MiG-35 / MiG-29M OVT / Fulcrum F

The MiG-35 (single seat) and MiG-35D (double seat) are the "4++" generation multi-role fighters, exhibiting the further development of the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 fighters in the field of the combat efficiency enhancement, universality and operational characteristics improvement. The Mikoyan MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F) is equipped with air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, as well as the Zhuk-A radar system. The MiG-35 is a multipurpose generation 4++ fighter and an advanced derivative of the original MiG-29 fighter. It is armed with a 30-mm cannon and carries 1,500 rounds of ammunition. It can carry up to 7,000 kg of payload on ten external pylons. It can also use various air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, guided and unguided rockets and bombs. The MiG-35 has a maximum speed of 2,700 kilometers an hour, an effective range of 1,000 kilometers and a service ceiling of 17,5000 meters.

The MiG-29M OVT (Fulcrum F) highly maneuverable air superiority fighter was shown for the first time in August 2005 during the MAKS Air Show outside Moscow. The single-seat fighter, also marketed for export as the MiG-35, is powered by RD-33 OVT thrust vectoring control engines. The RD-33 OVT engines provide superior maneuverability capability to the aircraft enhancing its performance in close air-to-air engagements. The unique performance characteristics of this aircraft are based on RD-33 OVT thrust vectoring control engines.

The MiG-35 enters into the new unified family of warplanes along with the MiG-29K/MiG-29KUB multipurpose front fighters. The elements in common for all fighters of the family are the design of the air frame, the power-plant, avionics and an adjustable vector of draft. Fighters of the family are executed in single and double variants, a degree of unification between which on a design and arms comes nearer to 100%.

Designer General of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Sergei Korotkov said 27 January 2017 that the fighter radar can track up to 30 targets simultaneously. "On-board radar can detect and track 10 to 30 targets simultaneously at a distance of 160 kilometers," - he said shortly. He stressed that the MiG-35 has high maneuverability, equipped with "optimal composition of the equipment," he airframe modified taking into account the ship's landing. Power plant - deeply modernized RD-33 MK modification, which is characterized by high stability, including the effects of weapons.

MiG-35 is able to occupy a favorable position to attack and would be the most efficient aircraft gain air superiority, he stressed general designer of the KLA. In addition, he said, the MiG-35 fighter will be able to fulfill the role tanker. "MiG-35 itself can act as a tanker, tucking in the air other aircraft auxiliary fuel tank can be installed on the copilot's seat." - Korotkov said. He also noted that "the aircraft engine can be replaced in the field for 58 minutes," stressing that it is one of the best in the world.

The main differences between the MiG-35 from other aircraft of the MiG-29 is the integration of the avionics information-sighting fifth generation systems, the application of advanced airborne weapons of Russian and foreign production, as well as enhanced combat stability achieved through the introduction of modern means of electronic warfare (EW). The design of the 35's based on the solutions implemented on ship-based fighter MiG-29K / KUB and MiG-29M / M2.

MiG-35 and its double-seat modification of the MiG-35D are designed to carry out tasks for the destruction of air, moving and stationary land and sea targets in all climates and weather conditions. Both aircraft have the same structure, a set of avionics and nomenclature airborne weapons. Double can be used as a combat training aircraft for training pilots of the MiG-35 family.

In addition, the design of modern fighter applied corrosion protection technology airframe and core systems, appropriate standards of ship-based fighter. This greatly facilitates the operation of aircraft in difficult climatic conditions. Also on the MiG-35 significantly reduced radar signature, set three-channel digital integrated remote control system with quadruple redundancy.

In developing the MiG-35 attention was paid to the improvement of performance. In particular, the increased reliability of aircraft, engines and avionics, increased durability and life of the airframe. According to statements of the corporation "MiG" flight hour cost of MiG-35 is almost 2.5 times lower than that of the MiG-29. For fighters had developed a set of technical and technological solutions to ensure the autonomy-based, such as the onboard oxygen station.

The story of the MiG-35 may be simpler than the interweaving of financial and bureaucratic delays and negligence of industrialists. The fact is that both MiG-35 and MiG-29SMT represent a deep modernization of the MiG-29. The difference is only in the amount of the modernization: the MiG-29SMT is a bit simpler than the "thirty-fifth". At the same time, with the modernized "twenty-ninth" Air Force of Russia, they are well acquainted - in their armament since 2008 there are 28 MiG-29SMT, which Algeria previously refused. Before the delivery to the troops, these aircraft were defective, repaired and modified for Russian requirements.

The existing developments already allow the installation of jet engines with a controlled thrust vector on the MiG-29SMT, and with time the Zhuk-A radars with an active phased array antenna will also allow. Part of the technology, including on-board radio electronic equipment used in the MiG-29SMT, is also used in the MiG-35. Thus, in the next few years, the military can get a fighter that will not be nearly as low as the "thirty-fifth", but it will be cheaper. At the same time, the MiG-29SMT project is also attractive due to the fact that it is possible to modernize the MiG-29 already available in the Russian Air Force.

The Russian military seems to have made the main bet on the development of a fleet of heavy Su-27, Su-30, Su-35 and T-50 (PAK FA) fighters in the Air Force and light deck MiG-29K / KUB in the Navy. Given the vicissitudes with which the MiG-35 project has been encountered in recent years, it is impossible to state unambiguously that the new aircraft will eventually be put into service by the Russian Air Force.

MiG is ready to completely replace the entire fleet of MiG-29 aircraft with new MiG-35. The current production capacity of the corporation "MiG" can produce annually more than 30 aircraft.