Facts summary and sources
Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum: speed field: Mach 2.3 (Published specification). First flight: 1977.
This is a secondary compilation. A source-check date applies only to the listed claim, not to the whole page or its translation. A page update is not a source check.
Sources and check records
- National Museum of the US Air Force: MiG-29A โ Early MiG-29A maximum speed is listed as approximately Mach 2.3. [Approximate published specification] ยท Source checked for this claim: 2026-09-28
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: MiG-29A โ The MiG-29 first flew on October 6, 1977. [Reported first flight] ยท Event date: 1977-10-06 ยท Source checked for this claim: 2026-09-28
โ๏ธ Full Specifications
| Designation | MiG-29 (NATO: Fulcrum) |
| Manufacturer | Mikoyan |
| Country | ๐ท๐บ Russia |
| First flight | 1977 |
| Service Entry | 1983 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Length | 17.32 m (56.8 ft) |
| Wingspan | 11.36 m (37.3 ft) |
| Height | 4.73 m (15.5 ft) |
| Empty Weight | 11,000 kg (24,255 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 18,000 kg (39,690 lb) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.3 |
| Speed evidence basis | Published specification |
| Climb Rate | 330 m/s (64961 ft/min) |
| Engine | 2 ร Klimov RD-33 |
| Thrust (each) | Dry 50 kN ยท AB 81.4 kN |
| Production | 1,600 |
| Unit Cost | $29.0M USD |
๐ Operators
๐ Variants
- MiG-29A/B โ Original air superiority
- MiG-29S โ Enhanced fuel capacity, R-77 missile compatibility
- MiG-29SMT โ Modernised, glass cockpit
- MiG-29M/M2 โ Significant redesign, fly-by-wire
- MiG-29K/KUB โ Carrier-based, INS Vikramaditya
- MiG-29UB โ Two-seat trainer
โ๏ธ Armament
MiG-29 Fulcrum
The MiG-29 was designed as a lightweight air superiority fighter to counter the American F-16 and F/A-18. Its combination of helmet-mounted sight and R-73 missiles made it deadly in close combat.
๐ฏ Sensors and Close-Range Combat
The early MiG-29 combined radar, an infrared sensor and a helmet-mounted sight. These features matter to close-range engagements, but a display manoeuvre or a single specification cannot establish superiority over every Western fighter. Later MiG-29 variants also differ in avionics and flight controls.
๐ Specifications
- Max Speed: Approximately Mach 2.3 (early MiG-29A; museum specification)
- Range: 1,430 km
- Engines: 2x Klimov RD-33 turbofans
- First Flight: 1977
- Built: 1,600+
- Country: Soviet Union / Russia
๐ฌ Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the MiG-29?
The National Museum of the US Air Forceโs MiG-29A fact sheet lists approximately Mach 2.3. This page follows that early-variant, rounded published figure; it does not treat it as a newly measured record or assign a fixed km/h conversion. Other references may use different variants or rounding.
How does the MiG-29 compare to the F-16?
The answer depends on variant, weapons, sensors, fuel and training. Early MiG-29 helmet-cued missiles were significant in close combat, but that alone does not establish an overall winner against every F-16 version.
How many MiG-29s were built?
Over 1,600 MiG-29s in various variants.
Is the MiG-29 still in service?
MiG-29 service histories include both active and retired national fleets. An operator list must be dated and checked country by country; it should not be read as a current count of all nations flying the type.