MiG-29SMT

This page is about the Soviet jet fighter MiG-29SMT. For other versions, see MiG-29 (Family).

MiG-29SMT

MiG-29

MiG-29SMT

MiG-29

USSR

VIII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
13.3	13.3	13.3

Class:

Fighter

Jet fighter

Research:410 000

Purchase:1 100 000

Description

By the turn of the millennium, the Russian VVS had fallen behind its adversaries again in terms of air power, due to the financial issues of post-Soviet Russia. With lack of funding resulting in the failure of the Mikoyan MFI and the MiG 1.44 program to produce a 5th generation frontline fighter to replace the MiG-29, a new aircraft was required to act as a counter to the latest F-16 variants and new Eurocanard fighters such as the Typhoon, Rafale, and Gripen. RSK MiG decided to restart development of their MiG-29SMT (9.17) from the mid-90s, and presented the idea of a MiG-29 modernized for the 21st century to the Russian government. With the cost savings of updating an older airframe being the main advantage, the development of the MiG-29SMT was greenlit, and the MiG-29SMT was heavily updated and upgraded into the 9.18 and 9.19 variants. To recoup some of the development costs, both variants were almost exclusively intended for export, with a special and slightly downgraded variant of the 9.19 created exclusively for the Russian VVS to save costs. The development of the 9.19 was finalized in 2006 with pre-production aircraft performing regular test flights and air-show demonstrations to attract foreign buyers. In the following years, the MiG-29SMT (9.19) would enter mass production where it would find homes with the Russian VVS, the Algerian Air Force, and the Syrian Arab Air Force.

The MiG-29SMT (9-19), introduced in Update "Sons of Attila", brings a new taste to a formidable beast that most top-rank pilots in War Thunder are familiar with. While the flight performance feels significantly worse than its predecessor, the MiG-29 (9.13), the new MiG-29SMT brings to the table a completely game-changing set of weaponry, including some of the best air-to-air missiles in the game such as the R-73 and R-27E family as well as the R-77s. This, combined with the upgraded avionics, radar, and upgraded assortment of guided ground ordnance for precision CAS, makes the MiG-29SMT a very dangerous and formidable aircraft in the top ranks of War Thunder.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes

Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps

Drogue parachute

Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway

Max speed

at 12 000 m2 347 km/h

Turn time22 s

Max altitude16 000 m

Engine2 х Klimov RD-33 series 3

Type

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight46 t

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics	Max speed (km/h at 12,000 m)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
	AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
Stock	2,261	2,216	16000	23.1	23.5	257.5	244.8	750
Upgraded	2,442	2,347		21.9	22.5	346.1	300.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear	Drogue chute
X	✓	✓	✓	X	✓

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
1,575	700	-	532	463	~10	~4

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 680	< 750	< 700	-

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
Klimov RD-33 Series 3		2	11,670 kg		435 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)				Max Gross Weight
Weight (each)	Type		12m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	40m fuel
1,050 kg	Afterburning low-bypass turbofan		13,081 kg	14,018 kg	15,192 kg	16,373 kg	20,979 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition	100%	WEP	12m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	40m fuel	MGW
Stationary	3,920 kgf	6,816 kgf	1.04	0.97	0.90	0.83	0.65
Optimal	5,430 kgf (1,575 km/h)	12,445 kgf (1,575 km/h)	1.90	1.78	1.64	1.52	1.19

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff

Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar

Crew1 person

Speed of destruction

Structural0 km/h

Gear700 km/h

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB2 687 → 4 425

RB7 757 → 12 775

SB9 134 → 15 043

Total cost of modifications322 000

493 000

Talisman cost3 200

Crew training310 000

Experts1 100 000

Aces3 600

Research Aces1 350 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

90 / 320 / 500 %

256 / 256 / 256 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Compressor Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 410 New boosters Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 460 Wings repair Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 500 Engine Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 780	Fuselage repair Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 410 G-suit Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 460 Airframe Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 460 UV-5-08 Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 500 Cover Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 500 EFS Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 780	R-27R Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 410 Flares/Chaff Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 410 GSh_301_belt_pack Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 410 ZB-500 Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 410 OFAB-100 Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 410 R-27T Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 460 GSh_301_new_gun Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 460 GSh_301_new_gun Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 460 B-8M1 Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 460 FAB-250 Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 460 R-73 Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 500 R-27ET Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 500 B-13L Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 500 FAB-500/KAB-500S Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 500 R-27ER Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 780 R-77 Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 780 40px Kh-29T Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 780 KAB-500Kr Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 780

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns)	CCIP (Rockets)	CCIP (Bombs)	CCRP (Bombs)	Lead indicator

Offensive armament

The MiG-29SMT is armed with:

• A choice between two presets:
  • 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, cheek-mounted (150 rpg) + 60 x countermeasures
  • 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon + 56 x large calibre countermeasures + 60 x countermeasures

Compared to the basic MiG-29, the SMT is capable of mounting supplementary large calibre countermeasures for better self-protection.

Suspended armament

The MiG-29SMT can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
100 kg OFAB-100 bombs		4	4		4	4
250 kg FAB-250M-54 bombs		1, 2	1, 2		1, 2	1, 2
250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs		1, 2	1, 2		1, 2	1, 2
250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs		1, 2	1, 2		1, 2	1, 2
500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs		1	1, 2		1, 2	1
500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs		1	1, 2		1, 2	1
500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs		1	1, 2		1, 2	1
500 kg KAB-500Kr-E bombs		1	1		1	1
ZB-500 incendiary bombs		1	1		1	1
S-8KO rockets		20	20		20	20
S-13OF rockets		5	5		5	5
Kh-29TD missiles			1		1
R-27R missiles			1		1
R-27T missiles			1		1
R-27ER missiles			1		1
R-27ET missiles			1		1
R-73 missiles	1	1	1		1	1	1
R-77 missiles	1	1	1		1	1	1
2,000 l drop tanks				1
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg

Default weapon presets

1 x 2,000 l drop tank 2 x R-73 missiles + 2 x R-77 missiles 6 x R-73 missiles 2 x R-27T missiles 2 x R-27R missiles 2 x R-27ET missiles 2 x R-27ER missiles 6 x R-77 missiles 80 x S-8KO rockets 20 x S-13OF rockets 2 x Kh-29TD missiles 16 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,600 kg total) 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total) 6 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (3,000 kg total) 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total) 6 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (3,000 kg total) 4 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr-E bombs (2,000 kg total) 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs

The MiG-29SMT's upgraded arsenal is one of its main selling points. The obsolete R-60M has been removed and replaced with the superior R-73, which Soviet pilots may have seen earlier on the Su-25T. The R-73 has a much better seeker with IRCCM, a higher overload, better range, and a thrust vectoring system for constant manoeuvring. When combined with the MiG-29SMT's helmet-mounted display, they are a deadly option for dogfights and help compensate for the decreased manoeuvrability of the airframe.

The R-27 missiles return, this time with a new offering in the R-27ET extended-range IR-guided variant. Although the R-27ER and R-27ET are both potent, the MiG-29SMT is still limited by the capacity of only two R-27s.

The ground attack arsenal sees several improvements. In terms of unguided weapons, the bomb loadout remains the same but the older S-24 HE rocket has been replaced with the podded S-13OF, which has somewhat less HE power but five times the capacity per pylon. The inner pylons can now mount TV-guided munitions in the form of the Kh-29TD (functionally identical to the Kh-29T seen on other Soviet jets) and the KAB-500Kr, which are nice to have in mixed battles for standoff attacks against SPAA. However, the capacity of only two such munitions is much lower than comparable American jets like the F-16C, which can not only carry three times as many air-to-ground missiles but also has a targeting pod and laser-guided bombs. Thus, while the MiG-29SMT is a useful multirole fighter, pilots shouldn't expect to be able to clear out an entire enemy team in one run.

Usage in battles

Air Combat

While the MiG-29SMT has reduced manoeuvrability from the added fuel tank compared to the MiG-29, it's still extremely strong in air combat.

When it comes to BVR, the MiG-29SMT dominates with the R-27ER missiles that have long range and acceptable overload, and its powerful radar that has a lot of special features and acceptable range. This, along with the new SPO-150 RWR that increases situational awareness by giving information about the exact vehicle that's pinging the MiG-29SMT, makes it perfect for BVR combat.

The MiG-29SMT is also strong in close-range engagements. It carries the R-73, which is an extremely effective heat-seeking missile with 40G overload and great range for its type. You'll want to use it in unpredictable ways where the enemy won't expect it to track reliably to avoid being flared away by using the missile's wide gimbal limits.

While the recently added R-77 isn't a strong of a BVR missile as the R-27ER, the MiG-29SMT proves to be a great platform for it. The maneuverability coupled with its extended range essentially makes it a "longer ranged R-73". the best way to use them is to try to shoot at targets that are flying relatively fast (around 800 m/s relative closing speed) and at 20 to 25 kms. Farther shots are not worth it as the R-77 is not as long ranged as its competitors unless you are flying very fast at very high altitudes and your targets appears unmoving or unaware.

Due to the higher speed bleed of the MiG-29SMT compared to the Su-27SM and its contemporaries, it is better to fly it at low to medium altitudes (up to 3000 metres) where the denser air will allow you to turn without losing too much speed and provide your engines with better thrust to accelerate away. Higher altitude flight paths can be attempted, just be extremely careful.

CAS (Close Air Support)/Ground Attack

The MiG-29SMT has amazing ground ordnance that allows it to take down ground targets reliably. The TV guided KAB-500Kr-E bombs are incredibly useful, enough to take down several tanks with ease when multiple bombs are dropped. And if you mix the TV guided bombs with the new and improved Kh-29TD air-to-ground missiles, it becomes the perfect aircraft to attack ground targets while remaining viable as a fighter.

You can also select traditional dumb bombs and rockets that, if used with precision, can be lethal to anything that crosses their path.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Incredibly versatile weapon systems; some of the best air-to-air missiles in-game
• Very effective radar, IRST, and HMD targeting systems
• Unlike its predecessor, it has an improved digital RWR that increases awareness.
• Great upgrade in CAS capabilities over its predecessors
• "Rita" voice warning system
• Unlike its predecessor, it has massive improvement of fuel, which dramatically increases duration of flight

Cons:

• Increased weight over previous variants; heavily downgraded manoeuvrability and acceleration
• Bleeds energy dangerously fast during manoeuvres

History

After the dissolution of the USSR, the Russian Federation sought to find a replacement for its aging older Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters, to match the 4+ and 5th generation capability of its NATO adversaries. The original program for a frontline fighter replacement for the MiG-29, the Mikoyan 1.44, failed due to lack of funding in post-Soviet Russia. Eventually, the Russian Federation would settle for heavily upgrading their existing MiG-29s into 4+ generation standards as a stop-gap solution not only for them, but also for export customers. The resulting project built upon Mikoyan's older Project 9.17A, the original MiG-29SMT from 1996, upgrading it with 21st century avionics and equipment.

MiG-29SMT "02 Red" at Odintsovo, Russian Federation, circa 2009. This is the same aircraft that the default skin ingame is based on.

The "new" MiG-29SMT was split into two models, airframe numbers 9.18 and 9.19, and was developed throughout the early 2000s not only as Russia's new frontline fighter to replace the older MiG-29s, but also as a proper 4+ generation upgrade for export customers still using the older MiG-29A and MiG-29S, and as such was redesigned from the ground up. The new MiG-29SMT would incorporate a plethora of upgrades to differentiate it from all previous MiG-29s, and easily placing it on the same level of technological advancement as some other 4+ generation fighters. The MiG-29SMT, first and foremost, revamped the airframe and how it is controlled. The SMT received reinforced wings and fuel tanks to increase its range, and to account for the weight increase and changes in control, the aircraft features a hybrid control system of both mechanically linked hydraulics and fly-by-wire. The powerplant also included the option for uprated, higher thrust engines for export customers, as the Russian VVS opted out of this engine upgrade to keep unit costs down. One of the primary upgrades for the SMT was extending the poor range of previous MiG-29 variants. This was achieved by not only making the saddle fuel tank noticeably larger (giving the SMT its "hunchback" appearance), but by also adding a in-flight refueling probe on the portside of the nose, allowing for mid-air refueling. The 9.18 variant lacked the larger saddle tank to keep costs down and was marketed primarily for export to smaller countries where longer range was not a important factor. Yemen would be the only customer to purchase the 9.18.

MiG-29SMT "77 Green" demonstration at MAKS 2015

The MiG-29SMT also featured a full overhaul to its avionics suite, with the most important changes being the new Zhuk-M (N-010ME) radar, a modernized and heavily upgraded variant of the older N010 Zhuk originally intended for the Yak-141, specific variants of the Su-27, and the MiG-29M modernization program. The new radar and fire control system were also linked to a new, state-of-the-art "Glass-cockpit" design, where instrumentation was either digitalized, or kept at a minimum for the sake of incorporating Color Multi-function Displays in the cockpit, to streamline the pilot's workload. The new radar and fire control system also allowed the new MiG-29SMT to carry a upgraded arsenal of weaponry, namely the R-74 and R-77 missiles, while also expanding upon the aircraft's CAS capabilities with new ground ordnance such as the Kh-29TD, Kh-31, and KAB-500Kr. The MiG-29SMT's fire control system also included software giving it compatibility with laser ordnance if a laser targeting pod was equipped, and compatibility with some NATO ordnance and targeting systems, intended for export customers' use with mixed hardware.

The MiG-29SMT (9.19) would first take to the skies in 2006, with deliveries to the Russian VVS starting in the following years. The 9.19 would also be exported to multiple countries throughout the 2010s, primarily Algeria and Syria, where it would see decent success in active combat with the latter country in the ongoing civil war. The same could not be said about Algeria, who had opted for the aforementioned option of having upgraded engines, but ended up returning some of the aircraft due to the engines being defective, and acquiring Su-30 aircraft instead to replace the defective MiG-29SMTs.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the MiG-29SMT from live.warthunder.com.

Videos

The Shooting Range #372 - Metal Beasts section at 00:26 discusses the MiG-29SMT.

See also

Related development

• MiG-29 (Family)

External links

• [Devblog] MiG-29SMT: Strike From Beyond The Horizon