MiG-29G (Germany)

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

◄MiG-29G

◊MiG-29

◄MiG-29G

◊MiG-29

Germany

VIII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
12.7	13.0	13.0

Class:

Fighter

Jet fighter

Research:410 000

Purchase:1 100 000

Show in game

Description

After the re-unification of Germany, the Luftwaffe liquidated or scrapped almost all of the Soviet-made NVA aircraft they had inherited. The notable exception was the MiG-29s, which not only were a valuable asset for NATO in dissimilar combat training, but as testing shortly afterwards showed, were superior to most fighters in service with NATO at the time. As such, it was decided to keep the MiG-29s in Luftwaffe service, and to extend their life by replacing parts and upgrading avionics to meet NATO standards and certifications. The resulting project was the MiG-29G. To integrate these aircraft into NATO operations, The MiG-29G had been upgraded with NATO-compatible communication and navigation systems, making it fully interoperable with NATO forces. The MiG-29G was also equipped with Western avionics. The aircraft was designed to operate in a multi-role capacity, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. This German MiG-29 variant, with its blend of Eastern airframe prowess and Western technology, represented a unique fusion of capabilities that set it apart from its older Soviet counterparts and made it a valuable asset for NATO.

The ◄MiG-29 (9-12G), introduced in Update "Kings of Battle", is a major step in advancement from its counterparts in War Thunder. The main upgrade in this variant is the availability of the R-27ET1 and R-73E missiles which its older predecessor, the MiG-29 (9.12) lacked. The true advantage in this model lies in its airframe type; while the older East German MiG-29 and its Soviet counterpart, the MiG-29 (9.13) lack the advanced R-73 and R-27ET missiles in-game, the MiG-29G acts as a "next generation" equivalent (and direct sidegrade) to the Russian MiG-29SMT. While the MiG-29G lacks the upgraded ground ordnance, increased countermeasure count, expanded fuel capacity, and new radar system of the MiG-29SMT, it also lacks the main drawback of the SMT: the massive increase in weight turning the SMT into a "missile bus" compared to previous MiG-29s. The MiG-29G as such is essentially just the older 9.12 that players are already familiar with, but now with new and upgraded missiles to enhance its lethality in aerial combat.

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 14 000 m2 452 km/h

Turn time19 s

Max altitude16 000 m

Engine2 х Klimov RD-33 series 2

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 _,___ m)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
	AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
Stock	___	___	16000	__._	__._	__._	__._	___
Upgraded	___	___		__._	__._	__._	__._

Details

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

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
0	700	___	___	___	~__	~__

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< ___	< ___	< ___	-

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
Klimov RD-33 series 2		2	_,___ kg		___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)			Max Gross Weight
Weight (each)	Type		_m fuel	__m fuel	__m fuel
1050 kg	Jet		_,___ kg	_,___ kg	_,___ kg	_,___ kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
Condition	100%	___%/WEP	_m fuel	__m fuel	__m fuel	MGW
Stationary	___ kgf	___ kgf	_.__	_.__	_.__	_.__
Optimal	___ kgf (_ km/h)	___ kgf (_ km/h)	_.__	_.__	_.__	_.__

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 922 → 4 432

RB8 434 → 12 794

SB9 931 → 15 065

Total cost of modifications322 000

491 000

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: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 370 New boosters Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 520 Wings repair Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 480 Engine Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 750	Fuselage repair Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 370 G-suit Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 520 Airframe Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 520 Cover Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 480 EFS Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 750	GSh_301_belt_pack Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 370 Flares/Chaff Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 370 S-24 Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 370 ZB-500 Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 370 B-8M1 Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 520 B-8M1 Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 520 OFAB-100 Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 520 GSh_301_new_gun Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 480 R-73E Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 480 R-27T1 Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 480 FAB-250 Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 480 R-27ER1 Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 750 R-27ET1 Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 750 FAB-500 Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 750

Armaments

Offensive armament

The MiG-29G (Germany) is armed with:

• 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, cheek-mounted (150 rpg)
• 60 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The MiG-29G (Germany) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

Default weapon presets

1 x 1,520 l drop tank 2 x R-73E missiles 6 x R-73E missiles 2 x R-27ER1 missiles 2 x R-27ET1 missiles 2 x R-27R1 missiles 2 x R-27T1 missiles 80 x S-8KO rockets 4 x S-24B rockets 16 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,600 kg total) 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total) 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-54 bombs (2,000 kg total) 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total) 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total) 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total) 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 2 pylons 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 4 pylons 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 2 pylons 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 4 pylons 6 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (3,000 kg total) 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs

Usage in battles

The MiG-29G is a very efficient air superiority plane. It is based on the MiG-29A variants.The main difference between it and the early A variants is the addition of the R-73E and R-27ET missiles. The export R-73E is just an export of the R-73 with a few extra degrees of offbore, and the R-27ET is the longer range variant of the R-27T, similar to how the R-27ER is to the R-27R. It is a direct upgrade, comprised of the best of all worlds.

In Air Realistic Battles, the MiG-29G has multiple possible playstyles, which it can easly fit into due to its overall versatility. It is not the best in Ground RB due to its non existent guided munitions. However it can be used as a superiority fighter in GRB, where the Stealth and Close range playstyles that are described below would work best, due to the nature of GRB where there are no markers.

• Long Range BVR - This play style uses the famous R-27ER missile, capable of hitting enemies at up to 40 km, and 30-35 km reliably in Air RB matches. This play style can also work identically on MiG-29A's due to their similar weight, thrust, radar and armament. If you want to play like this, you need to climb as much as you can during a match, and use your radar to find enemies high up and then fire the R-27ER upwards so it gains more speed. The MiG-29SMT would technically be better at this due to its radar, which can look directly left and right, meaning you can notch while guiding missiles, but the additional weight of the SMT makes it arguably worse, since it can't climb as high and as fast as the MiG-29A or G, limiting the range and speed of the R-27ER, or how early you can fire them. In general, this play style is quite hard to nail down because, for example, an enemy F-14B has powerful engines and can launch AGM-54s before you can even see him on the MiG-29's radar, not to mention they can also guide onto you without the F-14 locking you. After you have fired your R-27ER slightly upwards, you should start pulling to one side so the enemy missiles start turning and after around 5-10 seconds, you should pull the complete other direction, to further bleed the energy of enemy missiles coming at you. You need to do this while ensuring that the enemy remains locked. If you lose lock, it will be hard to re-acquire lock due to the slightly primitive nature of the MiG-29G's radar. After you hit the target or miss it, you should change direction again, and then continuing your match however you wish.
• Close quarters - This playstyle is quite simple. It means taking 6x R-73E missiles, going straight into the "furball" and shooting missiles at enemies. There is not much theory or many tips about this one. You should always try to lead the R-73E's even though they have thrust vectoring. You should always fire them from the sides or rear aspects only to maximize your chance of scoring a hit. Front Aspect can work at extreme close range, but in general above 500 m, one flare in front aspect is too much for the R-73E's IRCCM. It works best at below 1 km in side aspect and 1.5 km in rear aspect, where the missiles become nearly un-flareable. You should always check your surroundings and keep good situational awareness to survive in the furball. The amazing manoeuvrability of the MiG-29G also makes using guns on target quite easy. You should always try to use your gun wherever you can rather than missiles at extreme close ranges. The R-73's will have a very hard time hitting below 500 m at low speed during manoeuvering.
  • Another variation of the Close quarters play style - Taking 2 x R-27ER missiles, and 4 x R-73E missiles. You still don't need to have the radar on alerting enemies of your existence, but you should keep it on the "HMD" setting, letting you lock players without using "SRC". Firing the R-27ER missiles at targets coming at you, which are not hugging the ground are generally free targets. Just remember you should fire the R-27ER between 4.5 km and 8 km so the enemy has no chance to escape. If used correctly this can grant you 2 targets destroyed.
• Stealth - This is more of a "fun" play style, which increases the difficulty of destroying the enemies. It involves using 2 x R-27ET, along with the standard 4 x R-73E missiles. In this play style you should only use the IRST of the MiG-29. Searching and Locking enemies with the IRST does not alert them, therefore you can find and sneak up on players who are flanking or are not paying attention. This "play style" involves flanking while using the IRST to find enemies before they find you on their flanks. Staying low ensures you won't be targeted by the enemies trying to do BVR (they can see you, but you are just not a good target). If they fire at you, staying low also ensures the proximity fuse of the enemy missile won't detonate due to being too close to the ground). Due to how spotting works in this game, enemies can see you at around 6.84 km for a lvl 75 expert pilot. Your IRST can see enemies in front aspect at a maximum range between 5 km and 12 km. 5 km for a non-afterburning target with low engine temperature, and about 12 for very hot targets, and up to 35 km in rear-aspect if their hot engines are in afterburners. After flanking the furball, you can climb to around 6 km, and start firing R-27ET's from above enemies that are not fighting. This ensures they are unlikely to look directly up at you, unlikely to drop flares (the IRCCM of the R-27ET is good, but is useless at long range due to the FOV nature if it). The missile is also unlikely to lock onto a friendly players that passes to close as well. Keep in mind the R-27ET has the same flight performance of the R-27ER, its range is limited by the seeker. This play style is generally for when you are bored of firing easy missiles and want a bit of a switch, requiring a more interesting approach. This is not efficient or recommender if you want to spade the plane, or want to get as much RP as possible.

The MiG-29G remains one very efficient and scary plane to face. It has a good arsenal of reliable weapons, along with good flight performance, an HMD, and IRST. It is a very fun plane to fly and a real apex predator that can fill most if not all air superiority roles.

*The MiG-29G is the only MiG-29 in game that has the English voice "Betty". There are situations where Betty can tell you of an approaching enemy, missile, or is telling you useful things, which can help you in battle, so it might be a good idea to keep the RWR voice enabled.

Pros and cons

Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".

Pros:

• Light Airframe - it has the same flight performance of the early MiG-29's
• R-73E missiles - they are very superior and reliable. Best dogfighting and close range missile in game.
• R-27 missiles - ER is very reliable at long range
• Manoeuvrability - Easily one of the most manoeuvrable planes, which allow you to throw it in the air in ways other planes can't handle.
• Engine power - Extremely powerful engines that allow you to climb fast, and stay in dogfights for however long you need.

Cons:

• Missiles - R-73E is not good at long range due to how its IRCCM works. R-27ET can very easly go for flares or friendly targets when fired from long range.
• Fuel - Very fuel hungry. You need to use a drop tank if you wish to use the afterburner often or if you want endurance.
• Pilot - A low level pilot with low G-tolerance and stamina will severely handicap the MiG-29, making it hard to sustain turns at high speeds.
• Radar - You don't have a radar that can compete with the Western fighters in range, features and SRC/ACM "zones".
• Countermeasures - You are limited to 60 countermeasures total, which is very few when compared to other top rank planes.
• RWR - Primitive RWR. Works with "zones" and doesn't tell you what is locking you, unlike Western RWR's.

History

The Mikoyan MiG-29G, a variant of the famed MiG-29 fighter jet, has a rich history marked by its development, deployment, and combat use, reflecting the evolving landscape of military aviation and geopolitical dynamics.

The MiG-29, developed by the Soviet Union's Mikoyan Design Bureau in the 1970s, was a direct response to the American F-15 and F-16 fighters. It was designed to be a highly maneuverable air superiority fighter, boasting advanced avionics and weapons systems for its time. With a twin-engine setup and a distinctive leading-edge root extension (LERX), the MiG-29 quickly became known for its agility and speed.

The MiG-29G variant emerged in a unique context. After the reunification of Germany in 1990, the Luftwaffe inherited several MiG-29s from the East German Air Force. These aircraft, which were originally the MiG-29A variant, underwent substantial modifications to meet NATO standards, resulting in the designation MiG-29G. This transition symbolized a significant moment in military aviation history, as it marked the integration of a quintessentially Soviet fighter jet into a Western military alliance.

The modifications included upgrading avionics, communication systems, and the integration of NATO-compatible Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems. These changes not only enhanced the aircraft's operational capabilities but also facilitated interoperability with NATO forces, a crucial aspect during joint exercises and missions.

In terms of combat usage, the MiG-29G's legacy is less about direct engagement in warfare and more about its role in fostering post-Cold War military collaboration. The aircraft participated in numerous NATO exercises, serving as a valuable tool for Western pilots to train against a platform that was once an adversary's frontline fighter. These exercises provided NATO pilots with a rare opportunity to understand the capabilities and limitations of Soviet-era aircraft, contributing immensely to tactical knowledge and combat preparedness.

Moreover, the MiG-29G played a significant role in diplomatic and defense relations, symbolizing a bridge between former rivals. The jet's presence in NATO air forces represented a tangible outcome of the political thaw following the Cold War, showcasing how erstwhile adversaries could collaborate in a new world order.

In conclusion, the story of the MiG-29G is not just about a fighter jet's technical evolution; it's a narrative that intertwines with the broader historical context of the late 20th century. It reflects the transition from Cold War tensions to an era of cooperation and mutual understanding, illustrating how military technology can transcend its original intent and become a symbol of changing times.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• topic on the official game forum;
• other literature.