to 30 MiG-29 fighters were modernized into the MiG-29SMT configuration. Starting from the year 2000, the program's annual modernization rate was expected to reach 40 MiG-29SMTs. The overall plan provides for modernization of 150 MiG-29s to the MiG-29SMT status, 120 more to the MiG-29UBT status and the acquisition of 30 MIG-35s, with the remainder of the older MiG-29s to be withdrawn from service.

An upgrade package of the first-generation MiG-29s (9.12 to 9.13) containing many enhancements intended for the MiG-29M. Additional fuel tanks in a further enlarged spine provide a maximum flight range of 2,100 km (on internal fuel). The cockpit has an enhanced HOTAS design, two 152 × 203 mm (6 × 8 inch) colour liquid crystal MFDs and two smaller monochrome LCDs. The upgraded Zhuk-ME radar provides similar features to the MiG-29M. The power plant are upgraded RD-33 ser.3 engines with afterburning thrust rated the same at 8,300 kgf (81.4 kN) each. The weapons load was increased to 4,500 kg on six underwing and one ventral hardpoints, with similar weapon choices as for the MiG-29M variant. The upgraded aircraft has also a painted path for non-Russian origin avionics and weapons.

MiG-29UBT (Product 9.51T)

SMT standard upgrade for the MiG-29UB. Namely users, Algeria and Yemen.

MiG-29M2 / MiG-29MRCA

Two-seat version of MiG-29M. Identical characteristics to MiG-29M, with a slightly reduced ferry range of 1,800 km. RAC MiG presented in various air shows, to name a few, Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE 2004), AERO INDIA 2005, MAKS 2005. It was once given designation MiG-29MRCA for marketing purpose and has evolved into the MiG-35.