The MiG-29 along with the Su-27 is of the few represented by equal-advantages to the western jets. It incorporated a number of innovative technologies, some of which had never been on any western fighter. It also reflected a change in the Russian tactics in the air. For example, previously there had been a very heavy reliance on command and guidance from the ground, therefore there was little need for a cockpit with an excellent view, and since it was easier to make them smaller for aerodynamic reasons this was the trend with the MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-25. But the MiG-29 was designed with a large bubble canopy similar to those on most western fighters suggesting a change in tactics. Louvered doors close the engine intakes while on the ground protecting the compressor from Foreign Object Damage (FOD). On take-off, the air is sucked in through a number of slits on the upper side of the wing root. On the MiG-29M (a further development) these doors have been replace with a mesh grill similar to the one n the Su-27. It reduces complexity and created extra space for fuel and avionics by removing the intakes on top of the wing root. MiG-29 Fulcrum is of a comparable size to the F/A-18 Hornet. It first became operational in early 1985 (comparatively new to the F-16 which was developed in the 1970's) and since then has been exported to a number of countries. About 345 of these counter air fighters are in service with the Russian tactical air forces and 110 with the naval forces. The MiG-29 has a high level of maneuverability and the coherent pulse Doppler radar (which can track up to 10 targets simultaneously at 69 km) combined with a laser range finder and infra-red search and track (IRST) linked to the Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS) make it an excellent close in fighter. The two engines on the MiG-29 are the Kilmov/Sarkisov RD-33 each providing 18,000 pounds of thrust. Even if one engine is damaged and providing no thrust, the MiG-29 is able to accelerate and start on the one engine. Also the engines have proven their ability to take rough handling with maneuvers such as tail slides which were performed by Anatolij Kvocur at Farnbourough in 1988. The MiG-29M has addressed many of the fighters shortcomings. Unfortunately due to the economic position in Russia Mig-Mapo has not had any orders for this excellent aircraft. The internal fuel storage has been increased dramatically; is controlled by quadruple fly-by-wire; glass cockpit; new terrain following Zhuk radar (Beetle); improved engines with reduced smoke trails, better efficiency and more power; new IRST, added TV; longer canopy, a wider, longer and less curved dorsal spine; bulged wing tips with fore and aft Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), eight under wing tech points (as opposed to six on earlier versions); aluminium-lithium center section; and finally larger, sharper, repositioned wing roots which create stronger vortices and modifications to extend back the center of gravity limit for relaxed stability which increases the max. angle of attack giving more maneuverability and better efficiency. As you can see the MiG-29M is a much improved aircraft.
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