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http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20110204/162455171.htmlIndia’s upgraded MiG-29 flies
The first MiG-29UPG destined for the Indian Air Force has flown.
Gary Parsons - 9-Feb-2011
February 9: On February 4 the first MiG-29UPG destined for the Indian Air Force made its first flight from manufacturer RAC MiG’s Gromov LII airfield near Moscow.
Up to 63 surviving MiG-29 and MiG-29UB IAF aircraft are being upgraded with the first six undergoing upgrade in Russia - the remainder will be worked on at HAL Nasik in due course.
All upgraded aircraft are due to have been returned to service by 2013.
The upgrade includes new RD-33-3M turbofan engines, ejection seat, central digital computer, Zhuk-ME radar, helmet-mounted targeting system and upgraded navigation and radio systems.
20:50 04/02/2011
Russia's MiG corporation on Friday carried out the first test fight of a MiG-29 fighter modernized under a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
"On February 4, 2010, a MiG-29UPG fighter carried out its first test flight. The flight lasted for an hour and was flawless," MiG said in a statement.
The IAF has awarded the MiG corporation a $900 million contract to upgrade all of its 69 operational MiG-29s.
These upgrades include a new avionics kit, with the N-109 radar being replaced by a Phazatron Zhuk-M radar.
The aircraft is also being equipped to enhance beyond-visual-range combat ability and for air-to-air refueling to increase flying time.
In 2007, Russia also gave India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a license to manufacture 120 RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines for the upgrade.
The first six aircraft are being upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 will be refitted at the HAL facility in India.
MOSCOW, February 4 (RIA Novosti)