special
During the past hours, the spotlight has been on the MiG-29 fighters, after Poland and Slovakia announced that they would send a batch of them to Ukraine, as part of their military support for Kiev in the face of the Russian forces.
These Soviet fighters are uniquely distinguished by their amazing maneuverability and great speed, which raises questions about their ability to influence the battlefield?
To answer this, the military and strategic analyst, Major General Muhammad Al-Thalji explained to Al-Arabiya.net, that the MiG-29 is a modern aircraft with very large combat capabilities, capable of maneuvering, reaching targets, and firing missiles from long distances.
Number factor
He added that the efficiency of this aircraft in the course of the battles in Ukraine depends on several factors, the first of which is its number because of its impact and effectiveness, especially since Poland has announced sending only 4 fighters so far.
He also indicated that the other factor depends on Ukraine’s experience in using this type of aircraft and providing spare parts that can be used. He said that the employment of aircraft in the operations and roles that will be assigned to them has a great role and importance.
The Russian Air Force is very big
In addition, he added that if countries send sufficient numbers of these aircraft, they will have an impact, perhaps in assigning operations and combat forces, but he stressed that the Russian air force is much larger than what Kiev possesses, and it produces different types of fighters, including the MiG and Sukhoi in various versions. .
The MiG-29 is a fourth-generation supersonic fighter that can be compared to American fighters such as the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet or the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The fight is short
Its main task is to destroy hostile air targets, within the limits of radar coverage, and to destroy ground targets using unguided weapons in visible flight conditions, according to migflug.
MiG-29 (AFP)
The fixed wing profile with large wing leading edge root spans provides good maneuverability and control at subsonic speeds, including maneuvers at high angles of attack.
There are about 1,600 fighters in operation around the world and about 600 of them are in service with the Russian Air Force.
MiG-29 weapons
The fighter is equipped with seven external hardpoints for weapons, and can carry up to two medium-range R-27 air-to-air missiles.
And six short-range air-to-air missiles R-73 and R-60 and four pods of unguided S-5, S-8 and S-24 missiles, according to the “airforce-technology” website.
In addition to aerial bombs weighing up to 3000 kg and a 30 mm aircraft cannon integrated with 150 rounds of ammunition.
MiG-29 (AFP)
targeting systems
The fighter is also equipped with a radar information and fire control system, which includes the N-019 radar developed by Phazotron Research and Production Company in Moscow.
an infrared search and track sensor, a laser rangefinder and a helmet-mounted target designator.
As for long-range air combat, it uses radar guidance for the R-27 missile.
MiG-29 (AFP)
It is noteworthy that the MiG-29 was developed in the seventies by the Mikoyan Design Bureau. It made its first test flight in 1976 and entered service with the Soviet Air Force in the mid-1980s.
It was exported to many developing countries, as well as the Warsaw Pact countries, and is still in service with the Russian Air Force and many other countries.