Carrier-based aircraft

Mig-29K Fulcrum

The MiG-29K was initiated in 1984 as a Russian Air Force development program for a multi-role fighter, and in 1989 - 1991 the MiG-29K underwent tests aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying cruiser. The MiG-29K differed from the MiG-29 production model, featuring a new multi-function radar, dubbed Zhuk; a cabin with monochrome display and use of the HOTAS (hands-on-throttle-and-stick) principle; the RVV-AE air-to-air active homing missiles; antiship and antiradar missiles; as well as air-to-ground precision-guided weapons.

The development of the MiG-29K aircraft was preceded by the deck landing trials carried out on several prototypes using the carrier-based navigation equipment and arrester hook. The MiG-29E first flight was performed on 23 July 1988 by test pilot T.Aubakirov.On 1 November 1989, in the same day with the SU-27K, Aubakirov executed the first landing of MiG-29K on the "Tbilisi" aircraft carrier deck ( its present name is "Admiral Kuznetsov"). Then the first take-off of the MiG-29K from the carrier-s deck was successfully performed. The fighter is provided with the folding wings and stabilizer. It has the wings of increased area and arrester hook. To protect the engine from FOD, the inlet channel has a retractable grill.

The MiG-29K multirole carrier-based fighter is designed to air cover the ship grouping, gain air superiority and destroy sea surface and ground targets with guided high-precision weapons, day and night, in any weather. The aircraft is optimized for deployment on carriers of medium water displacement.

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