You have to remember the russian doctrine was to launch and guide aircraft from the ground onto the target as opposed to the west of having the pilot do the job, so equipment wise as well as pilot wise it was a different world…

Which happened to be exactly the same in the West. The STRIL-systems in Sweden, the US’ SAGE system… and don’t forget that GCI is a British-developed doctrine. Or do you honestly believe Lightning pilots where ment to loiter around and look for targets on their own?

I appreciate you read a lot of the pre-1990 publications on the subject, but for some reason some of that info is a bit outdated by now.

the MIG 29 engine BTW only has a 300 Hr life on it!!

Prototype engines, yes. Current production standard RD33s have a 4000hr service life. But then again, since it has always been a modular engine it hardly needs depot overhaul but can be repaired on the line.