Russia's Navy will buy at least 24 MiG-29K (Fulcrum-D) fighters to be deployed on the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, an unnamed Defense
Ministry official said on Friday.
He added that deliveries of the carrier-based multirole fighters would start in 2010.
The MiGs will subsequently replace the Su-33 (Flanker-D) carrier-based fighters, even though their service life does not expire until 2025.
Military analyst Konstantin Makiyenko suggested that production of new Su-33 aircraft was possible but not cost-effective, given the small production
volumes, whereas considering that India has already contracted 16 MiG-29K's and could place an order for another 28, the latter option is more
financially viable.
The 24 aircraft will cost an estimated $1 billion.
en.rian.ru...
I have always had a soft spot for the MiG-29. Yes the Su-33 is a brilliant aircraft but its funny to see the MiG-29K, who lost out to the Su-33,
reappear and win. The USN is all about power projection with their carriers but the Kuznetsov is tasked with protecting the fleet with CAP flights.
The Su-33s have a limited multi-role capability in their current configuration or at least last time I checked they did.
Even if they popped a Shkval on it and scotch taped a cheap TV on to the right panel (Su-25t style baby) precision guided munitions would work wonders
you would think. They can carry the giant anti-ship missle, named the "Mosquito" oddly enough, also but imo it doesn't serve much of a purpose
because of its weight.
The MiG-29K would be smaller and as a result would have less of a payload. So no strapping 12 R-27EMs to the bottom anymore  . But the 29 would fit
the role perfectly since its more of a frontline aircraft. You aren't going to fly across the Caucaus in it (even though it is possible) at a good
speed but as for providing top cover it seems to be a perfect candidate. Plus landing a 29 on the carrier is probably easier then landing the Su-33. I
would imagine the Fulcrum would be a little more forgiving and agile.
[edit on 23-10-2009 by nastalgik]
|
