MiG-29

The Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum is an advanced 4th gen. air superiority fighter, designed in the Soviet Union. It first flew Oct. 7, 1977, and entered service in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force, as well as many other nations.

Over 1200 examples of this very capable, incredibly agile fighter have been built and the type has been exported widely. The radar of this aircraft can track ten targets up to 152 miles away and enables look-down-shoot-down capability, while the pilot's helmet-mounted display allow him to direct air-to-air missiles wherever the pilot looks.

The Mig is also designed for rough-field operations, special doors seal off the main air intakes to protect against F.O.D. or foreign object debris, during start up and taxing. Air is drawn in via louvres in the wingroots instead and as the aircraft takes off the inlet doors open, this ability probably allows the MiG to take off at the airfield in the level Cliff Hanger.

The Russians have begun to upgrade some MiG-29s to MiG-29SMT standard by increasing the range and payload, new computer screens replacing cockpit instruments, as well as improved radar and inflight refueling capability.

The MiG-29 armament can include, one 30mm cannon, six underwing hardpoints carrying up to 6,615lb of weapons, including six air to air missiles, or rockets and bombs. Its power plant is twin Klimov RD-33 turbojets producing 18,300lbs of thrust per engine.

The empty weight of the MiG is 24,030lbs while its max take-off weight is 40,785lbs, it has a max speed of 1518mph, a max altitude of 59,060 feet, a max range of 1863 miles, and a climb rate of 65,000ft a minute.