Export version of the MiG-35. Benefits and Prospects
Premiere screening
The MiG-35 in its new export form was shown at the MAKS salon, and immediately in the form of a full-scale sample. In the parking lot next to the pavilion of the United Aircraft Corporation, a new-look aircraft was placed. For greater clarity, additional equipment and weapons were hung on the pylons; also removed the nose cone to show the new radar with AFAR.
Soon a full list of improvements applied in the new version of the project was published. According to RSK MiG, the export MiG-35 remains a multi-functional fighter capable of solving air defense tasks or fighting for air superiority, as well as hitting ground targets. Recycling the design of the airframe, power plant and all major systems has led to increased efficiency in solving such problems.
During the refinement of the original project, the geometry of the airframe was changed, increasing the wing and tail. The previous version of the MiG-35, created on the basis of the deck MiG-29K, retained some of its characteristic features, superfluous for a land-based aircraft. Perhaps during the modernization, this was taken into account and the glider was optimized for the intended operation.
The use of modern electronic equipment is envisaged. The exhibition sample was demonstrated with the nose fairing removed, which made it possible to consider the AFAR onboard radar. In the past, it was repeatedly indicated that the MiG-35 will be equipped with the Zhuk-A station. An important feature is the use of modern instrumentation of the cockpit, providing the convenience and efficiency of the pilot.
The modular architecture of avionics was developed for the export MiG-35. Real production aircraft can be equipped with various instruments of Russian and foreign production. Modular architecture will simplify remaking technology to meet specific customer requirements. In addition, compatibility with various instruments and weapons will be ensured.
The export plane has nine points of external suspension. Maximum load - 6,5 t. Suspension of weapons or equipment weighing up to 500 kg per point is possible. A fighter can carry guided and unguided missiles and bombs to destroy air and ground targets. Compatibility with hanging containers for various equipment is also provided. So, on the MAX-2019 on the ventral pylon, a container with optics was demonstrated.
With an eye on export
In fact, the new export version of the MiG-35 project offers the refinement of the existing 4 ++ generation fighter for specific requirements for equipment for sale to third countries. RSK MiG took as a basis the existing options for developing the MiG-29 platform and changed them taking into account the basic rules and customs of the international market.
As a result of this, the main innovations of the export MiG-35 affect the complex of avionics, although other systems are also being finalized. The resulting model in its flight performance is close to the base MiG-35 offered by the Russian Aerospace Forces. The combat qualities and other characteristics directly depend on the set of on-board equipment, determined by the wishes of the customer.
Similar approaches to shaping the appearance of technology have been repeatedly used by Russian aircraft manufacturers and, on the whole, have paid off. Foreign countries operate a lot of fighters of Russian design and construction, equipped with imported instruments. The resulting machines completely suit the operators.
Possible customers
It is obvious that the export version of the MiG-35 was built and sent to the exhibition for demonstration to potential buyers. Representatives of third countries got the opportunity to get acquainted with the latest Russian development and consider the purchase of such equipment. The result of this in the near future may be the beginning of negotiations, and then the signing of a real contract.
Several foreign countries can be considered as potential customers for the export MiG-35. The MiG-35 is quite capable of attracting the interest of countries operating the MiG-29 family of aircraft. Such equipment is in service with almost three dozen states. Moreover, in the vast majority of cases, we are talking about machines with a great age that need to be replaced.
In theory, any of these countries may be interested in new Russian development. However, not all of them have the opportunity to purchase modern aircraft to replace obsolete ones. Financial restrictions automatically reduce the list of potential buyers.
India may again be a very profitable customer. It already operates several modifications of the MiG-29, and in the future may purchase newer MiG-35. The emergence of the next Russian-Indian treaty contributes to both the perfection of the new fighter and the actual failure of the MMRCA program. The Indian Air Force continues to search for the desired fighter, and - after the well-known events of the past - they can choose the Russian machine.
Already at the end of August, almost immediately after the premiere of the export MiG-35, unconfirmed reports of a real order appeared in the foreign press. It was alleged that the Egyptian Air Force signed a contract for 50 aircraft with a total value of 2 billion. Deliveries should begin soon and be completed by the end of 2020. Over the past time, confirmation of this news did not arrive.
The MiG-35 customer may also be the closest Russian neighbor. The military-political leadership of the Republic of Belarus is interested in new models of equipment for the Air Force, and it can result in the order of the latest MiG-35 to replace the old MiG-29. In a similar way, other countries from far abroad can renew their park. However, in their case so far it is only about discussing the prospects of the army, but not about consultations and real contracts.
No official information about real interest in the new MiG-35 export from third countries has yet been received. This fact can be interpreted in different ways. It may indicate a lack of interest in the project, or hint at holding consultations and negotiations in a closed format. In addition, potential buyers can only look narrowly at the new Russian car - not too much time has passed from its first show, and they did not have time to decide.
For myself and for others
While the export MiG-35 is only looking for its customers, the “internal” version of this aircraft is already being tested in the interests of the Russian Aerospace Forces. There is an order for six aircraft in single and double versions. The first pair of fighters was handed over to the customer in the first half of the 2019. The remaining vehicles are planned to be sent to the aerospace forces before the end of the year.
According to the results of all necessary tests, the MiG-35 will be able to enter service; new contracts for the mass production of such equipment will also appear. The volume and cost of production are still unknown. At the same time, MiG RSK notes that the new machines will replace obsolete equipment of the MiG-29 family. Under the replacement will go the production aircraft of the late eighties and early nineties. Newer models are proposed to operate in parallel with modern technology from future deliveries.
It is expected that serial production of the MiG-35 will allow to restore and increase the combat readiness of the fleet of Russian light multirole fighters. The armament of the aerospace forces will receive equipment of this class, capable of complementing aircraft of other weight categories and other purposes.
It should also be expected that the supply of MiG-35 to the domestic customer will positively affect the prospects of the export project. Foreign customers are traditionally not inclined to trust equipment that is not accepted for service in their own country. It is possible that the bulk of export orders will appear precisely after the MiG-35 was adopted for service and the full operation of the Russian army began.
All of these events are expected over the next few years. In the same period, the real prospects of the export version of the MiG-35 presented this year will become clear and understandable. The project has certain chances for success, and he must use them.
- Ryabov Kirill
- KLA / uacrussia.ru, Wikimedia Commons
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