Krakow 2019-07-14
288 Section 1989-07-31
OKB Mikojan and Guriewicz MiG-29, version 9.12, UB
Poland
History
OKB Mikojan and Guriewicz MiG-29 in the Polish Air Force
When will Mikojan and Guriewicz MiG-29 be withdrawn from service in the Polish Army? It’s time.
Subjective article
In November 1977, US intelligence satellite discovered a new fighter plane standing on the parking plane of one of the airports near Moscow. The plane caused a lot of interest in US intelligence. The photos provided by the satellite were of poor quality. The photos were in the "grain". Although in the socialist countries it was said that Yankees read car license plates from space. However, the photos received showed that the new fighter is equal to Western planes. It was suspected that the Soviets caught up with the West. According to photos and scarce agent information, it was estimated that the aircraft is equivalent to the F-16 and F-18 aircraft. After a few years, some of these photos were published in Aviation Week & Space Technology.
There was something to do with this knowledge. Initially, two directions of activities were selected. First, the development of stealth technology (difficult detection). After the second further development of electronics to such an extent that one plane could simultaneously fight several purposes. F-14 already had these abilities. But the goals must have been far from each other. Now the distance between the targets should be much smaller. In 1981, USAF issued its first formal requirement for the next generation of hunting technology – Advanced Tactical Fighter, and eventually a multi-tasking F-22 Raptor was created.
The MiG-29 aircraft were the same breakthrough for the West as MiG-15 aircraft a few decades earlier. Such constructions as MiG-17, MiG-19, MiG-21, MiG-23, Su-7, Su-9/11, Su-15 did not cause such anxiety in the West as the MiG-29.
In CCCP, after the death of Konstantin Cherninek 1985-03-11, Mikhail Gorbachev was elected as the secretary general of the Central Committee of the KPZR, such a modern king. In 1986, Mikhail Gorbachev initiated the perestroika (reconstruction) policy, which included modernization of the economy, increasing civil liberties, limiting corruption and warming relations with the West. As a result, numerous delegations began to visit Moscow. The secret to the arms secret was lifted.
The first foreign show the MiG-29 took place in 1986 in Kuopio-Rissala, Finland (Coordinates 63 ° 00’26 "N 27 ° 47’52" E). It was the first opportunity for the West to see the plane up close. At that time, the Soviets were keen on selling these machines to Finland. Therefore, the main star of the show was the MiG-29. The show was the first step in getting to know the MiG-29 through the West.
The first military who sat in the cockpit MiG-29 UB was a Canadian officer (name unknown). It was in August 1989 at the Abbotsford Air Show.
In December 1989, Mr. Ben Lambeth got a chance to fly in the MiG-29 UB cabin. In the Kubinka Flight Base on 1989-12-15, Ben Lambeth became the first Western analyst to fly the MiG-29 and the first western man invited to fly a combat aircraft in the Soviet airspace since the end of World War II.
Ben Lambeth was a pilot, an aviation specialist and … a CIA employee. In 1989, during the Farnborough Air Show, he talked a lot with the Soviet pilots and the head of the team, Valery Menitski. During one of the talks, Ben Lambeth told Walerem Menitski that he would like to fly on the MiG-29. The Soviet did not laugh, but he said that "maybe it can be settled." Now Ben Lambeth almost fell off his chair. This flight was organized at Kubianka Airport near Moscow. Because the weather was bad, in the first cabin sat Valer Menitski, and in the back Ben Lambeth. Nevertheless, a sharp flight was made. A report from this flight appeared in January 1990. It was very detailed and valuable.
Doctor Benjamin (Ben) S. Lambeth. He was born in 1947. A graduate of Harvard University. Air analyst. Pilot of military and civil aircraft. He flew on more than 40 different types of fighter planes, assault aircraft and others with American air forces, navy, naval infantry and eight other foreign air forces around the world. He took part in numerous courses of air force commanders. In 1988, he completed the initial qualifying training and obtained a class in the front seat of the F / A-18 Hornet aircraft. In December 1989, he became the first US citizen who flew the Soviet MiG-29 fighter and the first Western man invited to fly a type of aircraft of any type in Soviet airspace since the end of World War II.
Валерий Евгеньевич Меницкий (Walery Ewgeniewich Menitski – February 8, 1944, Moscow – January 15, 2008) – Honorary CCCP test pilot, Mikojan project chief pilot, deputy designer of the design office Mikojan (1992-2008), adviser to the Moscow president of aviation, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OJSC Atlant-Soyuz (airline of the Moscow board). Hero of the Soviet Union (1982). Winner of the. Lenin.
As for flights on Russian warplanes, from the end of the second half of the nineteenth century, paid flights were organized on MiG-29 UB, Su-27 UB, and even MiG-25 U. This was to be an additional source of income for the air force Moscow State. The candidate had to submit a medical certificate, undergo a medical examination on the spot in Moscow and pay the appropriate sum in US $. Flights on MiG-29 aircrafts take place, for example, in Niżny Nowogrod. Sample prices: PLN 57,900 – 25 minute flight, PLN 66,900 – 45 minute supersonic flight, PLN 96,300 – 50 minutes to the edge of the stratosphere.
On 1989-06-04, the first more democratic elections took place in Poland. The communists shared power with the nation. Greater national movements concerned the GDR. In summer, about 7,000 refugees from the GDR found their way to Hungary. Among them were many military, as well as pilots of the MiG-29 aircraft. They camped near Budapest. On 1989-09-10, Hungary opened the border with Austria and these people found themselves in the German Federal Republic. In 1990, the GDR was annexed by the Federal Republic of Germany, although official reunification was mentioned.
As a result, all MiG-29 aircraft used by the GDR were in Germany. In Poland, it was said that the plane was so good that even the Luftwaffe took over. It was not entirely true. The West still did not know much about the potential opponent, the MiG-29.
Polish pilots about MiG-29
The first Polish pilots, as usual, were trained in CCCP. The first group should be included; Marian Zięba, Jacek Wojtaszczyk, Wiesław Rec, Waldemar Łobowski.
In 1989, Polish pilots of new fighters said that switching from MiG-21 to MiG-29 is like switching from a small Fiat to a Mercedes. For the first time they received a fighter with such excess of thrust. The ability to intercept from a distance of 100 km. The plane is very difficult to put in a corkscrew (it was even said impossible), but it is also very difficult to move it out. Excellent visibility from the cab. The pilot receives more precise information. The safety of the crew has increased sharply.
On 1992-01-13, after nearly three years of basic and tactical training, the 1st Squadron of the 1st Regiment of Fighter Air Force "Warsaw" from Mińsk Mazowiecki began on-call duty in Poland’s air defense system. During the 3-year period, several exercises were performed in sharp shooting of machine guns and missiles at the Ustka military training ground.
Due to the location of Mińsk Mazowiecki, as the nearest air base of the eastern border and the lack of means of warning over the eastern border, they imposed on MiG-29 roster in an unusual way for regiments of the Polish Air Force, i.e. they are ready to take off 24 hours a day. Such a decision was demanded by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland.
What is the MiG-29 really like? 1991.
At the end of the 80’s, an atmosphere of great admiration arose around the fighter. It was said that the plane was superior to Western fighters, or even being developed, which was an obvious exaggeration. However, at the beginning of the 90’s a whole series of opinions appeared that did not leave a dry thread on the plane. This was related to the change in the political orientation of our country. What is worse, there were cases where the same people were able to say utterly different sentences after many years. Having collected all the opinions expressed in Poland about MiG-29, we made a selection.
· For sure at the end of the 80’s, it was not the most modern combat aircraft in the world. He was never him, not even when he was born. The delay in the field of soviet electronics in relation to the West should be assessed on two generations. This is not uncovering anyway, because the sycitics admitted themselves to delays of 8-12 years.
· On the MiG-29 as well as previous fighters, the Soviet monopoly attitude, providing the final product, was taken in by the Soviets. Never in the Eastern bloc cooperate in the field of modern avionics production.
· Production monopoly, lack of competition and quantity, not quality, translate into happiness or disaster for the buyer of a new fighter. Just like with Soviet watches. We could have found the perfect copy or scrap. In MiG-29 you can find a copy with crooked slots.
· The MiG-29 aerodynamic system is generally regarded as one of its strongest points. Undoubtedly, it is an airplane in which the balance between steerability and stability is perfectly balanced. In the opinion of MiG-29 pilots, also Westerners, the plane is very pleasant in piloting and it is difficult to "break off the stream" on it. A pleasant piloting is a psychological and physical comfort for the airman, giving a sense of security.
· The visibility of the cabin is much better than in previous fighters, but not perfect. The frame of the fairing is at the height of the pilot’s shoulder. The Su-27 is better because the frame is at the height of the elbow.
· The moment of detection, in other words the range of the radar, counts first and foremost against the opponent. It is satisfactory. The station detects targets on the background of the earth, but does not have a mapping function. Its construction causes great exposure to work disturbances.
· MiG-29 has a drive unit that gives a huge supply of thrust. Even with 400 km / h when the afterburner is switched on, it can freely implement the loop or Immelmann without fear of a sudden loss of speed. The surplus of thrust is so great that its pilot wins air combat at close distances with most of the fighters used so far.
· The engines, however, have a small life span of 350 hours and are gas-guzzling, which translates into a smaller range.
· As for the rest of the equipment, as usual, the Soviets provided us with more poorly equipped machines. For example, without a helmet sight.
· The same happened with the armaments with missiles.
· The plane has small requirements as to the runway, which is a huge plus. Using DOL is the norm for him.
· The MiG-29 has been adapted to operate on its own terrain and successfully attacks targets low flying against the background of the earth.
· MiG-29 is a soldier plane.
The MiG-29 in the West.
In 1991, all former NRD the MiG-29s were moved from the base in Preschen, near the Polish border, to the base of Laage, unit JG.73. The Laage base lies to the south-east of Rostock. Retired pilots and ground support were re-employed. There were many willing pilots to train on MiG-29 from other NATO countries. A long queue lined up. Numerous exercises were organized. It turned out that the MiG-29 were doing great in one-on-one fight with F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle, F-14 Tomcat and F / A-18 Hornet. He could outmaneuver each of these opponents. Many opponents were simply humiliated. The MiG-29 has power and maneuverability. But success is not the plane itself as such. The complement is a guided missile of the p-p R-73 (AA-11 Archer) class with a thermal warhead and an overhead sight. The pilot simply shoots even without being behind the opponent, at a large angle.
But also the defects of Mikojan and Gurewicz MiG-29 came out. Marginal avionics. Weak radar. Apparently the constructors did not see the need to give the pilot a full picture of the air situation. In order for Mikoyan and Gurewicz MiG-29 to use effectively, it should operate with the support of air supervision, such as the AWACS aircraft. Navigation in Mikoyan and Gurewicz MiG-29 is based on … paper map. In addition, the pilot should be an octopus to reach all the switches in time. The service of Mikoyan and Gurewicz MiG-29 is very time-consuming.
In fact, the Germans came quickly to get rid of Mikoyan and Gurewicz MiG-29 aircraft. But they were pressured by the US to continue to maintain the base in Laage.
Mikojan and Guriewicz MiG-29 in the USA.
Twenty years later, the West pulled out all the information about the Mikoyan and Gurewicz MiG-29 aircraft piece by piece. The situation changed in 1997. At that time, the US administration bought seventeen aircraft from Mikoyan and Gurevich MiG-29 based in Moldova from the former CCCP. These planes were to go to Iran. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), such a post-communist creation, was not able to block the sale. Each military institution in each country would be upset if its opponent were given the opportunity to evaluate and test the most modern weapons it has. It was one more shame of the Soviet collapse. Let us consider how the White House felt if Turkey sold the F-35 aircraft to the Moscow State.
The takeover of Mikojan and Guriewicz MiG-29 aircraft by the USA surprised even the Yankees themselves. Moldovan airplanes, on October 20-27, 1997, partially dismantled, were transported to the USA to Dayton on board of C-17 aircraft. Six MiG-29 A aircraft (9.12 A) arrived in the USA, one MiG-29 UB (B) two-seater aircraft and 10 MiG-29 C (9.14 C) aircraft. Here, the planes were subjected to meticulous research. They were led by technologists, material scientists, chemists, metal-metal workers and others. The report on these works is still secret. The US does not want the Muscovite state to know what the scope of Yankee knowledge is. Then several pieces of Mikojan and Guriewicz MiG-29 aircraft were transported to the Edwards Air Force Base in California to be tested. This report was also classified. At least two MiG-29 aircraft were sent to the Nevada’s Nellis Air Force Base Threat Training Facility. Unofficially, the base is called the "Zoo ZOO" (the Petting Zoo). All aircraft manufactured abroad in the USA are tested here and can be used militarily.
It turned out, however, that the Moldovan MiG-29s were heavily exploited and were not well serviced. That is why the idea of organizing the so-called "Agresor Squadron" has fallen. F-5 planes still act as aggressors.
Currently (2016), Mikojan and Guriewicz MiG-29 aircraft are useless in the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Ohio’s Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
After the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Muscovite State put Mikoyan and Gurevich MiG-29 on sale to anyone willing. Who bought it? No one. Two offers came from the world’s poorest countries, payable by rice. All pilots flying on Mikojan and Gurewicz MiG-29 who were asked if they could buy this plane were answering – "Go and buy the F-16. It’s a more economical and better plane. "MiG-35, the successor to MiG-29, has attracted only one customer – India.
After the fall of the Iron Curtain, only the Polish Army modernized their Mikoyan and Gurewicz MiG-29, trying to retrofit them. They receive new mission computers, navigation technology, and even radio-air UHF / VHF Rockwell Collins.
The MiG-29 nb 4101 plane burnt. 2016-06-11
The reason for the fire of the MiG-29A fighter from the 22nd BLT in Malbork, during the Anakonda-16 exercises, was the failure of the GTDE-117 turbo engine, which operates the main engines of the aircraft. Flames inside the airframe caused damage that prevented the aircraft from returning to duty. The MiG-29 aircraft fire, which took place on June 6, 2016 at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork, caused a turbostarter failure. This is the so-called auxiliary power supply unit (APU), which is a de facto small gas turbine, used to start the main engines of the aircraft.
As a result of turboprops turbine compressor turbine blades, they were pulled out of the device with great force and scattered around. Because the device is located between the RD-33 engines driving the MiG-29 fighter, as a result of the failure, among others: electrical, fuel and oil installations. This caused the fire to be so dangerous and difficult to extinguish that it runs mainly inside the airframe. Therefore, despite the rapid intervention of the fire brigade and personnel, the key elements of the aircraft were damaged. Detailed analysis showed damage to the structure and therefore its repair proved to be unprofitable. The plane was written from the state.
As it was established, the turbostarter was renovated a few years ago by a Ukrainian company which is a subcontractor of WZL No. 2. It was probably the company belonging to the company Łuckie Zakłady Remontowe "Motor", which repairs GTDE-117 turbopartners used in MiG-29 fighters.
Accident MiG-29 nb 67 on 2017-12-18
On 2017-12-18, in the area of Mińsk Mazowiecki, the MiG-29 crashed in a young pine forest, whose pilot survived. This is one of the most unusual air accidents.
The accident MiG-29 nb 67 No. 2960526367 occurred on 2017-12-18, around 17:00. At that time it was already night and the weather was good. The aircraft was on the final straight to landing at the 23rd Airport. Tactical Aviation Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki. The plane disappeared from the screens of the radiolocation stations.
The plane was piloted by a 28-year-old officer. He had an air raid of over 400 hours, including over 200 hours on MiG-29 airplanes. The pilot had current aeronautical medical examinations and had the necessary permits and permits to fly.
The plane landed in a young forest cutting down the trees like a scythe. There were about 8,000 meters to the threshold of RWY. The pilot did not catapult. He left the plane with his own strength. According to unofficial information, the reason could be a pilot error, which incorrectly planned the approach to RWY or programming error. MiG-29 flights were suspended, but resumed relatively quickly (2018-01-05). The recommendations of the accident investigation committee mainly concerned pilot training.
Tragedy MiG-29 nb 4103 on 2018-07-06
On 2018-07-05, in the 22nd Tactical Air Base, day-night school flights were conducted, in which almost the whole team of the combat squadron participated. Among other things, exercises were performed in capturing individual air targets at low altitude.
Around 1 am 57 (2018-07-06) one of the planes broke down. His pilot managed to catapult, but he did not survive. His body was found by rescue services at a distance of about 200 m from the wreck plane. A doctor arrived at 2:30 o’clock, said the pilot died.
Place of tragedy. The accident took place in Sakówko, 18 kilometers east of Malbork, near Pasłęka, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship.
Pilot, lieutenant Krzysztof Sobański. Age 33 years. He had 850 hours of flight time, including 550 hours on MiG-29 aircraft. He participated in national and international exercises many times. He also served as a member of the PKW "Orlik" as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission in Lithuania. He left his wife and two children. His funeral took place on 2018-07-14 (Saturday) in Pruszcz Gdanski. The Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak promoted him posthumously to the rank of captain. He was also awarded the Gold Medal for the Merits to National Defense. Honor his memory!
The MiG-29 plane hit the ground at a small angle and moved several dozen meters, then it burst into flames. The fire was not great, and when they arrived, the fire brigade put him out. The front part of the fuselage was badly damaged.
From unofficial information, it is obvious that the pilot reported technical problems and had difficulty mastering the plane. He received the order to leave the plane.
On the morning of 2018-07-06, a press conference of Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak took place. All flights on MiG-29 were stopped. The minister assured about the family’s surroundings. The circumstances of the accident were investigated by the State Aviation Investigation Commission. "This is a huge tragedy for me and all soldiers of the armed forces. I express my condolences to the family of the tragically deceased pilot and to our entire military family. "- said Minister Mariusz Błaszczak. In turn, Col. pil. Maciej Trelka said – "MiG-29 is an airplane that has been in service for 29 years. It is a very safe plane, and this catastrophe is the first event of this type on this type of aircraft. I am asking everyone not to comment on this matter until the commission appointed for this purpose explains the causes of the incident.” – the officer appealed.
The first media conjectures indicated the possibility of a collision of an aircraft with another aircraft. The left vertical tail was with the damaged upper part. Spokesman 22. The Tactical Air Base issued a statement that no other aircraft from the base was damaged. Presumed damage to the tail occurred through the cockpit deflector or pilot’s seat.
A few days after the catastrophe, information appeared that in the base in Malbork and in Mińsk Mazowiecki inspections of the condition of engines of all aircraft of this type were started.
MiG-29 nb 4103 No. 2960526301 was built in 1989. It belonged to the first export series. It was delivered to the GDR (German Democratic Republic). After the fall of the GDR airplanes took over Germany. At that time he had nb 29 + 16. In 2003, the Germans decided to sell these planes. Poland benefited from the offer.
Let us remind you that the Germans had 24 copies of the MiG-29 in total. One machine was lost, and the second because of the significant consumption immediately went to the museum. Besides, the contract concluded between Poland and Germany said that after their exploitation in Poland, 5 machines will go to museums in Germany. Finally, from Germany, Poland received 18 MiG-29 G aircraft and four MiG-29 GTs. All planes flew to Bydgoszcz with Laage, successively; 2003-09-30, 5 machines, including 1 two-seater. On 2003-12-11, 4 machines, including 1 two-seater. On 2004-04-14, 4 machines. On 2004-08-04, 9 machines, including 2 two-seater. Along with airplanes, a lot of spare parts and 78 engines, 740 missiles (R-27, R-60, R-73) and ammunition for 30 mm machine guns were delivered.
Airplanes were renovated in WZL Nr.2 in Bydgoszcz. Overhaul and retrofitting of one aircraft cost about 8-11.5 million PLN.
The MiG-29s aircraft were renovated after being renovated to the Malbork branch. The first aircraft in 2005, the last in 2007. Also in 2007, the first MiG-29 achieved combat readiness.
Emergency landing MiG-29 in February 2019
In February 2019, the MiG-29 aircraft, when taking off from Malbork airport suffered engine failure, which stopped working. The pilot returned to the airport and landed happily.
Disaster MiG-29 nb 40 on 2019-03-04
On Monday 2019-03-04 there was a military plane MiG-29 incident. The machine fell in the forest near the villages of Drgicz and Stoczek in the Węgrów poviat in the Masovian Voivodeship. The plane fell in an unbuilt area in the forest. The aircraft was stationed at the 23rd Tactical Air Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki. The pilot made a control and measurement flight.
On 201-09-03-04, at 13:17, in the fourth minute after take-off, the pilot lost control of the machine. The pilot happily catapulted and was immediately taken up by a helicopter from the 2 Search and Rescue Group. He was transferred to a hospital in Warsaw. At the pilot there was no threat to life and this is very good news.
The destroyed plane is MiG-29 nb 40 No. 32040, delivered from the Czech Republic in December 1995. The plane was produced in 1989. It was named after the commander of the 303 Squadron from the Battle of Britain, Brig. Witold Urbanowicz. The plane had an air raid of 1,995 hours.
MiG-29 in Europe in 2018
Among the NATO member states, in addition to Poland, MiG-29 aircraft are still used in Bulgaria and Slovakia.
Bulgaria has formally 22 aircraft, but only a few machines are in flight. They were retrofitted with equipment to operate in the space of ICAO and NATO, which is the minimum necessary to maintain a duty couple and provide basic aeronautical training. The choice of a new plane for Bulgaria took place in the atmosphere of a political scandal. It was considered to acquire used F-16 aircraft as well as Gripen machines. By 2018, no decisions were made.
Slovakia theoretically has 23 MiG-29 aircraft, but only 14 are in a volatile state. Slovakia intended to acquire Western multirole aircraft. The government of this country is considering offers for the acquisition of Gripen and F-16 aircraft. The purchase of used F-16 aircraft was considered. On 2018-07-11, on the first day of the NATO summit, the Slovak Ministry of Defense announced the selection of the latest version of the F-16 fighters – Block 70/72, as the successors of the MiG-29. 14 machines of this type will be introduced into service.
2019-11-25
On November 25, 2019, the General Command of the Armed Forces Types decided to restore MiG-29 aircraft to service in the Polish Air Force. The process of updating privileges for pilots was started and its time was set at 6 months. This process will be relatively long because only a few planes are fully functional. Other planes are being renovated. First, the instructors will regain full authority. They began flights on two-seater aircraft. Then more experienced pilots will start flying. Finally, the youngest, among them are pilots with a raid of less than 100 hours on the MiG-29. The process of restoring pilots to the "ready to combat" level may take 12 months.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman
Kraków 2019-07-14
288 Rozdział 1989-07-31
OKB Mikojan i Guriewicz MiG-29, wersja 9.12, UB
Poland
Construction
Written by Karol Placha Hetman