aviation - the past, present and future of flight

MiG-29G in the

manoeuvring

characteristics

(Block 50/52

aircraft are much

heavier due to

their equipment).

However, this

advantage of the

F-16 could be

compensated for by

using the helmet-

mounted sight in

combination with the

R-73.”

UPGRADES

The MiG-29 – its

avionics, weapon

systems and

performance – were

constantly upgraded

during its service

with the Soviets and other air forces.

This did not happen with the NATO MiG-

29Gs which were first-generation Fulcrums.

At the end of the type’s career with the

Luftwaffe, it was essentially the same aircraft

that had been delivered to the NVA 15 years

earlier.

The MiG-29 was a weapons system of

the early 1980s, based on the technologies

of the 1970s and needed to perform to the

requirements of the new millennia. However,

in 2001 plans were laid to retire the type

from the Luftwaffe and convert JG 73 at

Laage to the Eurofighter.

The first Eurofighters arrived at Laage on

April 30, 2004 during the last MiG-29 DACT

training which took place at the base between

April 23 and May 7, with US Air Force F-15Cs

from RAF Lakenheath.

The Fulcrums were offered to Poland for

a nominal €1 each; a deal that was gratefully

accepted. The

first five aircraft

were flown to

Bydgoszcz, Poland

on September 6,

2003, however,

they required

refurbishment

and structural

renovation before

they could enter

service. The last

examples left for

Poland on August

4, 2004.

Of the 24

aircraft transferred

to the Luftwaffe

in 1990, 22 were

sold to Poland.

One, 29+03,

was retained for

display at Laage,

and later moved to the Luftwaffe museum

at Gatow, Berlin in 2006. Another, 29+09,

crashed on June 29, 1996, the pilot

managing to eject.

It is debatable whether the MiG-29 ever

flew to its full potential with the Luftwaffe.

Because its systems were not compatible

with NATO tactics (which led to some not

being used or removed from the aircraft)

and rules of engagement, some pilots have

argued these inevitably downgraded its

performance.

However, in spite of these drawbacks,

there is no doubt that it served as a valuable

resource to NATO and the Luftwaffe.

30 Aviation News incorporating Jets April 2018

Above: This shot from above a MiG-29G

clearly illustrates the subtle two-tone grey

camouflage adopted when the aircraft were

transferred to the Luftwaffe. Stefan Petersen

Below: MiG-29G, 29+01, flies in formation

with a two-seat Eurofighter EF-2000T. The

Luftwaffe’s JG 73 converted to the Eurofighter

in 2004. Note the dummy cockpit on the

underside of the Fulcrum. Stefan Petersen

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