Difference between revisions of "MiG-29"
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| − | The '''MiG-29''', known to Western operators as the "Fulcrum," is a Soviet-built air superiority fighter. It is a widely exported aircraft, used by more than 20 countries, among whom are [[Iraq]], [[Iran]], [[North Korea]], and [[Cuba]]. At shorter ranges, it is equal to the [[F-15]], but at ranges of eight miles or more, the F-15 and [[F-18]] are superior. | + | The '''MiG-29''', known to Western operators as the "Fulcrum," is a Soviet-built air superiority fighter. It is a widely exported aircraft, used by more than 20 countries, among whom are [[Iraq]], [[Iran]], [[North Korea]], and [[Cuba]].<ref>[http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/avmig29.html Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum]</ref> At shorter ranges, it is equal to the [[F-15]], but at ranges of eight miles or more, the F-15 and [[F-18]] are superior. |
[[Image:MiG-29 flight.jpg|right|thumb|400 px|A "Fulcrum" in flight.]] | [[Image:MiG-29 flight.jpg|right|thumb|400 px|A "Fulcrum" in flight.]] | ||
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| + | The MiG-29 was designed to meet a 1972 requirement for a maneuverable, high-tech fighter to replace the [[MiG-21]] and MiG-23. The first prototype flew in 1977, and the Fulcrum entered operational service in the mid-80s.<ref>''The Vital Guide to Military Aircraft'', ed. by Sophearith Moeng, Airlife Publishing, 1994</ref> | ||
The [[Department of Defense]] acquired 21 "Fulcrums" from [[Moldova]] after learning that Iran had inspected the aircraft and were attempting to purchase them. Fourteen of the aircraft were the advanced "C" version, which carry a radar jammer. | The [[Department of Defense]] acquired 21 "Fulcrums" from [[Moldova]] after learning that Iran had inspected the aircraft and were attempting to purchase them. Fourteen of the aircraft were the advanced "C" version, which carry a radar jammer. | ||
| − | + | On February 24, 1996, a Cuban Air Force MiG-29 shot down two unarmed Cessna prop planes over international waters. The Cessnas were flown by members of Brothers to the Rescue, an anti-[[Castro]] activist organization. All four pilots were killed, and the Cuban government was widely condemned for the incident.<ref>[http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/cases/86-99.html University of Minnesota Human Rights Library]</ref><ref>[http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/judiciary/hju63608.000/hju63608_0.htm Shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue Planes]</ref> | |
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| + | ==References== | ||
| + | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Aircraft]] | [[Category:Aircraft]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Russia]] | ||
Revision as of 02:52, October 27, 2008
The MiG-29, known to Western operators as the "Fulcrum," is a Soviet-built air superiority fighter. It is a widely exported aircraft, used by more than 20 countries, among whom are Iraq, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba.[1] At shorter ranges, it is equal to the F-15, but at ranges of eight miles or more, the F-15 and F-18 are superior.
The MiG-29 was designed to meet a 1972 requirement for a maneuverable, high-tech fighter to replace the MiG-21 and MiG-23. The first prototype flew in 1977, and the Fulcrum entered operational service in the mid-80s.[2]
The Department of Defense acquired 21 "Fulcrums" from Moldova after learning that Iran had inspected the aircraft and were attempting to purchase them. Fourteen of the aircraft were the advanced "C" version, which carry a radar jammer.
On February 24, 1996, a Cuban Air Force MiG-29 shot down two unarmed Cessna prop planes over international waters. The Cessnas were flown by members of Brothers to the Rescue, an anti-Castro activist organization. All four pilots were killed, and the Cuban government was widely condemned for the incident.[3][4]
References
- ↑ Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum
- ↑ The Vital Guide to Military Aircraft, ed. by Sophearith Moeng, Airlife Publishing, 1994
- ↑ University of Minnesota Human Rights Library
- ↑ Shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue Planes