The latest variant of Fulcrum is being tested

Russian aircraft maker, Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) on Tuesday October 22, 2013 announced that they has commenced flight testing for MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets, the newest fighter jet is designed for the Russian Navy fighter pilots. The MiG-29K was developed in the late 1980s of the Mikoyan MiG-29M.

They are designed to solve problems of air defense of naval forces, air supremacy, hitting of surface and ground targets with precision weapons, day and night in all weather conditions.

The newest Russian Navy multi-role fighter, MiG-29K (Picture from: http://www.airliners.net/)

Jets have improved airframe with a high proportion of composite materials, wire aircraft control system with quadruple redundancy, significantly reduced radar signature, increased fuel capacity and payload, open architecture of avionics. The aircraft is also capable of 'buddy' refueling other MiG-29Ks using the PAZ-1MK refueling pod.

MiG-29K (single seater) and MiG-29KUB (two-seater variant). (Picture from: http://www.ruaviation.com/)

Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract with MiG in February, 2012 for the delivery of 20 units of MiG-29K (single seater) and MiG-29KUB (two-seat variant) as much 4 units that are intended for the country's navy.

MiG-29 K's armament. (Picture from: http://defencerussia.files.wordpress.com/)

The company is expected to be handed over the first four aircrafts in late 2013. The planes will be based on the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier in the unity of the Northern Fleet based in Murmansk. To date, the carrier also was supported by a fleet of Su-33 fighter jets.

MiG-29K infographic. (Picture from: http://en.ria.ru/)

The MiG-29K is one variant of the MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jet which has folding wings and arrester tail-hook. The aircraft is getting an upgrade as a multi-role fighter jets thanks to the addition of Zhuk-ME radar system. Unlike the Su-33 is designed only air defense missions, the MiG-29K can be armed various types of air-to-surface, air-to-air missiles and laser-designation systems. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIA NOVOSTI]
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