The MiG-35 Fulcrum F - Another Russian Bird of Prey
The Mikoyan Guryevich MiG-35 (NATO code named Fulcrum F) is a 4++ generation, air superiority, front-line fighter, which is basically the enhanced version of the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2. In this brief article, I will point out some power points of this advanced Fulcrum.
Radar System:
The aircraft is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the Zhuk-MA, which offers a 160km detection radius range for air targets, and 300km for maritime targets. Features of this AESA radar include low interception probability and high jamming resistance.
Optical Locator System (OLS):
One of the noticeable, physical features of the MiG-35 is the glass bubble bulging from the left engine’s section (when looking at the aircraft face-to-face). This comes to be the Optical Locator System (OLS) that detects targets and aims weapon systems without causing any emissions, making it undetectable. The device includes a combination of powerful optics with IR vision capabilities, making it impossible for planes to hide. Therefore, it is believed that OLS helps MiG-35 pilots to spot stealth planes, including the USAF ones.
The MiG’s combination of the Zhuk-MA radar and the OLS makes it capable to solely fly multirole missions independently and with much less dependence on ground-controlled interception systems.
Propulsion:
The MiG-35 is powered by two Klimov RD-33MKBs that generate 7% more power compared to the original model, a higher-than-average thrust of 9,000kgf. The RD-33 engines are smokeless, has new electronic control system, and include systems that reduce infrared and optical visibility.
The engines can be fitted with swivel and thrust vectoring nozzles. Unlike Saturn’s (i.e. Sukhoi’s engine provider) two-dimensional (horizontal / vertical) vectoring, Klimov achieved an all-aspect vectoring with the aid of three hydraulic actuators that deflect the nozzles. This enables the MiG-35 to fly at very low, zero, and even negative (i.e. tail-forward) speeds without angle-of-attack limitations, while maintaining control and stability.
Maneuverability:
Given high thrust-to-weight performance, thrust vectorable nozzles, huge leading edge root extensions (LERXES), and advanced fly-by-wire computerized avionics, the MiG-35 is capable of demonstrating super-maneuverability, achieving high turning rates, and flying at extremely acute angles of attack at high levels of G-force.
Armament:
The MiG-35 has the ability to deliver up to 12,000 lbs. of ordnance with fine-tuned accuracy against numerous air, ground, and maritime targets. It is fitted with a 30 mm cannon, and can bear an array of short, medium and long-range (including Beyond Vision Range – BVR) missiles, in addition to TV and laser guided bombs.
Cost & Operational Improvements:
It was reported that Russia may be offering versions of the MiG-35 to potential clients at a price almost five times cheaper than the American F-22 Raptor, which makes it a very appealing option for governments shopping for front-line fighters.
Moreover, the MiG-35’s engine’s, avionic’s, and overall reliability was increased than that of the original MiG-29, hence increasing the aircraft’s service lifetime, with a flight cost hour of approximately 2.5 times less.
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To follow is a YouTube video link demonstrating the MiG-29OVT’s flying capabilities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIdvSQB2dP4
The MiG-29OVT is basically the MiG-29M fitted with thrust vectoring nozzles and other enhancements, and was basically used in air shows for demonstrations such as this one. Such model eventually evolved into the MiG-35.
(Note: The entire clip is amazing, but the maneuvers in 2:10 – 2:20 and 3:10 – 3:24 are just outstanding! Enjoy!)
Thank you for your time.
Hani
