Super Fulcrum has not been created
MiG ОКB had greater plans on creation new, much more powerful, variants of МiG-29 fighter. This program had designation МiG-29М and had three stages of realization. Basic MiG-29A had one lack - small range of flight. The fighter could fly on range of 2500 km that was even less than range of American fighter F-16A.
МiG-29М. The plane has been created in 1986 and had volume of internal fuel tanks 5700 l, that on 1500 l it is more than on МiG-29А. Range of flight has made 3000-3200 km that was almost equal to range F-16C. But the Soviet designers have decided to modernize even more the plane and have started to work above programs МiG-29М1, МiG-29М2 and МiG-29М3.
МiG-29М1. This plane should have more lengths, than basic version МiG-29М due to installation of an additional fuel tank №4 (in front of engines) and increases in volume of a fuel tank №3. Thus, the volume of internal fuel tanks should be increased up to 7000 l.
МiG-29М2. This plane which has kept the normal aerodynamic scheme should have canard in nose parts of the plane (such scheme in the Russian press it has received the name «triplan»). But, the most important, the plane should have the increased area covered with almost twice increased stock of fuel in wings tanks.
МiG-29М3. The plane should have higher characteristics due to the increased volume of a fuel tank №2 and to have a new fuel tank №5, also to receive system of refuelling in air. The volume of internal fuel tanks should make 8000 l. On range of flight this version should not concede to Su-27 intercept fighter.
Also version МiG-29ESh (experimental, assault) which should have the increased fighting loading up to 5000 kg was developed. The plane should have an opportunity to use the precision weapon, had booking the most important parts airframe. It is interesting, that into structure of arms of the plane should enter also ATM (ant-tank-missile). The maximal take-off weight made 25.500 kg. МиГ-29ESh should have new engines with thrust 97 kN (9900 kg).
But all these versions have not been developed, because command of the Air Forces has decided to direct means for modernization of Su-27 fighters. But within 1990-2006 the Russian Air Forces have not received any modernized fighter of this type. The modernized planes only on export have been created. The Algerian and Venezuelan variants have been developed single Su-27SK and two-seat Su-30MK, MKK, MK2 multi-purpose fighters for the Chinese Air Forces, Su-30MK1 and MKI for the Indian Air Force, and also for the Vietnam, Malaysia…
At MAPO (Moscow Aviation Production Organization) there were not used 73 almost constructed MiG-29 planes. On their basis
Leonid NIKOLAEV,
May, 30, 2008
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