What is there, under the wing of the MiG-29?
Our neighbors built a “novyna”, so much so that even Western publications, having seen the picture on the official Twitter of the Ukrainian Air Force, began to ask the same question: “Why is this?”.
It looks especially original in the performance of our colleagues from The Drive and The National Interest. Already there they should be aware of what is going to Ukraine in terms of military assistance, and what Ukrainians can attach to their planes.
But no, there are also questions.
What did the Ukrainians show so interesting? Own (this can be seen from the color of the bow, the aircraft delivered by Poland and Slovakia have a pure white nose cone) MiG-29, which has a new type of pylon for armament suspension.
Not a word was said about what would be hung on this pylon, the caption under the picture “New day - new challenges!” does not provide clarity. However, this is all shown for a reason, especially given the bunch of previous adaptations that were made for the Ukrainian MiG-29 and Su-24 aircraft under the new weapon Western origin.
It is clear that there is a certain report on the work done, which should be seen where the weapons came from. But, as you can see, not everyone is up to date there either, which is why questions of this kind are being asked.
To whom is the call ... Who is called ... It is not clear. Need to think.
New pylons were installed in positions next to the engine nacelles. This gives an understanding that something heavy will be suspended. In general, in the MiG-29, R-27 missiles are usually suspended at this position, which, depending on the modification, weigh from 280 to 350 kg.
As an example of the MiG-29 in pre-war coloring and precisely with R-27 missiles on pylons
At the same position, but with the help of another pylon, the AGM-88 HARM suspension is carried out, which is used by both the Ukrainian MiG-29 and Su-27. The rocket is also not easy, weighing more than 360 kg. They have been using it for about a year, so this is a separate option for upgrading aircraft.
As you can see, the pylon is shorter than the one adapted by the Ukrainians
Regardless of the origin of this particular MiG-29, an intriguing aspect of the photo is the appearance of two elongated inner underwing pylons closest to the engine nacelles.
However, the pylons shown in this photo do not look like either of these options. The key features are their length and, in particular, how much they protrude beyond the leading edge of the wing. It appears (possibly, although the image quality is very poor) that each pylon has four grips, which are usually required to attach heavier ammunition.
Some experts expressed the opinion that it is possible to hang containers with electronic equipment in this way, but this is generally worth talking about separately, the topic is somewhat more complicated than hanging bombs or missiles. The integration of electronic warfare and defensive countermeasures on the external load of an aircraft is a fairly widely used concept, but it involves significant additional work in adapting the equipment to the aircraft.
In general, the photo shows a pylon that is associated with a new type of air-launched weapon that was introduced on the Ukrainian MiG-29. It remains only to figure out what can be hung on this pylon.
We know that Ukraine has received long-range precision guided bombs, JDAM-ERS, which can hit targets up to 80 km away thanks to their retractable wing kits.
We do not yet know what types of aircraft have been adapted to launch these weapons, but the MiG-29 may be one of the options, because the Ukrainian Air Force does not have many options as such. In this case, a new type of pylon may have been installed.
Heavy-duty multiple bomb mounts can also indicate larger weapons such as the JDAM-ER being separated from the aircraft and dropped by gravity rather than being fired or ejected.
So, the first two contenders already exist. Adjustable and free-falling bombs.
Next we have rockets, and this is where it gets really interesting. The missiles are the AIM-7 Sparrow with radar homing (AAMS) and the AIM-9 Sidewinder with infrared guidance (AAM). They are already at the disposal of the Ukrainian Air Force.
The AIM-7 Sparrow is somewhat unsuitable as it is shorter and lighter than the same P-27, 3,66 m long and 232 kg in weight.
AIM-9 Sidewinder is even smaller: 2,85 m in length and 91 kg in weight.
AIM-120. Kyiv got them as part of the NASAMS air defense system, but why not try to adapt these missiles for launch from an aircraft? But the AIM-120 is 3,66 meters long and weighs 161 kg.
IRIS-T. The same thing, the missiles are part of the IRIS-T SLM complex, and they practically do not require adaptation at all. BUT the German rocket is also no different in size: 3 meters long and 87 kg in weight. Although, it should be noted, the pylon is similar.
That is, for these missiles there is no need to fence such a suspension. But there is one more thing. I'll risk calling myself a hail of criticism, but the version is this: "Harpoon".
The version, of course, is so-so, but there are prerequisites for it. The Black Sea Fleet, which is frozen in its bases, is a very good target. Any sunken boat, even if it is a Soviet-era artillery boat, is just a chic "overcome".
Considering that the Black Sea Fleet does not carry out any actions during which anti-ship weapons could be used against ships, and naval drones they did not show themselves as a substitute for torpedoes, it makes sense to try to deliver the Harpoons, which the United States kindly provided to Ukraine closer to the targets. And for this you do not need a lot of planes, a couple will suffice. They will not inflict much damage on the Black Sea Fleet, but such an operation can be inflated very significantly by choosing a ship of the Azov region type, which performs work at a distance from the bases, as the target.
Here's what, in fact, can be seen from strike weapons. Bombs and anti-ship missile. The rest, alas, does not look significant.
Now let's talk about electronic modules.
Four grips and a long pylon may be needed to hang a decent-sized container with electronic filling. Modern highly sensitive electronic support means (ESM) and radar homing and warning receivers (RWR), placed in containers, could be very useful in reconnaissance of the same air defense systems.
Basically, it is a set of passive sensors that can collect intelligence data by detecting certain types of electromagnetic radiation. For example, data on the operation of radars in air defense systems. Flying with two sensors equidistant from each other would allow for some level of triangulation and positioning of enemy radars.
Thus, ESM/RWR would be particularly relevant to the air defense suppression mission, which is already being carried out by Ukrainian MiG-29s armed with HARMS missiles. Electronic modules that contribute to the detection of air defense radars and anti-radar missiles together pose a very serious threat to air defense systems and surveillance systems.
And finally, containers with jamming equipment can be hung on the pylons.
Electronic warfare modules can be very useful for the MiG-29, which already operate in a more than dangerous zone, saturated with both air defense systems, and very effective (by the way, according to Ukrainian pilots) Su-35 interceptors.
Considering that Russian air defense systems can hit targets far behind the front line on Ukrainian territory, especially at medium and high altitudes, having additional protection in terms of electronic warfare would be very useful, and the use of electronic warfare systems makes a lot of useful sense.
In fact, the efforts of Ukrainian aviation engineers and technicians are understandable. Before the arrival (if any) of the promised F-16s is still at least months away, but something needs to be fought. Therefore, despite everything, Ukrainians are trying their best to make candy from a known substance, as far as they can.
In general, it is worth paying tribute to the enemy aviation specialists, they are making every effort to maintain their Air Force in a relatively efficient and competitive state. This case may just be another example of how Ukrainian specialists are trying on their own to ensure the possibility of using relatively new weapons coming from NATO countries to Ukraine.
But, I emphasize, these are just guesses. The current state of affairs and the answer to the question “Why do they need such a pylon” can differ quite dramatically. Especially if the Armed Forces of Ukraine have at their disposal something not declared in the assistance packages, which, by the way, is also quite a viable option.
Time will show everything.
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