OVERVIEW: The MiG-29M2 aka Izdeliye 9-15 aka "Fulcrum E” is a single seat, twin engine, medium-range, all-weather, 4th generation air superiority fighter capable of BVR engagements. It also has a ground attack capability.

DETAILS:   Similar in concept to the USAF's heavy weight/light weight F-15/F-16 fighter fleet mix, the MiG-29 was developed as a lightweight and more affordable fighter to complement the heavier Su-27. 

The MiG-29M was designed to partially remedy the Fulcrum A's short range, and capability by giving it a true multi-role capability. The MiG-29M introduced a new airframe and LERX design and a fly-by-wire control systems to improve maneuverability at high AoA. To save weight, the airframe was constructed of aluminum-lithium alloy, and the use of composites was increased.

The MiG-29M featured increased internal fuel tankage by 1500 liters over the original 9-12 design by reducing the ammunition for the gun to only one hundred rounds, and modifying the FOD protection system, increasing the aircraft's range by almost 40%. The range was further increased by adding an inflight-refueling (IFR) probe and the capability to carry three drop tanks. 

The MiG-29M improved on the Fulcrum A's dog-fighting performance. It is very agile, capable of performing sustained 9 g turns.
It has excellent instantaneous and sustained turn performance, and a high AoA capability. An overridable AoA limiter prevents the aircraft from exceeding max AoA and departing controlled flight. For close-range/low-speed dogfighting, the Fulcrum's nose can easily be pointed using rudder. The improvements to its airframe and flight control system increased the MiG-29M's handling in low-speed/close-in dogfighting. The MiG-29M's canopy height was increased, resulting in improved forward and side-on visibility. 

  It also incorporated the N010 Zhuk pulse-Doppler radar, enabling simultaneous dual-target engagements of up to four targets, as well as providing an air-to-ground capability. MiG-29Ms can also use the BVR-capable R-27R1 (AA-10 ALAMO) and the R-77 (AA-12 ARCHER), as well as the close-in R-73 (AA-11 ARCHER). It also increased the number of hardpoints to eight and strengthening the wing to allow up to 4,500 kg of ordinance. For ground-attack, the MiG-29M could be equipped with a variety of gravity bombs and rockets, as well as guided ordinance such as the AS-12 KEDGE, AS-17 KRYPTON and the AS-22. The capacity of the internal chaff dispenser increased to 120 rounds, and the wing tips modified to incorporate EW systems. Like the Fulcrum C, the pilot MiG-29M had provisions for a helmet-mounted sight for cuing IR-homing missiles onto an off-boresight target up to 45° from the Fulcrum's nose. 

The MiG-29M is powered by two widely-spaced RD-33K afterburning turbofans, each producing 12,120 lbs. of thrust (military) or 19,400 lbs. at afterburner. The design cruising-speed is 920 knots, and the aircraft has a high thrust-to-weight ratio. The powerplant incorporates an IR and optical signature visibility reduction system.

The MiG-29 retained earlier Fulcrum's capability for rough-field operations, with a reinforced landing gear and a simplified FOD protection system borrowed from the Su-27.

NOTES: IOC: 2005 (approximate) Did not enter service with Russia, but variations sold to foreign customers.


SOURCE: Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017, (Kindel ed., locations 4055; 4087, 4102; 4328, 4392; Gordon, Yefim, Mikoyan Mig-29: Famous Russian Aircraft. 2006, pg. 24-25; "Military Aviation." Military Aviation. Accessed October 9, 2022. https://sirviper.com/index.php?page=fighters/mig-29/mig-29a.
