Let’s Explore Russian MiG-35 A Companion To The MiG-29, developed to deliver unparalleled… (2024)

Prajesh Majumdar

The Design Analysis Of The MiG-35:

The MiG-35 and MiG-35D incorporate advancements of the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 fighters, with improvements in combat efficiency, universality, and operational characteristics. The main features of the new design are the fifth-generation information-sighting systems, compatibility with Russian and foreign weapon applications, and an integrated variety of defensive systems to increase combat survivability. The overall design overtakes the design concepts of the baseline model, enabling the new aircraft to conduct full-scale multirole missions similar to their Western counterparts.

The MiG-35/MiG-35D incorporates advanced avionics systems that are intended to enhance its combat efficiency, improve its operational characteristics, and make it a formidable opponent in the air. The fifth-generation information-sighting systems enable the MiG-35 to gain air superiority, perform all-weather precision ground strikes, conduct aerial reconnaissance with optoelectronics and radar equipment, and carry out complex joint missions.

The aircraft is equipped with RD-33MK engines and a newly designed optical locator system, OLS-35, which allows it to conduct independent multirole missions. Additionally, the number of weapon stations has been increased to 9 ( similar to MiG-29M2 ), while the flight range has been extended by 50%, and radar visibility has been reduced. The final configuration of the MiG-35’s onboard equipment has been intentionally left open, utilizing the MIL-STD-1553 bus to allow for flexibility and customization. The maximum payload capacity of the MiG-35 is an impressive 6.5 tons.

Additionally, from a spectator’s point of view, if one wants to differentiate quickly between the two aircraft, the easiest thing to do is to look at the horizontal tails. The MiG-35’s horizontal tails are broader than those of the MiG-29, which are slimmer in comparison.

Let’s Explore Russian MiG-35 A Companion To The MiG-29, developed to deliver unparalleled… (3)

Open-source illustrative image

Development Of The MiG-35 Multirole Fighter:

The development of the MiG-35 began in the 1990s, with the aim of creating an advanced multirole fighter that could compete with the latest Western fighter jets. The initial design was based on the MiG-29M2, which was developed in the late 1980s, but it was significantly modified to incorporate modern avionics, weapons systems, and other advanced technologies.

The first prototype of the MiG-35 was unveiled in January 2007, and it made its maiden flight in February of the same year. The aircraft was extensively tested over the next few years, and several improvements were made to its design based on the test results. The MiG-35 has been marketed to several countries, including India, Egypt, and Peru.

On the 26th of January 2017, Mikoyan unveiled the impressive capabilities of the new MiG-35 to the Russian Government. The event was widely publicized and attracted a lot of attention. A subsequent demonstration was also carried out for potential export customers, the very next day. The MiG-35 boasts significant upgrades that make it a true powerhouse in the world of fighter aircraft. These upgrades include a brand-new fly-by-wire flight control system, a vastly improved co*ckpit, and substantially upgraded avionics. The aircraft also comes equipped with an integrated precision-guided targeting capability for air-to-ground weapons, making it a formidable force in the sky.

Let’s Explore Russian MiG-35 A Companion To The MiG-29, developed to deliver unparalleled… (4)

Photo Credit: UAC MiG

Furthermore, the MiG-35 is fitted with a non-removable NPK-SPP OLS-K electro-optical targeting and surveillance system pod, mounted directly to the aircraft below the right ( starboard ) fuselage on the engine nacelle in front of the elevators. This design philosophy provides an enhanced degree of operational autonomy on the MiG-35, setting it apart from earlier Russian combat aircraft.

The MAKS 2017 International Aviation and Space Salon proved to be a turning point for the Russian Defense Ministry as they made the decision to purchase 24 MiG-35s as part of their new state armament program for 2018–2027. This acquisition includes six of the 24 MiG-35s that will replace the ageing MiG-29s of the Russian Swift’s aerobatic team. The announcement was met with great excitement, as the MiG-35 is considered to be one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. On the 22nd of August 2018, the first contract for six MiG-35s was signed during the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2018, further solidifying Russia’s commitment to advanced military technology.

The Russian Aerospace Forces have also announced plans to sign a second contract for the delivery of 14 MiG-35s in 2020. This signifies their confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities and its potential to serve as a powerful asset for the country’s defence. It is worth noting that on the 17th of June 2019, the Russian Aerospace Forces received the first two serially produced MiG-35s, which marked the official introduction of this advanced variant into service. This is a significant milestone for the development team behind the MiG-35, as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with fighter jet technology.

Improved Engines Of The MiG-35 Multirole Fighter:

The MiG-35 is equipped with two FADEC RD-33MK Morskaya Osa turbofans, which power the aircraft. The RD-33MK is the latest and highly improved variant of the Klimov RD-33 turbofan, which was originally designed to power the MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB. Thanks to the use of modern materials in the cooled blades, the RD-33MK has 7% more power compared to the baseline model and provides a higher thrust of 9,000 kg. To address previous criticisms, the new engines are smokeless and include systems that reduce infrared and optical visibility.

However, according to episode 160 of the Russian military documentary film “Combat Approved”, the plans for a thrust vectoring variant of the MiG-35 were cancelled due to the increased weight ratio and the need to reduce costs. Originally, the thrust vectoring MiG-35 variant was planned to include thrust vectoring nozzles that could direct thrust on two different axes. Nonetheless, Rosoboronexport stated that “at the customer’s request, the engine may be equipped with a thrust vectoring nozzle.”

Let’s Explore Russian MiG-35 A Companion To The MiG-29, developed to deliver unparalleled… (5)

Photo Credit: UAC MiG

Improved Armament Of The MiG-35 Multirole Fighter:

The MiG-35 is a highly capable multirole fighter that can be armed with a wide range of weapons, both air-to-air and air-to-ground. The aircraft can carry up to six external stores on its underwing pylons, and its internal weapons bay can accommodate additional munitions. The armament of the MiG-35 includes a 30mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30–1 autocannon mounted in the starboard wing root.

The aircraft can also carry a variety of missiles, such as the R-27 air-to-air missile, R-73 air-to-air missile, and Kh-29L/T air-to-ground missile. Additionally, the MiG-35 can carry precision-guided munitions, such as the KAB-500S-E, the Kh-38ME and Kh-38 Grom-E1 guided missiles. The aircraft is also equipped with a sophisticated avionics suite, including a helmet-mounted target designation system, which allows the pilot to aim and fire missiles simply by looking at the target.

The MiG-35 may eventually employ some sort of laser weaponry, according to UAC President Yuri Slyusar, who made the announcement during a conference call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in January 2017. Following the aircraft’s flight testing, the laser’s military trials will start. Slyusar’s use of the term “laser weaponry” rather than “laser-guided weapon” may have been an error, nevertheless. A long-range strike capability that the MiG-29 lacks will be provided by the MiG-35 thanks to its projected ability to deploy the Kh-38 Grom-1 cruise missile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x3Yj3rnCOM&t=26s

Advanced, State-Of-The-Art co*ckpit Design:

The MiG-35 boasts a state-of-the-art glass co*ckpit with a range of advanced systems and components. The co*ckpit is equipped with night-vision goggles, an additional display for the optical locator system, and a 3-equal-size colour LCD multi-function display. In the MiG-35D, which has a tandem co*ckpit, the rear co*ckpit is fitted with four LCD displays. In the single-seat versions, the rear co*ckpit is used to store extra fuel while retaining a two-seat canopy.

The co*ckpit’s advanced LCD display provides the pilot with a clear and easily readable format of critical information such as flight parameters, navigation data, and weapons system status. The modern head-up display ( HUD ) projects essential flight information onto the windshield, allowing the pilot to maintain situational awareness while keeping their eyes focused outside the co*ckpit.

The integrated targeting system includes a laser rangefinder and designator, as well as an electro-optical targeting pod, providing the pilot with precision-guided targeting capability for air-to-ground weapons. Additionally, the co*ckpit features a fly-by-wire flight control system that greatly improves handling and control responsiveness. These advanced systems and components provide the pilot with the necessary tools to perform a range of complex missions with ease and precision.

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Photo Credit: UAC MiG

Advanced Avionics:

The avionics of the MiG-35 are designed to provide the pilot with advanced situational awareness and combat capabilities. The aircraft is equipped with a modern suite of sensors and systems, including a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, an advanced multi-mode radar, and a comprehensive suite of electronic warfare and countermeasures systems, which is much better than previous MiG-29s.

The radar system of the MiG-35 is the Phazotron Zhuk-AE active electronically scanned array ( AESA ) radar, which provides the pilot with enhanced detection and tracking capabilities for air and ground targets. The radar can simultaneously track up to 30 airborne targets and engage up to 6 of them with guided weapons.

The electronic warfare suite includes the L-175V/Khibiny-M electronic countermeasure ( ECM ) system, which can be used to jam or deceive enemy radar and communications systems, as well as a towed decoy system to lure and distract incoming missiles. The aircraft also has a comprehensive self-protection suite, which includes chaff and flare dispensers to counter incoming heat-seeking missiles.

Overall, the avionics of the MiG-35 provides the pilot with a high degree of situational awareness and combat capabilities, making it a formidable platform for air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

Let’s Explore Russian MiG-35 A Companion To The MiG-29, developed to deliver unparalleled… (7)

Photo Credit: UAC MiG

The MiG-35 Technical Specifications:

Crew: 1 or 2 ( depends on aircraft type )
Length: 56 ft 9 in ( 17.3 m )
Wingspan: 39 ft 4 in ( 12 m )
Height: 15 ft 5 in ( 4.7 m )
Empty Weight: 11,000 kg ( 24,251 lb )
Max Takeoff Weight: 24,500 kg ( 54,013 lb )
Payload: 6,500 kg ( 14,330 lb )
Powerplant: 2 × Klimov RD-33MK afterburning turbofan engines, 52 kN ( 12,000 lb ) thrust each dry, 88.2 kN ( 19,800 lb ) with afterburner / Mach 2.25
Max Speed: 2,100 km/h ( 1,300 mph ) at land-based altitude and 1,400 km/h ( 870 mph ) at sea-based altitude / Mach 1.14
Cruise speed: 804.7 km/h ( 500.0 mph )
Combat range: 1,000 km ( 620 mi )
Ferry range: 3,000 km ( 1,900 mi )
Service ceiling: 16,000 m ( 52,000 ft )
Rate Of Climb: 330 m/s ( 65,000 ft/min )
Armament: 1 x 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30–1 autocannon with 100 rounds, And different combinations of guided Missiles on its total 9 hardpoints with a capacity of up to 6,500 kg ( 14,330 lb ), with provisions to carry _ R-73, R-77 AAM / Kh-29, Kh-38 ASM / Kh-31 Anti-ship missile and KAB-500 guided bombs.

In conclusion, the MiG-35 is a highly advanced and versatile multirole fighter aircraft designed to meet the requirements of modern air combat operations. It is equipped with advanced avionics, weapons systems, and engines, allowing it to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. Its state-of-the-art co*ckpit design and advanced sensors provide the pilot with a comprehensive situational awareness, allowing them to engage targets with great precision and effectiveness. With its advanced features and capabilities, the MiG-35 is poised to be a major player in the international defence industry and is likely to remain a top choice for air forces around the world.

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Photo Credit: UAC MiG

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