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A test flight of an upgraded MiG-29 fighter of the Indian Air Force was successfully carried out at Zhukovski airfield by manufacturer Russia’s RAC MiG Corporation.
“The maiden test flight of the MiG-29UPG took place at Zhukovski airfield of M M Gromov Flight Research Institute,” a spokesman of the RAC MiG Corporation said.
Under a $900-million deal, the MiG company is carrying out upgradation of IAF’s all 69 MiG-29s, including installing Fazatron Zhuk-M radar to give fighters a beyond visual range combat capability.
The flight was performed by the Chief of Flight Service, senior test pilot of RAC “MiG”, the Hero of Russia Michael Belyaev. The first six aircraft are being upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 will be refitted by HAL in India.
These upgrades include a new avionics kit, with its older radar being replaced by a Fazatron Zhuk-M radar. The aircraft is also being equipped to enhance BVR (beyond-visual-range) combat ability and for mid-air refuelling to increase the flying time.
Under the project Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd acquired a licence in 2007 for the assembly of 120 RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines for the upgraded jets.
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