The MiG-29 (NATO reporting name: Fulcrum) is a Soviet twin-engine heavy front-line fighter of the 4th generation with trapezoidal strip wings. The sheer number of MiG-29s produced between 1977 and 1992, over 1,000, proves the potential of this aircraft. In fact, it should be included in the group of 3 or 4 most important 4th generation fighters in the world currently in service. The MiG-29 was developed in the 1970s as a design that could match or even surpass the combat capabilities of fighters from the then hostile Western camp. And it must be admitted that it is in no way inferior to, for example, the F-16, and in many elements, such as a powerful twin-engine engine, it surpasses its American competitor. Since the MiG-29 was designed to be serviced as quickly as possible, even in the field and by mechanics with minimal experience, any repair can actually be done in a flash. It is hard to imagine, but 5 mechanics are able to replace and test an engine in less than an hour! The Fulcrum's extraordinary capabilities do not end there. In the event of a drive problem, even at full load, it can start one engine and then fire the other in the air. The MiG-29's permanent armament is the 30 mm GSh-301 cannon, known for its accuracy. External units can carry air-to-air missiles of the ZRK-10, ZRK-11 or ZRK-8 class, as well as UB-32-57 or unguided, but larger, S-8K missiles for combating ground targets. Several versions of this successful fighter were created. The most important of them are, among others, the first serial, that is, the MiG-29 (Fulcrum-A) with the S-29 "Topaz" radar and the OEPrNk-29 optoelectronic system. Another development is the MiG-29M (Fulcrum-E) with the S-29M "Zhuk" radar with an increased range and a better guidance and aiming system. Instead of the RD-33, more powerful RD-33K engines were also used. An electric remote control system of the aircraft was also used. Technical data: length: 17.37 m, wingspan: 11.4 m, height: 4.73 m, maximum speed: 2400 km/h, climb rate: 330 m/s, maximum flight range: 2100 km, maximum ceiling 18,000 m, armament: stationary – 1 30-mm GSh-301 cannon, outboard (version M) – up to 5,000 kg of cargo.
