At AERO INDIA 2007 the Russian Aircraft Corporation (RAC) "MiG" presents its latest multifunctional fighter - the MiG-35.

This aircraft available as both a single-seat and double-seat version joins the MiG unified family of “4++” generation fighter aircraft. At the heart of this family of aircraft is the MiG-29K/KUB fighter which is serially produced for the Indian Navy. The characteristics shared by these aircraft are so close that this has helped achieve the high degree of unification among various types of fighter aircraft, including single-seat and twin-seat version. All the MiG fighters from the new unified family are in the category of multifunctional combat aircraft.

The MiG-35 is capable of the following:

• Winning an aerial dog fight with the best fighter aircraft in the world

• Successfully counteracting existing and future attack aircraft and missiles

• Destroying ground and sea-surface targets with high-precision weapons without the need to enter the enemy’s air defense zone

• Conduct aerial reconnaissance using optic-electronic and radio technical equipment;

• Participate in group actions and acting as the “control unit” for groups of aircraft.

By maintaining the best qualities of the MiG-29 (defined by its integral aerodynamic configuration and other structural features), the unified family of fighters has a number of key strategic features including improved combat effectiveness and survivability, open architecture avionics, improved operational performance and an expandable weapons suite.

The increased number of weapons the aircraft can carry and the larger fuel capacity have led to an increase in the maximum take-off weight of the MiG-35, the aircraft is best described as being in the medium fighter category rather than the light fighter category.

With respect to combat, flight and operational performances the MiG-35 is the optimal combat aircraft for those countries operating fighter fleets based on heavy, medium and light aircraft.

The MiG-35 is a real air warrior designed for repeated heavy duty operations during times of war. During the development of the aircraft special attention has been paid to the improvement of the following aspects of its operational performance:

• Considerable increase of the reliability of the aircraft, engine and avionics

• Service life extended to 40 years and 6000 flight hours;

• Engine TBO increased to 1000 flight hours;

• Cost per flight hour of the MiG-35 flight hour is almost 2.5 times lower than the MiG-29’s;

• The MiG-35 is designed for on-condition maintenance with all the checking and servicing procedures to be performed directly by the operating unit, which adds to the combat readiness of the aircraft.

The setup of a dedicated service support center and consignment depot, which are due to become part of the integrated logistic support system, will dramatically increase the after-sales support for MiG fighter aircraft in India.

A big factor contributing to the improvement of the combat effectiveness and survivability of the MiG-35 is the airborne radio-electronic equipment based on new-generation technologies:

• The MiG-35 is the first Russian fighter equipped with onboard radar which has active phased array radar (AESA radar). This radar has been developed by the “Phazotron-NIIR” Corporation as part of the “Zhuk” family of radars. RAC “MiG” is the world leader in operating phased array radars. The MiG-31, inducted by the Russian Air Force in 1981, was the first fighter with phased array radar in the world. The multifunctional “Zhuk” family AESA radar allows for a substantial increase in the detection range of aerial and ground targets as well as augmenting the number of simultaneously tracked and attacked targets.

• A revolutionary feature of the MiG-35 is the integration of the most advanced optic-electronic sighting and targeting systems. The developers utilized unique technologies from the Russian space program when creating these systems. The MiG-35 is equipped with in-built multi-channel surveying-and-sighting optic-electronic system which has an extended range. The multi-channel optic-electronic station to be fitted to the aircraft in a pod allows for round-the-clock navigation, detection, sighting and reconnaissance.

• The MiG-35 self-defense system includes the most up-to-date radio and optical devices ensuring timely detection and counteraction of enemy fighters and air defense.

• A revolutionary feature of the MiG-35 is the integration of the most advanced optic-electronic sighting and targeting systems. The developers utilized unique technologies from the Russian space program when creating these systems. The MiG-35 is equipped with in-built multi-channel surveying-and-sighting optic-electronic system which has an extended range. The multi-channel optic-electronic station to be fitted to the aircraft in a pod allows for round-the-clock navigation, detection, sighting and reconnaissance.

• The MiG-35 self-defense system includes the most up-to-date radio and optical devices ensuring timely detection and counteraction of enemy fighters and air defense.

The MiG-35s high combat effectiveness is predetermined by the following structural innovations:

• Compared to MiG-29 the MiG-35 has a considerably increased fuel capacity, augmented by a number of external fuel tanks (up to 5) and an in-flight refueling system. The MiG-35 is capable of acting as a tanker-aircraft if equipped with the PAZ-МК refueling pod.

• The increased number of external load points allows the aircraft to carry various weapon configurations in combination with the external fuel tanks.

• The feasibility of integrating into the avionics and weapons suites the perspective systems of Russian design (which were earlier offered only for export), as well as ordnance and avionics of international origin.

• Reduced radar signature.

• A complex of technical and technological systems (e.g. onboard oxygen-generating station) ensuring self-sufficient aircraft deployment.

• The incorporation of technologies to prevent corrosion of the airframe and main systems. These meet the highest standards of protection for ship-borne fighters, which can substantially facilitate aircraft operation in tropical climates.
  

A program of technical training is in place which consists of interactive computer-based training and a range of simulators which include a mobile full-mission simulator. The training system has been developed to be utilized for all aircraft in the unificated family of fighter aircraft.

The MiG-35 fighter is a state-of-the-art aircraft designed by RAC “MiG”. It was rolled out on the 9th of January 2007 in the presence of Sergey Ivanov, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government, Defense Minister, and General Vladimir Mikhailov, Commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force.

According to Vladimir Mikhailov, the MiG-35 will be in demand by both the Russian Air Force and international customers. The fighter will be offered to the Indian Air Force for the MMRCA tender (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft).

The program of development and production of the MiG-35 envisages a large-scale technology transfer and further cooperation with the Indian industry. In particular it is planned to:

• involve Indian companies in the design and manufacture of avionics including the one pertaining to the new generation

• set up licensed production of the MiG-35, along with all its major systems, at HAL. There will be no limits to the transfer of technology

• utilize the industrial infrastructure created for operation, overhaul and series production of “MiG” and “Su” aircraft

• develop future joint programs for combat aircraft upgrades.