Zhuk-MFEh on MiG-29

Article:

Flight Tests of Upgraded MiG-29 with New “Zhuk-MFEh” Aircraft Radar Starting

The modified “Zhuk-MFEh” aircraft radar (BRLS) with a phased antenna array developed by the Fazotron-NIIR corporation will be installed on a MiG-29 fighter before year’s end, they reported to Interfax-AVN in the Russian aviation industry.

“Flight tests of the BRLS on a MiG-29 will be determined in many ways by the weather conditions. It is not ruled out that the airplane will make one – two flights as early as the end of December,” the agency source thinks. According to him, “the main volume of tests, in accordance with the program, will begin in January 2006 ((sic)).”

“Fulfillment of the timetable of flight tests will depend on the rhythm of the financing – the cost of one experimental sortie is several million rubles,” the source noted. He reported that “financing of the “Zhuk-MFEh” BRLS tests is being undertaken mainly by the BRLS developer – the Fazotron-NIIR corporation, but RSK MiG also is participating in financing of the program of tests.”

Source: 27.01.06, Interfax-AVN