MiG-29K. Rebirth
This time, the Polygon team of the T24 channel, with the help of engineers and specialists, looks under the skin of the ship's MiG and finds out how this aircraft became an independent and very promising fighter.
The difficult fate of the fighter began in the 80 years. The created project of the ship 29 MiG did not receive proper support and was put away in a long box. Only in the 2000's work on the creation of a multi-functional fighter for aircraft carriers resumed, and based on new technologies. And today this military machine has impressive potential for building up the combat capabilities that are inherent in fifth-generation aircraft. MiG-29K can carry all types of weapons, this is a fighter, and attack aircraft, and bomber.
Compared to previous fighters, the ship's MiG flight resource has been increased by more than 2 times and amounts to approximately 6 000 flight hours. The aircraft is equipped with many parts and blocks. The simplest of them are cells, which are filling and power elements for many parts of the MiG. Honeycombs come in many forms - it all depends on their purpose and size. There are even fiberglass models. They are installed in the tail of the aircraft, where the antennas are located, which require the radio transparency of the material.
The share of composites and honeycombs in the current fighter has become much larger, which significantly reduced the weight of the aircraft and at the same time significantly increased its maneuverability, as well as increased fuel supply and combat load. The MiG-29K is super maneuverable and is made according to the so-called layout scheme, when not only the wing, but also the fuselage creates lift in all flight modes.
Therefore, when assembling each part of this maneuverable fighter, it is important to maintain the parameters specified by the drawings, otherwise, the entire circuit may be inoperative. The process of creating each part of the fighter takes about two weeks. First, a metal frame is installed in the slipway - the base, which in the future will become an airplane, add ribs and honeycombs. Then comes the lining line. At the final stage, after the autoclave, the structure is completely assembled using technological fasteners and rivets.
MiG-29K can work in any weather conditions, at any time of the year and in any latitudes. It can take off from a ship without a launch catapult, using only its own engines. By the way, it develops the latest St. Petersburg UEC-Klimov, and produces - the Moscow Engineering Plant named after Chernyshev. The engine modification for the MiG is proudly called the “sea wasp” and has a relatively low weight, but is ready to develop thrust up to 9 tons in combat mode. Another advantage of such turbojet engines is their reliability and performance.
All engines, like the fighter itself, are unique, although they are manufactured according to all technical requirements. Therefore, in tests that can last up to 4-four days, all systems and assemblies are tested in all operating modes, up to bolts and rivets. Using a centrifuge, electrical equipment is tested - checking for the effects of linear overloads. In addition, various parts are subjected to climatic and mechanical tests. Each batch of MiGs is built for specific tasks, so almost every node of the fighter can undergo changes. For example, it is possible to install models with a variable thrust vector instead of conventional engines or to put more advanced electronics.
After all kinds of verification procedures, the MiG-29K begins to take its final shape. This is already happening in the assembly plant. By the way, when designing the fighter, the designers paid special attention to the interchangeability of the components of the aircraft, so that there was always the opportunity to make urgent repairs in parts, which is called “in place”. For example, the same wing consoles are not mounted on rivets, but on special bolts and, if necessary, can be quickly replaced aviation technicians.
It is even possible to replace the aircraft engine in the field - in just 58 minutes, which is an absolute record for the hearts of Russian and foreign fighters.
The MiG-29K has come a long and thorny path to regain its place of honor in the ranks of the Naval Aviation of the Russian Navy and to protect the vast expanses of the sky and sea of our country.
Return of the legend
The difficult fate of the fighter began in the 80 years. The created project of the ship 29 MiG did not receive proper support and was put away in a long box. Only in the 2000's work on the creation of a multi-functional fighter for aircraft carriers resumed, and based on new technologies. And today this military machine has impressive potential for building up the combat capabilities that are inherent in fifth-generation aircraft. MiG-29K can carry all types of weapons, this is a fighter, and attack aircraft, and bomber.
Compared to previous fighters, the ship's MiG flight resource has been increased by more than 2 times and amounts to approximately 6 000 flight hours. The aircraft is equipped with many parts and blocks. The simplest of them are cells, which are filling and power elements for many parts of the MiG. Honeycombs come in many forms - it all depends on their purpose and size. There are even fiberglass models. They are installed in the tail of the aircraft, where the antennas are located, which require the radio transparency of the material.
The share of composites and honeycombs in the current fighter has become much larger, which significantly reduced the weight of the aircraft and at the same time significantly increased its maneuverability, as well as increased fuel supply and combat load. The MiG-29K is super maneuverable and is made according to the so-called layout scheme, when not only the wing, but also the fuselage creates lift in all flight modes.
Therefore, when assembling each part of this maneuverable fighter, it is important to maintain the parameters specified by the drawings, otherwise, the entire circuit may be inoperative. The process of creating each part of the fighter takes about two weeks. First, a metal frame is installed in the slipway - the base, which in the future will become an airplane, add ribs and honeycombs. Then comes the lining line. At the final stage, after the autoclave, the structure is completely assembled using technological fasteners and rivets.
Multifunctional, combat
MiG-29K can work in any weather conditions, at any time of the year and in any latitudes. It can take off from a ship without a launch catapult, using only its own engines. By the way, it develops the latest St. Petersburg UEC-Klimov, and produces - the Moscow Engineering Plant named after Chernyshev. The engine modification for the MiG is proudly called the “sea wasp” and has a relatively low weight, but is ready to develop thrust up to 9 tons in combat mode. Another advantage of such turbojet engines is their reliability and performance.
All engines, like the fighter itself, are unique, although they are manufactured according to all technical requirements. Therefore, in tests that can last up to 4-four days, all systems and assemblies are tested in all operating modes, up to bolts and rivets. Using a centrifuge, electrical equipment is tested - checking for the effects of linear overloads. In addition, various parts are subjected to climatic and mechanical tests. Each batch of MiGs is built for specific tasks, so almost every node of the fighter can undergo changes. For example, it is possible to install models with a variable thrust vector instead of conventional engines or to put more advanced electronics.
After all kinds of verification procedures, the MiG-29K begins to take its final shape. This is already happening in the assembly plant. By the way, when designing the fighter, the designers paid special attention to the interchangeability of the components of the aircraft, so that there was always the opportunity to make urgent repairs in parts, which is called “in place”. For example, the same wing consoles are not mounted on rivets, but on special bolts and, if necessary, can be quickly replaced aviation technicians.
It is even possible to replace the aircraft engine in the field - in just 58 minutes, which is an absolute record for the hearts of Russian and foreign fighters.
The MiG-29K has come a long and thorny path to regain its place of honor in the ranks of the Naval Aviation of the Russian Navy and to protect the vast expanses of the sky and sea of our country.
Information