Russia begins testing MiG-35 fighter

MiG-35 fighter jets will be tested in January 2017, with the first batch expected to be delivered to the Russian Air Force by the end of this year.

A MiG-35 appeared in mid-December 2016. Photo: Pravda.

"We plan to conduct test flights with the MiG-35 light fighter in January 2017," Sputnik quoted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin on December 30.

The MiG-35 (NATO designation: Fulcrum-F) is a deeply upgraded version of the MiG-29M2 and MiG-29K multi-role fighter lines. It is equipped with electronic systems and weapons superior to previous fighter models, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, OLS-35 optical target designation system... These systems help the MiG-35 limit its dependence on ground guidance forces like the MiG-29 series and earlier, according to Airforce Technology.

Mikoyan Corporation classifies the MiG-35 as a 4++ generation fighter, similar to Sukhoi's Su-35S version. This aircraft model was first introduced at the Aero India 2007 fair, aiming to participate in the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRCA) tender for the Indian Air Force. However, the MiG-35 lost to the French version of Dassault Rafale.

The fighter comes in two versions, the single-seat MiG-35 and the two-seat MiG-35D. The open system configuration allows the MiG-35 to use electronics from many countries including France, Israel, Russia and the United States. The Ramenskoye design bureau will be responsible for integrating customer options into the airframe.

The aircraft uses the Phazotron Zhuk-AE radar, becoming the first Russian fighter equipped with AESA radar. It allows the MiG-35 to detect enemy aircraft from a distance of 200 km and warships from 300 km, track 30 targets and attack 6 targets at the same time. In addition, the OLS-35 infrared sensor and laser rangefinder system helps the MiG-35 locate enemies from a distance of 90 km without being detected.

The MiG-35 is 17.3 m long, has a wingspan of 12 m, and an empty weight of 11 tons. Two Klimov RD-33MK engines help the aircraft reach a maximum speed of 2,400 km/h, a range of 2,000 km, and a combat radius of 1,000 km. The MiG-35 fighter is equipped with a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, 9 hardpoints, and a total weapon weight of 7 tons.

According to VNE