The Mikoyan MiG-35 is the latest incarnation of the successful light-weight MiG-29 Fulcrum series. With an increase to its MTOW as much as 30 percent, the MiG-35 is now considered in the medum weight class. The aircraft is codenamed "Fulcrum-F" by NATO and is considered a full-fledged multi-role platform utilizing the latest in targeting and tracking systems comparable to Western aircraft types. The aircraft is intended as an export product and is adaptable to various Western systems to open the product up more favorably to the market. The MIG-35 is a further development of the MiG-29M series and features advancements made through the MiG-29K model as well.
As of this writing, the MiG-35 exists in a handful of working flyable prototype forms with the aircraft's initial official appearance coming at Aero India 2007. It is currently being offered to India as the Mikoyan solution to Indian multi-role aircraft needs. Among the contenders are the venerable American Lockheed Martin F-16 Falcon and Boeing/McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Super Hornet models, the French Dassault Rafale, the Swedish SAAB JAS 39 Gripen and the European consortium Eurofighter Typhoon. Some 125 aircraft are expected to be purchased from this preliminary single order by India.
In terms of finding equal footing with its Western counterparts, the MiG-35 does just that in sporting three large liquid-crystal multi-function displays as opposed to the old Soviet/Russian trademark design philosophy of incorporating analog electronic dials. In the two-seat version of the MiG-35, the rear cockpit features no fewer than an additional four multi-function displays of this type. Perhaps the most important upgrade to the life of the series is the inclusion of the powerful Phazotron Zhuk-AE active electronically-scanned array offering improved target tracking (improved array range for early detection, multiple target tracking, etc...) and enemy target avoidance. Targets can be designated through the helmet mounted system in both air-to-air and air-to-surface modes. Air-to-air detection can occur as far away as 45 kilometers while air-to-surface detection is within 20 kilometers. Beyond the advanced radar and targeting systems, the MiG-35 will feature a higher-rated engine capable of 19,840lbf and afterburn. The engines can also be adapted to fit vectored-thrusting nozzles for improved handling and dogfighting capabilities.
As an export product, the MiG-35 is intended to be as friendly as possible when it comes to adapting itself to foreign-designed weaponry and avionics suites. Base weaponry is a single 30mm GSh-1 series cannon while the 8 external hardpoints can mount a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry, from missiles to bombs and rockets to fuel tanks. The improvements throughout the MiG-35 have now brought its general classification up to a medium-weight aircraft and an integrated in-flight refueling system has also been documented.
As of this writing, the MiG-35 exists in a handful of working flyable prototype forms with the aircraft's initial official appearance coming at Aero India 2007. It is currently being offered to India as the Mikoyan solution to Indian multi-role aircraft needs. Among the contenders are the venerable American Lockheed Martin F-16 Falcon and Boeing/McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Super Hornet models, the French Dassault Rafale, the Swedish SAAB JAS 39 Gripen and the European consortium Eurofighter Typhoon. Some 125 aircraft are expected to be purchased from this preliminary single order by India.
In terms of finding equal footing with its Western counterparts, the MiG-35 does just that in sporting three large liquid-crystal multi-function displays as opposed to the old Soviet/Russian trademark design philosophy of incorporating analog electronic dials. In the two-seat version of the MiG-35, the rear cockpit features no fewer than an additional four multi-function displays of this type. Perhaps the most important upgrade to the life of the series is the inclusion of the powerful Phazotron Zhuk-AE active electronically-scanned array offering improved target tracking (improved array range for early detection, multiple target tracking, etc...) and enemy target avoidance. Targets can be designated through the helmet mounted system in both air-to-air and air-to-surface modes. Air-to-air detection can occur as far away as 45 kilometers while air-to-surface detection is within 20 kilometers. Beyond the advanced radar and targeting systems, the MiG-35 will feature a higher-rated engine capable of 19,840lbf and afterburn. The engines can also be adapted to fit vectored-thrusting nozzles for improved handling and dogfighting capabilities.
As an export product, the MiG-35 is intended to be as friendly as possible when it comes to adapting itself to foreign-designed weaponry and avionics suites. Base weaponry is a single 30mm GSh-1 series cannon while the 8 external hardpoints can mount a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry, from missiles to bombs and rockets to fuel tanks. The improvements throughout the MiG-35 have now brought its general classification up to a medium-weight aircraft and an integrated in-flight refueling system has also been documented.
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