Russia tests upgraded MiG-29 fighter for IAF

The RSK MiG-29UPG had its maiden flight at the Gromov LII airfield near Moscow on 4 February. The MiG-29UPG has been developed by RSK MiG at the request of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

A Russian-Indian contract, worth $964 million, was signed on 7 March 2008 to upgrade 63 IAF MiG-29s.

Six MiG-29s, including four single and two twin-seaters, will be upgraded at the RSK MiG facilities in Russia while the remaining 57 are to be fitted at the IAF's eleventh aircraft repair plant in India.

Russia's RAC MiG Corporation has carried out the first test flight of an upgraded MiG-29 fighter for the Indian Air Force's $964 million upgrade programme for the fourth generation combat jets.

The maiden test flight of the MiG-29UPG took place at Zhukovski airfield of M M Gromov Flight Research Institute
The first six aircraft are being upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 will be refitted by HAL in India.

These upgrades include a new avionics kit, with its older radar being replaced by a Fazatron Zhuk-M radar.

The aircraft is also being equipped to enhance BVR (beyond-visual-range) combat ability and for mid-air refuelling to increase flying time.

Under the project Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) acquired a license in 2007 for the assembly of 120 RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines for the upgraded jets.


SOURCE: 10/02/11 - Flight Daily News - Rediff News

(10.02.2011)