Upgrading the MiG-29

MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation’s main product, its pride, remains the MiG-29 light frontline fighter, which may pilots and specialists regard as the best aircraft in its class. The MiG-29 preformed its maiden flight 25 years ago, and it has since become the backbone of the Air Forces of Russia and an additional 30 foreign countries.

One of the main priority directions for the further development of the MiG-29 family consists is upgrading the aircraft of different versions, which are currently in service with numerous customers worldwide. The upgrading philosophy is mostly focused towards giving the aircraft new combat capabilities, while at the same time enhancing the existing functions and considerably increasing the aircraft’s combat range.

MiG Corporation has developed a modular approach for the MiG-29 upgrade up to the MiG-29SMT level. This system is flexible, allowing potential clients to choose the set of additional capabilities and features they really need. The system includes three kits or modules.

The first module involves upgrading the aircraft’s weapons control system, thus transforming the MiG-29 into a multirole fighter. An important advantage of the MiG-29SMT over foreign competitors is the fact that is weapons control system provides effective joint work of the three main sighting devices – the radar, infra-red search and track sensor (IRST) and helmet-mounted sighting system – with the capability of automatically shifting which is the most effective under the current combat situation.

The second module covers increasing both internal and drop fuel tanks capacity, upgrading the fuel system and installing an in-flight refueling equipment.

The third module is for upgrading on-board equipment. The cockpit is equipped with modern navigation system and communication equipment including satellite navigation of Russian or foreign origin.

MiG Corporation has also developed a new sophisticated concept for training pilots and ground personnel for MiG aircraft of different generations. Interactive computer training systems, modern flight simulators and advanced visualization systems are used for training. Training systems can be delivered together with new or for already delivered aircraft with consideration of each customer’s aircraft specification. They provide unified pilots and ground personnel training with considerably reduced costs and time.

The simulator allows to imitate all stages of flight of a fighter aircraft from taking off, executing the flying mission, elements of aerobatics and combat tasks to landing. Visualization technology allows to provide full illusion of submerging into flight. One of the simulator’s main features is real geographical updatable database, made on the basis of satellite photos. So, for the trainee could be created real geographical environment of the region where he is to fly in real life. Simulator can be configured for the aircraft features and demand of each customer.

Vocabulary:

1. frontline - линия фронта, передовая;
2. to regard – рассматривать, принимать во внимание;
3. maiden flight - первый полёт (самолёта);
4. backbone - главная опора, основа, суть;
5. priority - первенство, преимущество, приоритет, старшинство;
6. currently - в настоящее время;
7. combat – боевой, предназначенный для сражения;
8. to enhance - увеличивать, усиливать, улучшать;
9. approach – подход, метод;
10. kit - набор, комплект;
11. sighting device – визир;
12. in-flight refueling - дозаправка в воздухе;
13. IRST (infrared search and track)- ИК-система поиска и сопровождения;
14. shifting - перемещение, переключение, смещение;
15. cockpit – кабина;
16. to execute - осуществлять, выполнять, делать, реализовать;
17. aerobatics - высший пилотаж, фигурные полёты;
18. updatable database - обновляемые данные;
19. trainee – проходящий боевую подготовку, практикант, стажёр;

I. Answer the following questions:

1. Why is MiG considered to be the backbone of the Air Forces of Russia?
2. What is the upgrading philosophy of the MiG-29 mostly focused to?
3. What does the developed modular approach for the MiG-29 include? What are these modules?
4. What does the simulator allow to do?
5. What is the simulator’s main feature?

II. a) Find the English equivalents of the following phrases in the text:

o боевые качества (способности)

o для дальнейшего развития

o расширяя существующие функции

o главное преимущество

o набор дополнительных возможностей

o топливный бак

o иностранного происхождения

o эффективная совместная работа

o потенциальные клиенты

o полная иллюзия ощущения полёта

o значительно сниженная стоимость

o многофункциональный истребитель

o имитировать все стадии полёта

o разрабатывать модульный подход (метод)

o усовершенствование различных версий

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