NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Overview:
The new MiG multi role front line fighter was unveiled on Jan. 12, 1999. The project has been under development since 1986. It has had many designations by the public including 1.42, 1.44, I-42, I-44, MiG-35, and MiG-39. It is believed that 1-42 and1-44 are the prototype designations, with 1-44 used for the flight test airframes.
As of this writing India still hasn't contracted with a supplier for its fighter program. It has budgeted for a total of 126 aircraft, support equipment, and various supplies valued at approximately US$10 billion. Under the terms of the contract, a total of eighteen aircraft would be delivered to India by the winning manufacturer by 2012. The balance of the order would be manufactured, under license, in India.
Historically, Russia has been the IAF (Indian Air Force) supplier of front line aircraft. Most recently HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.) has obtained the rights to manufacture the engines used in the MiG-35. In conjunction with the manufacturing of the engines, it appeared the purchase of the MiG-35 aircraft was nearly assured. However, recent indications are that India may be inclined to favor U.S. manufacturers.
Features and Innovations:
The RD-33 vectorable nozzle engine exhaust and forward canards give the MiG-35 the ability to perform extreme aerobatic maneuvers.
Advanced computerized avionics in control of fly by wire flight surfaces combined with thrust vectoring give the aircraft a speed range from 0 mph forward speed to supersonic, all the while maintaining the maneuverability to simultaneously evade enemy missiles while engaging numerous targets. The MiG-35 can deliver up to 12,000 lbs. of ordnance against air, ground and maritime targets with pinpoint accuracy.
In the cockpit, the MiG-35s powerful Zhuk-AE IFF radar system performs numerous multi-functions to enhance the combat environment. Optoelectronic systems incorporate combat overview, satellite down linking of command and control mode and ground tracking functions, radar jamming, and BVR technology.
Advantages Over Rivals:
MiG tells us that the MiG-35 can outperform the Lockheed Martin F-22, the most advanced United States air superiority fighter. Although the primary mission of the MiG-35 is air superiority, unlike the F-22 the MiG-35 is also capable of performing strike mission, and therefore is comparable to the similar multi-role Eurofighter Typhoon.
The MiG-35 has the ability to simultaneously attack over 20 aircraft. It is armed with a 30 mm cannon, and can carry a multitude of short, medium and long-range missiles.
Flying the MiG- 35
Test Pilot Report (First Flight - English translation):
I test tracked the MiG-35 to check the ground handling. There was plenty of control with which to aim it, so I called the tower for permission to head to the active runway.
Except for a marginal cross-wind, conditions were perfect. The MiG-35 immediately responded to throttle inputs, with out the normal spool-up time of most jets.
I lined the MiG-35 up with the centerline of the runway. I added power, steered the aircraft in a straight line.
When take-off speed was reached I pulled back on the elevators. Nothing! I applied more elevator and the MiG-35 finally started to lift off the runway. And none too soon!
I was pulling back on the controls to the maximum and added up trim too. This was a little more than I needed, so I proceeded to trim the MiG-35 as best I could for straight and level flight
Soon the aircraft was flying well, considering the elevator trim was up to keep the nose from dropping. Rolls were very axial, and stall turns were performed with ease. The engines have enormous power and I could have climbed straight up. But, I had to consider my "up elevator" and the fact that I was going to need it for landing.
I set up a landing approach over the runway to see what would happen. In full landing configuration the MiG-35 slowed down and started to head for the ground, but under complete control. I then decided it was safe enough to go around and set up for a full-stop landing. It had the same results as the higher altitude pass....nose high and a landing with only a small bounce.
My report to the engineers was that the aircraft acted as if it were nose heavy All controls were functioning within normal parameters.
Following up.......The engineers adjusted the computer controls to compensate for the condition. Further testing showed that the MiG-35 turns sharply, with no unintentional tendency to stall and spin. It holds its headings in high alpha flight with ease down to walking speeds. I am looking forward to more flights.
We only know of one MiG-35 RC Airplane plan you can easily find. The radio control airplane is a foam, pusher prop park flyer radio control airplane pictured above. The RC airplane has a wing span of 26.5". Plans for the radio control airplane are available at Parkjets.com. Power for the RC Airplane can come from any variety of small, pusher prop motors. Note that most of the radio control airplane plans at Parkjets are for RC Airplanes made from foam. However, it seems that there have been several RC Airplanes on their site recently that are of balsa construction.
RC Groups talks about a MiG-35 radio control airplane from Fen Yang. However we can't find anything about a Fen Yang Company that produces RC Airplanes.
We have heard about a EPP 30" wing span MiG-35/I.42 radio control airplane from Northeast Sailplanes. However, it appears they no longer sell the RC Airplane.
Please email us if you know of any MiG-35 radio control airplanes or its variant rc airplane kits or plans.
Al Curtiss of Kerrville, TX writes:
"The MiG-35 radio control airplane pusher park flyer is an honest, docile and straightforward flyer. My Mig-35 RC Airplane is equipped with a LSPJ motor with a 3S pack, swinging a 6.5 x 5 prop. Loops, rolls, and landings with my MiG-35 radio control airplane are a breeze. I highly recommend this radio control airplane."
Pictured below is the MiG-35 RC Airplane scratch built by Ian Smith of Chino Hills, CA. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 72" and a length of 108". Ian powers his RC Airplane with two Jet Cat 120 turbines. All up weight of the radio control airplane is about 40 lbs.
RC Airplane built by Ian Smith.