LCA TEJAS ( LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT )

LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT " TEJAS "

MIG-29 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

INDIAN MIG-29 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

MIG-29

The Mikoyan MiG-29 is the embodiment of a Russian military aircraft. The interceptor and multirole fighter bomber MiG-29 uniquely combines unbelievable maneuverability with great speed. The first MiG-29 airframes were delivered to the Soviet airforce in 1983. The MiG-29 Fulcrum was exported to numerous countries: Until today, more than 1'500 aircraft in various versions of the air superiority fighter MiG-29 were built. After Germany's reunification, a whole squadron of MiG-29 aircraft came into possession of the German airforces. Western military advisors were astounded by the MiG's performance after they analyzed its flight characteristics. No western fighter could rival the MiG on a similarly high level. The flight characteristics were only matched by modern aircraft like the Eurofighter EF2000 Typhoon or the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, thirty years later. The MiG-29's flat fuselage contributes approximately 40% of the lift. This makes the MiG unbeatable, especially at low speeds. The further development of the MiG-29 OWT with 3D thrust vectoring amazes air show spectators with maneuvers that seem to defy physics - distractions that intend to disorientate enemy pilots. The "MiG Aircraft" was often used as an umbrella term for all Soviet-built aircraft. So sometimes you can see aircraft from other manufacturers like Suchoj being called a "MiG".The flight and maneuvering capabilities at low speeds and/or at high angles of attack - essiential for close combat - are unrivaled by the MiG's western counterparts. The MiG-29 has two Klimow/Sarkisow RD-33 reheated turbofan engines, which each produce more thrust with afterburner then any single equivalent western engine.

The MiG-29K is based on the 'basic' MiG-29K airframe, but is lighter in answer to the Indian Navy's requirements for the smallest possible dimensions to maximize use of space on the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov). The aircraft is based on the original MiG-29K airframe, but without the high-cost welded aluminum lithium fuel tanks and forward fuselage. The MiG-29K's fuel tanks are situated in the dorsal spine fairing and wing leading-edge root extensions. This reportedly gives the aircraft a 50% increase over the land-based MiG-29. Flight range can also be increased by in-flight refueling capability. With a 25-year design life, the MiG-29K features a larger wing area, incorporating a longer chord double-slotted flap and drooped elevons over the 'basic' MiG-29K. The wing root has a sharp leading edge. In addition, the central fuselage integral tank and a fuselage load-carrying section, to which the arrester hook and main struts are attached, were considerably strengthened.The nose undercarriage is able to steer through +/- 90º and houses a three-colour lamp which indicates the aircraft's position on the glide path, and its landing speed, to a visual landing signal officer. The arrester hook is also fitted with an illumination system to indicate when it is lowered. Reportedly the radar reflecting surface of the MiG-29K is 4 to 5 times smaller than that of the standard MiG-29. The aircraft will have an improved navigation equipment commensurate with its maritime role. For deck landing, the aircraft will be fitted with a special navigation system comprising instrument landing systems interacting with the ship's markers, jam-resistant coded data link and automated built-in test facilities. In the event of the pilot having to eject near the aircraft carrier, the escape system will ensure that he is ejected clear of the ship. The export 'MiG-29K' will feature a triplex digital fly-by-wire control system, with multiple-redundancy in all three channels and a mechanical back-up in roll-and-yaw channels. A proven control algorithm used in the analog-digital flight control system on the basic 'MiG-29K' will be retained.

The dual-seat 'KUB' trainer has nearly identical (90% commonality) aerodynamic characteristics to the single-seat, export 'MiG-29K' fighter and has the same wing and tail plane platform geometry. To further ease transition from the trainer to the fighter, even the forward nose sections are identical. They are equipped with similar avionics and can carry the same armament (nearly 100% commonality). The trainer variant differs from the fighter variant only in having an additional fuel tank occupying the rear-seat cockpit. Both aircraft have an in-flight refueling capability, having a retractable refueling probe in the port forward fuselage, and may also be used as tankers. With the take-off and landing weights identical to the fighter, the trainer has 8% less fuel capacity and a 7% to 10% shorter combat radius. In addition to carrying out its main training role, the trainer has a fully operational capability. Indeed, the two man crew could open up additional roles such as airborne early warning or electronic warfare. In its combat role, the second pilot will act as a weapons systems operator.These aircraft will be capable of day/night, all-weather, year-round operation in any climate, including tropics with ambient temperatures up to +35°C and air humidity up to 100%. The aircraft will be able to operate singly or in groups in the face of enemy fighter opposition and in an ECM environment, operating from CTOL carriers equipped with a ski jump or from shore bases. The take-off run on a carrier deck equipped with a bow ski jump is estimated as 125 - 195 meters (410 - 640 feet). With these aircraft operating in a salty sea environment, RSK MiG has adopted special corrosion protection measures for the airframe, avionics equipment and the RD-33MK turbofans. Radar-absorbing material (RAM) coatings will reduce the fighter's RCS by a factor of 4 to 5 as compared to the 'basic' MiG-29. Both variants feature a fully retractable L-shaped IFR probe on the port side of the nose in line with the cockpit windshield. Both variants have had their forward air intake blocker doors and spring-loaded dorsal doors - for FOD prevention - installed further down­stream. This frees up internal space inside the LERXes, allowing it to be used for additional fuel.

AVIONICS AND WEAPONS :-

The MiG-29K/KUB will be equipped with Phazotron-NIIR Corporation's Zhuk-ME radar, which has a range of 150 km in detection mode and 130 km in tracking mode, against a target with a RCS (Radar Cross Section) of five square meters and can also fire missiles at four different targets simultaneously. The radar will have functions for operations in air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, using Thales' TopSight E helmet-mounted targeting system. Both variants will incorporate a ShKAl wide-angle monochrome HUD (Head-Up Display) and the 'K' variant will feature three MFI-10-7 high-performance liquid-crystal multi-function displays, while the 'KUB' variant will have seven such displays. The ShKAl HUD offers a 26° field of view, which allows the pilot to keep an eye on a much wider sector of airspace and use his weapons more effectively in that sector. The 6" x 8" liquid-crystal display has a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels and can illustrate a digital terrain map & tactical situation data (information about aerial and ground/surface targets), thus enabling the pilot to maintain situational awareness.The aircraft's nervous system comprises four multiplex databuses, which considerably speeds up communication between the miscellaneous electronic systems and increases its reliability. The more efficient data exchange system facilitates the integration of add-ons, should the need arise and the additional avionics can be connected to any of the four databuses, which creates numerous upgrade possibilities. The data transmission rate also conforms to the toughest existing standard (fibre channel). Although copper wires are still used as of now, fiber-optic cables will be incorporated later on. Both variants will feature a secure data link system enabling concerted action by a group of fighters. Due to the importance and complexity of the missions which the fighter will have to fulfill, the data link system will have set channels with a high data transmission rate making use of the latest type of interface. 

This avionics architecture is unique among today's fighters, rendering the aircraft extremely adaptable and upgradeable. An integrated weapon selection panel, the MiG-29K can use a wide range of weapons, which includes no less than eight types of air-to-air missiles and 25 air-to-surface weapons. The aircraft features eight under wing, weapons hardpoints plus a centerline hardpoint which can likewise be used for carrying bombs. The two inboard pylons under each wing can be fitted with tandem bomb racks, which effectively increases the number of hardpoints to thirteen. The weapon selection system enables the pilot to fire more than one type of weapon per attack. The aircraft is fitted with a 30mm Gryazev/Shipunov GSh-301 (TKB-687/9A4071K) single barrel gun, with 150 AO-18 rounds.In the air superiority role, the aircraft can be armed with the close-combat R-73E and the beyond-visual-range R-77RVV-AE air-to-air missiles. In the sea-denial role, the AS-20 and the Kh-31A anti-ship missiles can be carried. In the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) role, the passive radar homing Kh-31P missile can be carried. Pinpoint strikes against ground targets are made possible by the Kh-29T TV-guided missile and the KAB-500KR TV-guided HE bomb or the KAB-500OD fuel-air bomb. The unguided weapons to be used include ordinary & cluster bombs of up to 500 kg (1102 lb) calibre (up to eleven FAB-500 HE bombs can be carried) and 240mm S-24B heavy unguided rockets.

MIG-21 BISON FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

HISTORY OF MIG-21 BISON AND HER SERVICE TO INDIAN AIR FORCE :-

The MiG-21Bis aircraft is a front-line (tactical) interceptor fighter powered by one turbojet engine. It is fitted with instruments and electronic equipment ensuring flights by day and at night under fair and bad weather conditions. The aircraft is an all-metal, cantilever mid-wing monopl ane featuring a delta wing, swept-back tail unit and controllable stabilizer. The MiG-21 BISON  (Mikoyan-Guryevich) operated, per Soviet doctrine, under close ground control in Vietnam, and its preferred tactic was to follow a formation of American aircraft low and from the rear. It would gather "smash" (speed and energy) and pop up to fire its Atoll heat-seeking missile, then turn to dive away to the sanctuary of its base. These tactics were considered successful if they did nothing more than force the American strike force to jettison its bombs prematurely.The MiGs were maneuverable in turning flight, although in a sustained turn they lost speed rapidly. Their biggest disadvantage was limited visibility to the rear, and many a MiG fell prey to a Phantom that sneaked up on it from the rear quarter.The basic Mikoyan-Guryevich MiG-21 was very adaptable, and it appeared in many variants equipped with a wide variety of armament and suitable for many missions, including reconnaissance and ground attack. It was built under license in Czechoslovakia, India, and China, and served in the latter country as a tool to teach the Chinese the art of modern aircraft manufacture.As with most Soviet aircraft, the MiG-21 was sophisticated where it had to be, and rough, even primitive, where it did not matter aerodynamically. In many ways, the MiG-21 epitomizes the earnest, effective Soviet approach to combat aircraft design. It is designed as an all-weather interceptor, the Mikoyan-Guryevich MiG-21 was the first delta-wing aircraft to emerge from the MiG design bureau. It was small, fast, and quite maneuverable at certain altitudes, and it proved such a challenge for the F-4s that the United States at last adopted a "dissimilar aircraft" training program.

During the war the MiG-21s played a crucial role in giving the IAF air superiority that played a huge part in India’s victory. Military analyst Edward Coggins writes in Wings That Stay On: The Role of Fighter Aircraft in War that by the time the hostilities came to an end, the IAF MiG-21s had claimed four PAF F-104s, two PAF F6, one PAF North American F-86 Sabre and one PAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The Russian fighter had clearly won the much anticipated air combat between the MiG-21 and the F-104, he writes.But that’s not where the story ends. Tom Cooper writes in Arab MiG-19 and MiG-21 Units in Combat: “Because of the formidable performance of the MiG-21s several nations, including Iraq, approached India for MiG-21 pilot training. By the early 1970s, more than 120 Iraqi pilots were being trained by the Indian Air Force.”

The MiG-21s formed the backbone of the IAF in the 1960s and ’70s. But the situation changed with the arrival of newer aircraft, which drew the most experienced pilots from the MiG-21 squadrons. There was nothing wrong with it because that’s how the system is supposed to work. But the MiG-21 now became the jet that rookie pilots graduated to. In tandem with another factor, it spelled trouble for the IAF.

Kargil was another theatre where the MiG-21 showed it was still a threat. The Pakistan Air Force’s director of operations during the war acknowledged afterward that the GPS-assisted high-altitude bombing by the MiG-21, MiG-23BN and MiG-27 was a game changer. This is corroborated by aviation historian and author Pushpindar Singh in Himalayan Eagles: “…targeting pod imagery observed by IAF pilots in real time showed enemy troops abandoning their positions at the very sound of approaching fighters.” More than half a century after its first flight, the MiG-21 packs a lethal punch. At the Cope India exercise held in 2004 at Gwalior, Indian pilots flying MiG-21 Bisons (upgraded with Russian Phazatron radar, Vympel R-73 missiles and the beyond visual range Vympel R-77 air-to-air missiles) blew away the F-15 and the F-16 fighters of the USAF on one-on-one as well as in mixed exercises. The USAF acknowledged the MiG-21 Bisons and Su-30MKIs were tough opponents.

The Indian Air Force's love affair with the MiG-21 spans nearly forty years. The first MiG-21s, the early F-13s, also known as Type 74s arrived in October 1963 equipping the newly raised ' First Supersonics' – No.28 Squadron. About six of them were acquired and were joined by another six MiG-21PFs (Type 76)s in 1965. The conversion was quite slow and the MiGs hardly had any time to show their effect in the 1965, Operations.After the end of the 65 War, reequipping of IAF squadrons was done on a war footing . HAL started the manufacturing process of the FLs and by 1971, No less than Nine and a half Squadrons were flying the MiG-21FL (Type 77) at one point of time (1972). It is estimated that the IAF acquired nearly 250 Type 77s over a period of time. The aircraft distinguished itself in the 71 Operations -- Particularly in Air Combat against the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. Claims for four F-104 Starfighters, One Shenyang F-6 (Chinese copy of the MiG-19) and one Canadair F-86 Sabre were made and a host of aircraft on the ground were claimed in Counter Air Strike raids on Pakistani airbases. Six MiG-21s were lost in combat due to various reasons out of which only one was lost in Air to Air Combat - to a F-86 Sabre on the last day of the war.There were several issues about the FL that were a source of concern for the IAF. The main grouse was the lack of an integral cannon in the aircraft. The FL had only two wingstations and if they were not used for carrying Fuel, then the central weapon station has to be used to carry a fuel tank - which meant that the Cannon pod could not be carried. This deficiency was overcome in 1974 when the IAF chose the R-13 powered MiG-21M (Type 96), which succeeded the production line at HAL after the FLs were stopped manufacturing. To cover up for the commencement of production, about two squadrons worth of the MiG-21MF were procured. Approximately another 220 M/MFs were procured/manufactured for the IAF and this was to be the mainstay of the force till the late 70s. In 1980, the first unit converted to the MiG-21 Bis, a type of which nearly 300 were to be procured in total.

The indigenously developed  LCA TEJAS will be replaced in place mig-21 bison after retirement from the service..!