Les Miserable Investors Group and Mikoyan Gurevich

What does the Jottonian comglomerage M.I.G and the russian fighter plane MiG have in common?
Nothing but the name resemblance and the high climb rate ;)

So why am I writing this then?
Well that I sure as hell don't know ;P

Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 Fighter

The MiG-21 was designed after lessons learned by the Russians during the Korean war. Intended to funfil the same air superiority mission as the comtemporary American F-104 Starfighter, and the French Mirage, the MiG-21 adopted a different design layout to either of these aircrafts. Initially the Mikoyan Gurevich design group could not decide between the swept wing prototype and the delta wing prototype. Eventually after much flight testing they selected the delta wing prototype on the grounds that it would carry more fuel and have more development potential.

The MiG-21 has been produced in more versions and in far greater numbers than any aircraft since the Second World War, and it's probably the best known Soviet aircraft. Originally an interceptor the designers kept the weight of fuel carried to a minimum to give the aircraft the best rate of climb. This lack of internal fuel and inability to carry more than three small drop tanks, has left the MiG-21 short on range. The MiG-21 has been used by all of the airforces of the ex-Eastern Bloc, and many others including airforces as far apart as Finland and China. Despite the age of this fighter design, it's small size, agility, and speed make it a difficult target and a dangerous opponent. Because the radar is situated in the inlet duct, the MiG-21 cannot be equipped with the latest radars, and even the most up-to-date versions have very limited all weather capability.

Technical Specifications

Arnament

One 30 mm gun and four wing hardpoints for: the R3 (AA2 ATOLL), and R3 (AA2-2 advanced ATOLL) air-to-air missiles, free fall bombs, and unguided rockets. Maximum external payload is 1500 kg (3307 lb).

Dimensions

Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-27 Strike Aircraft

The MiG-27 is an improved version of the close combat air support and ground attack MiG-23 swing-wing fighter bomber, designed to fly at a slower speed, and lower altitude, carrying a larger weapon load with better radar and precision missile aiming equipment. The pilot is seated higher for better visibility, and enjoys the protection of improved armour. Navigation and attack systems have been included in the design to give the MiG-27 an all weather attack capability. The nose has a flattened glass underside, which contains the TV tracker unit and laser rangefinder/designator.

The aircraft is able to carry an under fuselage gun pack that has depressable barrels, so the aircraft can strafe the ground while in level flight. Alternatively a battlefield reconnaissance pod can be fitted. The MiG-27 has also been operated from Soviet aircraft carriers.

Technical Specifications

Arnament

One 23 mm twin barrel gun, with seven hardpoints for: the R3 (AA2 ATOLL), and R60 (AA8 APHID) air-to-air missiles, AS9 (KYLE) anti radar missiles, free fall bombs, napalm, and unguided rockets. Maximum external fuel and weapons payload is 4000 kb (8818 lb).

Dimensions

Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 Fighter

The MiG-29 was a result of a 1972 Soviet airforce requirement for a fighter to replace the MiG-21, and SU-15 air combat fighters. Mikoyan Gurevich aimed to produce an aircraft that was at least as good as the F-15.

As most Russian aircraft are designed to operate from rough airfields when necessary, the MiG-29 has an unusual door system which blanks the large under-fuselage intakes from mud and ice thrown up from the front wheel. From the MiG-29M onwards this system was deleted because of weight, and replaced by a retractable grille system.

The radar laser rangefinder and infra-red detectors are all linked together by the fire control system and work with the pilot's helmet mounted target designator. The helmet mounted target designator operates a slave laser range finder and infra-red tracker.

In the late 80's the MiG-29 competed against the SU-27 for more Russian airforce orders, but lost the competition through not having enough range, and weapon capability. The MiG-29M was developed after this competition with improved range, preformance, and weapon carrying ability.

Technical Specifications

Arnament

One 30 mm gun. The MiG-29 has six hardpoints (eight on the MiG-29M) for: R27R (AA10 ALAMO A), R60MK (AA8 aphid), R73E (AA11 archer), air-to-air missiles, KMGU-2 submunitions dispensers, napalm, free fall and unguided rockets. Maximum external weapons payload is 300 kg (6614 lb).

Dimensions

Comparing Mikoyan Gurevich Performance