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MiG-29 (NATO: Fulcrum)

Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

Soviet twin-engine air superiority and multirole fighter — counterpart to F-16
🚀
MAX SPEED
Mach 2.25
2,400 km/h
📅
FIRST FLIGHT
1977
Service 1983
✈️
Speed Ranking
#37 fastest of 146 aircraft in this database

✈️ Full Specifications

DesignationMiG-29 (NATO: Fulcrum)
ManufacturerMikoyan
Country🇷🇺 Russia
First Flight1977
Service Entry1983
Crew1
Length17.32 m (56.8 ft)
Wingspan11.36 m (37.3 ft)
Height4.73 m (15.5 ft)
Empty Weight11,000 kg (24,255 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight18,000 kg (39,690 lb)
Max Speed (Mach)2.25
Max Speed2,400 km/h
Climb Rate330 m/s (64961 ft/min)
Engine2 × Klimov RD-33
Thrust (each)Dry 50 kN · AB 81.4 kN
Production1,600
Unit Cost$29.0M USD

🌐 Operators

🇷🇺 Russia🇮🇳 India🇮🇷 Iran✈️ Algeria✈️ Belarus✈️ Bulgaria✈️ Cuba✈️ Egypt✈️ Hungary✈️ Kazakhstan✈️ Malaysia🇰🇵 North Korea✈️ Peru✈️ Poland✈️ Romania✈️ Slovakia✈️ Sudan✈️ Syria✈️ Turkmenistan✈️ Ukraine✈️ Uzbekistan✈️ Yemen

🔁 Variants

  • MiG-29A/B — Original air superiority
  • MiG-29S — Enhanced fuel capacity, R-77 missile compatibility
  • MiG-29SMT — Modernised, glass cockpit
  • MiG-29M/M2 — Significant redesign, fly-by-wire
  • MiG-29K/KUB — Carrier-based, INS Vikramaditya
  • MiG-29UB — Two-seat trainer

⚔️ Armament

Internal cannon: 1× GSh-30-1 30mm (150 rounds) Air-to-air: R-27 / R-77 / R-73 / R-60 Air-to-ground: bombs, rocket pods, S-24/-25

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.

🎯 Dogfight King

The MiG-29 is renowned for its supermaneuverability — it can perform post-stall maneuvers that most Western fighters cannot match. The Fulcrum was the first Soviet fighter with true look-down/shoot-down radar capability and a genuine beyond-visual-range combat ability.

📋 Specifications

  • Max Speed: Mach 2.25 (2,400 km/h)
  • Range: 1,430 km
  • Engines: 2x Klimov RD-33 turbofans
  • First Flight: 1977
  • Built: 1,600+
  • Country: Soviet Union / Russia

🎬 Video

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the MiG-29?

The MiG-29 has a top speed of Mach 2.25 (1,490 mph / 2,400 km/h).

How does the MiG-29 compare to the F-16?

The MiG-29 has superior speed and climb rate; the F-16 has better range, avionics, and sustained turn performance. Modern F-16 variants are generally superior.

How many MiG-29s were built?

Over 1,600 MiG-29s in various variants.

Is the MiG-29 still in service?

Yes. Over 30 nations operate it. Some have been supplied to Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war.

References & Sources

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✈️
Sean

Aviation enthusiast and curator of the Supersonic & Aerospace Encyclopedia. Sean has been passionate about different kinds of flight since he was little and maintains detailed specs and history for every aircraft and spacecraft featured on this site.

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