The MiG-29 is a state of the art single-seat all-weather air superiority fighter developed in the 1970s by Russia's world famous Mikoyan Gurevich design bureau and becoming operational in 1983 and was given the codename "Fulcrum" by NATO. Since the initial introduction of the MiG-29 the design has been regularly improved, the latest versions being the MiG-29SMT and MiG-29M1/M2.
Surprisingly in 1997, the US purchased 21 aircraft for evaluation and analysis from Moldova, although it has been suggested this was in fact to ensure the aircraft could not be sold to Iran where they could have become a very capable defensive force. The MiG-29 is currently in service with numerous air-forces around the world, it's major users being Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Poland, Syria, and
finally the two largest users Russia and the Ukraine. MiG-29 "Fulcrum" Specifications: Crew: Pilot only Length: 17.37 m (57 ft) Wingspan: 11.4 m (37 ft 3 in) Height: 4.73 m (15 ft 6 in) Empty weight: 11,000 kg (24,250 lb) Maximum takeoff weight: 21,000 kg (46,300 lb) Engines: Twin 8300 kgf Klimov RD-33 afterburning turbofans Maximum speed: Mach 2.3 - 2,445 km/h (1,518 mph) Combat Range: 700 km (430 mi) Ferry Range: 2,900 km (1,800 mi) Service ceiling: 18,013 m / 59 060 ft (59,100 ft) Rate of climb: 330 m/s (65,000 ft/min)
Armament: Single 150 round 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon Up to 3,500 kg (7,720 lb) of munitions which can include six mixed air-to-air missiles and S-24, AS-12 or AS-14 ECM Pods
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