Vertical take-off instant 29 from the cockpit. Vertical take-off aircraft

Thirty-one years ago, on June 23, 1988, the MiG-29K naval fighter took to the skies for the first time. It became one of the first domestic combat aircraft capable of performing “real” takeoff and landing on the deck - using the free take-off method.

The aircraft program was suspended, but was revived in the 2000s. First, in the interests of a foreign customer, and then the Russian Navy tied its future with the MiG-29K. Large orders made it possible to upgrade the fighter to level 4++. The shipborne MiG-29K is no longer just an improved MiG-29, but a completely new aircraft. The machine responds most modern requirements to carrier-based aviation: advanced avionics, stealth technologies, a new radar, and at the same time compact dimensions that make it possible to increase the number of aircraft on the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov to 36 units.

Read about the history of the MiG-29K, its capabilities and the long journey to the deck in our material.

The difficult path of a light fighter

In the early 1970s, the USSR developed several ship-based aircraft for a promising aircraft carrier. As a result, the air group of the new heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Project 1143.5 (today it is known as “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov”), it was decided to include two projects from the country’s leading aviation design bureaus - the MiG-29K and Su-27K.

Fighters had to adapt to ski-jump takeoff and landing. In this connection, it was decided to test the aircraft and practice a short take-off from a ground-based ship springboard simulator. In the summer of 1982, the vehicles underwent such tests on an experimental springboard 60 meters long installed at the NITKA complex in Crimea. It was after these successful takeoffs that the leadership of the Mikoyan and Sukhoi design bureaus were officially entrusted with the development of light and heavy ship-based fighters - the MiG-29K and Su-27K.

Design of the MiG-29K began in 1984, and the first flight took place on June 23, 1988. The car was piloted by a test pilot from the OKB. Mikoyan Toktar Aubakirov. On November 1, 1989, he took off from the ship’s springboard of the cruiser “Tbilisi” (now “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov”).

On the same day, the Su-27K heavy fighter also made a “regular” takeoff and landing on the deck of the aircraft carrier. And it was this aircraft, called the Su-33, that became for many years the only naval fighter of the Russian Navy. Sukhoi Design Bureau specialists were able to quickly test the Su-27K and put it into service. The fact is that the weapon system of the serial front-line fighter Su-27 did not require any special adjustments for the tasks of the ship-borne Su-27K. To create a naval version of the fighter, it was enough to modify some characteristics for basing the aircraft on a ship: folding wing, reinforced landing gear, etc.

The Mikoyanites had to carry out thorough work on fine-tuning new system weapons control. For this reason, in particular, the MiG-29K did not have time to “take off” until the early 1990s, when an economic crisis began in the country and financing two “ship” projects at once became difficult.

Indian contract and new takeoff

Testing of the MiG-29K was resumed only in 1996, largely thanks to a contract with the Indian Navy. The “Indian Contract”, as it is often called, was signed on January 20, 2004 between the Indian Navy and RSK MiG. According to the document, India purchased a large batch of ship-based multirole fighters in single-seat (MiG-29K) and double-seat (MiG-29KUB) versions.

In addition, this contract became part of a more important Russian-Indian intergovernmental agreement, which was concluded in 2000. The document provided for repair and modernization work in the interests of the Indian Navy of the Russian TAVKR "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov". In India, “Admiral Gorshkov” received the name “Vikramaditya”, which translated from Sanskrit means “almighty like the Sun.” The total cost of the agreement was about $1.5 billion, which then became a record for our country in the field of military-technical cooperation.

The updated MiG-29K took to the skies on January 20, 2007. On the same day, the two-seat MiG-29KUB made its first flight. This long-awaited takeoff marked the beginning of flight testing of the MiG-29K/KUB aircraft.

Finally, on September 28, 2009, a MiG-29K successfully landed on the deck of the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, followed by a serial MiG-29KUB, painted in the colors of the Indian Navy.

In mid-May 2013, the MiG-29K/KUB fighters were officially accepted into service in India. As of 2018, the Indian Navy owns 45 MiG-29K/KUB aircraft.

The “Indian Contract” became not only a successful program in the field of military-technical cooperation, but also had a positive impact in general on the development of carrier-based aviation of the Russian Navy. The MiG company was able to offer the Russian fleet new ship-based aircraft MiG-29K/KUB. The Russian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for 24 such aircraft for the cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov. Today, the MiG-29K, together with the Su-33, form the basis of Russian carrier-based aviation.

Not just an upgrade, but a new car

Externally, the shipborne MiG-29K is similar to the regular MiG-29, but as aviation experts note, this is a completely new aircraft. Major changes affected the fuselage design, on-board equipment and materials. First of all, the marine version required a significant increase in anti-corrosion protection. The landing gear was also strengthened, and the folding wing received more advanced mechanization.

The vehicle has also significantly reduced weight and become stronger, thanks to composites, which make up about 15% of the entire surface of the fuselage. This made it possible to increase the combat load and fuel supply. If a regular MiG-29 could carry 2.2 tons on seven slings, then a shipborne MiG-29 could carry 4.5 tons on eight slings.

The ship's MiG-29K is equipped with RD-33MK engines - this is an improved version of the RD-33 on the classic MiG-29. Thanks to the modification of the engines, their power increased by 8%. Such engines have a modular design and are characterized by increased reliability and service life.

The MiG-29K fully implements the “glass cockpit” principle, that is, all instruments in the pilot’s cockpit are digital. Instead of conventional steering - electronic system. This modern electronic “stuffing” of the aircraft allows the use of the entire range of high-precision missiles and aerial bombs, including the latest supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles Kh-31 and Kh-35, television-guided aerial bombs, anti-radar Kh-31P, and KAB-500Kr guided bombs.

The cannon armament is represented by the built-in GSh-301 cannon (Gryazev-Shipunov 30 mm, one barrel) with 150 rounds of ammunition. The aircraft are also armed with RVV-AE and R-73E guided missiles for air combat. If necessary, the open architecture of the board allows the use of new types of weapons.

The introduction of elements of stealth technology and a decrease in the aircraft's visibility in the radar range made it possible to significantly increase the aircraft's survivability in combat. The Zhuk-ME radar station is installed on board the serial MiG-29K. This station can detect and track 10 targets, while it aims missiles at four targets. For comparison, the previous station could hit only one target.

The ship's MiG received a multi-channel optical-location station that works together with other on-board systems. Thus, the pilot can high accuracy attack targets without turning on the radar. The fire control system (FCS) also includes an aiming system on the pilot's helmet, which provides undeniable superiority in close air combat.

Multifunctionality and design perfection are combined in a unique aviation technology - a vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The best minds of Russia, England and the USA, through many years of development and their further modernization, created competition legendary models. An increase in speed, flight altitude, payload, and combat characteristics is associated with the constant improvement of a super-powerful jet engine. This is what made vertical take-off aircraft the main basic unit of the air forces of the world powers.

First vertical

The very first experimentally created vertical takeoff and landing technique was the development of the Model 65 Air Test Vehicle in 1954. The designed structure consisted of available units from different aircraft - the fuselage and vertical tail were borrowed from the airframe, the wings from the Cessna Model 140A aircraft, and the landing gear from the Bell Model 47 helicopter. Until now, modern designers are surprised at how the combination of these individual elements could give such a result!

Bell was ready by the end of 1953. A month later, the first hovering flight took place, and six months later, its first free flight. But the modernization of the aircraft did not stop; over the course of another year, testing and testing in the air brought it to the required levels.

Reactive, but not very

The engines located on the sides of the fuselage were rotated 90 degrees downwards, thus creating lift and thrust for flight. The turbocharger provided intensive power directly to the air nozzles themselves at the ends of the wing and tail. This ensured control of the entire aircraft structure in hovering mode, and retained this capability even when moving at low speed.

But soon, based on test results, Bell abandoned further work with this project. The first vertical take-off aircraft had such thrust that it barely exceeded its own take-off weight, although it was excessive for horizontal movement.

With such characteristics, it was difficult for the pilot to maintain the speed within acceptable values ​​without exceeding the maximum speed limits for horizontal flight. Therefore, the Americans' attention shifted to other developments.

The only Yak-141 in the world

In 1992, specially invited accredited journalists were surprised by the interest of leading Western airlines in this technology. Experts noticed features of the aircraft that went beyond standard ideas about combat aircraft. It became obvious that over many years of research, which was carried out in parallel in several countries, the Soviet aircraft would deservedly receive the palm.

It was the Yak-141, the only supersonic vertical take-off aircraft in the world at that time. It was distinguished by a wide range of combat missions, high speed and unique maneuverability, for which it immediately received worldwide recognition.

Americans and Europeans began their development in this direction in the 60s. At an exhibition in 1961 in Farnborough only English company I was able to present a decent result. The future mainstay of the British Air Force, the Harrier vertical take-off fighter, was not only the most interesting, but also the most protected exhibit.

The British did not let anyone in, not even their allies, the Americans. The only one for whom an exception was made for special merits and contribution to the victory over Nazi Germany was the famous designer of Soviet fighters, A. S. Yakovlev. He was not only invited, but also introduced to the capabilities of this technology.

Vertical race of world powers

Developments in the USSR at that time had achieved certain successes, but were still significantly inferior to the British. Experiments with the invented turboflight gave the designers valuable experience; it became possible to install two turbojet engines on the aircraft. Their nozzles could rotate 90 degrees.

Tester V. Mukhin took to the skies a plane called the Yak-36. But it was not yet a full-fledged combat vehicle. At demonstrations, instead of rockets, special mock-ups were suspended. After all, the plane was not yet ready for real weapons.

In 1967, Yakovlev’s design team was tasked by the CPSU Central Committee with the task of creating a light aircraft with vertical take-off. The updated model, called the Yak-38, caused a skeptical reaction even from A. Tupolev. But already in 1974, the first 4 aircraft were prepared.

After the clear superiority in the skies of British Harrier bombers in the Falkland Islands War, the need to improve its Yak-38 became obvious to the government of the Soviet Union. Therefore, in 1978, the commission of the Ministry of Aviation Industry approved a project for the Yakovlev design bureau - the creation of an updated vertical take-off fighter Yak-141.

A unique engine, equipped with a perfect control system, was created in Russia specifically for a vertical take-off aircraft. For the first time in the world, a solution was found for an afterburner rotary nozzle - something that not only Soviet, but also foreign aircraft designers had been working on for a decade. This made it possible to complete the cycle of ground tests for the Yak-141 and send it for takeoff. From the first tests, it confirmed its best flight characteristics.

It was one of the most secret aviation projects; it took Western intelligence services 11 years just to find out what it looked like. The multi-purpose carrier-based aircraft Yak-141, a 4th generation fighter, set 12 world records. Intended to gain air superiority and provide cover from the enemy. Its locator allows you to hit both air and ground targets. The ability to reach a maximum speed of up to 1800 km/h. Combat load - 1000 kg. Combat range - 340 km. The maximum flight altitude is up to 15 km.

Gorbachev's policy

Further policies to reduce spending on the defense industry had an impact. To demonstrate the thaw in foreign economic relations, the government significantly adjusted aircraft carrier production volumes. Due to the lack of home ships due to the withdrawal of aircraft carriers from Russian fleet after 1987, development of the Yak-141 ceased.

Despite this, the appearance of the Yak-141 was a significant step in aircraft design practice. Russian aircraft with vertical take-off became an indispensable technology of the Air Force, and in further modernizations of fighters, scientists largely relied on the results of Yakovlev’s many years of work.

MiG-29 (Fulcrum)

Designed design bureau named after A. Mikoyan, the fourth generation MiG-29 combines the best characteristics for air combat with missiles at medium and short range.

Initially, the MiG with vertical take-off was designed to destroy all types of air targets in all weather conditions. Maintains its functionality even in the presence of interference. Equipped with highly efficient dual-circuit engines, it is capable of hitting ground targets as well. Designed in the early 70s, the first takeoff took place in 1977.

Quite easy to use. Entering service with the Air Force in 1982, the MiG-29 became the main fighter of the Russian Air Force. In addition, more than 25 countries around the world have purchased over a thousand aircraft.

American winged raptor

Always careful when it comes to defense, the Americans have also excelled in creating powerful fighter aircraft.

Named after the bird of prey, the Harrier was created as a multi-role and light attack aircraft for air support of ground forces, combat and reconnaissance. Due to its excellent characteristics, it is also used in the Spanish and Italian Navy.

The British VTOL Hawker Siddeley Harrier, which became the first in its class, became the prototype of the Anglo-American modification of the AV-8A Harrier in 1978. The joint work of designers from the two countries improved it to the second generation attack aircraft of the Harrier family.

In 1975, McDonnell Douglas replaced England, which withdrew from the project due to the inability of management to maintain the financial budget. The measures taken to thoroughly modify the AV-8A Harrier made it possible to obtain the AV-8B fighter.

Improved AV-8B

Building on the technology of the previous model, the AV-8B is a significant upgrade in quality. They raised the cockpit, rebuilt the fuselage, updated the wings, adding one additional suspension point on each wing. High-precision weapons are dropped directly upon entering the launch zone; the probability of deflection can be up to 15 m.

The model was further improved in terms of aerodynamics and thus created the best vertical take-off aircraft in the United States. Equipping the aircraft with an updated Pegasus engine made it possible to perform vertical takeoff and landing. The AV-8B entered service with the US infantry in early 1985.

Development continued, and later models AV-8B(NA) and AV-8B Harrier II Plus added equipment for night combat operations. Further improvements made it one of the best representatives of the fifth generation vertical take-off aircraft - the Harrier III.

Soviet designers worked hard on the task of short takeoff. These achievements were acquired by the Americans for the F-35. Soviet designs played a large role in perfecting the multi-role supersonic strike F-35. This vertical take-off fighter deservedly later entered service with the British and American Navy.

"Boeing". Beyond the Possible

Mastery aerobatics and unique characteristics are now demonstrated not only by fighter aircraft, but also by passenger airliners. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a wide-body twin-engine Boeing jet passenger aircraft with vertical take-off.

The Boeing 787-9 is designed for 300 passengers with a flight range of 14,000 km. Weighing 250 tons, the Farnborough pilot performed an amazing feat: he lifted a passenger plane and performed a vertical takeoff, which is only possible for a fighter jet. The best airlines immediately appreciated its merits; orders for its purchase began to immediately arrive from leading countries in the world. According to the status at the beginning of 2016, 470 units were sold. The Boeing with vertical take-off has become a unique passenger creation.

Aircraft capabilities are expanding

Russian designers are successfully working on a civilian project to develop an aircraft with vertical take-off and landing, which does not require takeoff pads. It can operate effectively on different types of fuel and be based on both land and water.

Has a wide range of applications:

• provision of emergency medical care;
• aerial reconnaissance;
• carrying out emergency rescue operations;
• use by private individuals for business purposes.

And for private purposes too

Possible users may be the Ministry of Emergency Situations and rescue services, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, medical services and ordinary commercial organizations.

New vertical take-off aircraft are capable of flying at altitudes of up to 10 km, reaching speeds of up to 800 km/h.

The capabilities of the new generation of this aircraft are designed for use even in confined spaces: in the city, in the forest, and, if necessary, even in emergency situations.

The circle made by the propeller of such an aircraft is considered its bearing area. Lifting force it is created by the rotation of the main rotor, which uses air from above and directs it downward. As a result, a reduced pressure is created above the area, and an increased one below it.

Designed by analogy with a helicopter, in fact, being a more advanced model that is adapted to different conditions, it is capable of vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering in one place.

Cold War Recoil

Achievements of aircraft designers in this example confirmed that high technology and a vertical take-off aircraft can be equally useful and in demand for both government and civilian purposes.

In the era cold war The leading world powers were keen on projects to create a combat aircraft that would not require traditional airfields. This was explained by the slight vulnerability of such objects with deployed aircraft to the enemy. In addition, the expensive runway was not guaranteed to be protected. This period is considered the most important stage in the development of aircraft design activities.

Over the course of 30 years, Western and domestic strategists have diligently modernized the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, achieving perfection in fifth-generation fighters. And the basic technologies adopted make it possible to use many years of developments by the world’s leading aircraft designers for civilian purposes.

Military airshow Royal International Air Tattoo, which took place in the UK, promised to be spectacular and impressive, so a huge number of people gathered to watch it. And the creators of the show kept their promise, because the audience was able to get a lot of vivid impressions. But what struck everyone present most was the Russian MiG-29, more precisely, its incredible take-off capabilities, and the vertical take-off of the MiG-29 shocked Western journalists, without exception. However, this is not at all surprising, because almost everyone who saw the vertical take-off of the MiG-29 went into the sky like a rocket - this is exactly how this incredible flight was characterized. From a distance it seemed that it was not an airplane but a real rocket that was taking off from the ground, so swift and strong was the launch of the Russian aircraft.

MiG-29 aircraft

The extraordinary aircraft will soon be described in the media as follows:

• world record holder for rate of climb;
• by air transport capable of dialing speed 330 m/sec;
• an aircraft that turned out to be one and a half times faster than the English Electric Lightning interceptor, which was created by British engineers.

How was the MiG-29 created?

The history of the creation of the fighter began in the distant 60s of the last century, and currently the MiG-29 occupies one of the leading positions in the ranking of the most popular and modern aircraft in the world.

The design engineers who needed to create a fighter model were given a clear goal - to introduce into production a model that would surpass all analogues in maneuverability in the sky during close combat, and in addition to the main goal, the aircraft had to do the following:

• cover the rear from enemy air attack;
• conduct reconnaissance from the sky both day and night;
• carry out flights in any, even the most difficult weather conditions.

Over the years of its existence, we have produced about 1550 fighters, in operation of the Russian army there are currently more than 250 pieces. Since many people were interested in fighters, aircraft of this line replenished the armament of both former Russian allies and NATO member countries.

• the aircraft has unique characteristics that are not inherent in any other military vessel;
• the fighter flies without problems, choosing the highest angle of attack;
• a special control limiter in the form of a lever helps the pilot quickly change altitude, hit an enemy missile, or go up or to the side.

At the end of the 60s of the last century, the first MiG-29 was created; no military aircraft could boast of such characteristics.

Of course, not everything was smooth with the first model, for example, the fighter was very fast, but it lacked maneuverability and agility, and these are precisely the characteristics that are very important when conducting close air combat. To bring the model to the so-called perfection, design engineers made various proposals and adjustments, which ultimately helped create a modern model that is capable of going into the sky like a real rocket and shocking everyone who can see the extraordinary spectacle.

Technical characteristics of a modern fighter

The modern Russian fighter MiG-29 has the following technical characteristics:

• 11.36 m – wingspan;
• 17.3 m – length of the aircraft, taking into account the PVD boom;
• 4.7 m – height;
• 10900 kg – weight of an unloaded aircraft;
• 2450 km/h – maximum speed on high;
• 1500 km/h – maximum speed during takeoff;
• 19800 m/min – maximum rate of climb;
• 18000 m – practical ceiling.

The fighter is controlled by one pilot; the fighter is equipped with a 2xTRDDF RD-33 engine. Currently soviet fighter fourth generation replenishes the arsenal of the air forces of 27 states, the aircraft has been seen in several military conflicts from a positive perspective. Thus, in the late 90s, the German government familiarized the world press with a report that described the numerous superiorities of the MiG-29 over the F-16 fighter of American engineers. The technical characteristics of the Russian fighter were tested in Sardinia, at a military training center that belongs to NATO. After receiving the test results, it was proven that the Soviet fighter was able to special effort bypass all Western and American analogues.