Video: Russian Navy Land Based Ski-Jump for MiG-29K/KUB Now Operational
Russian naval aviation pilots have started training on the MiG-29K/KUB
(NATO reporting name: Fulcrum-D) multipurpose fighter jets at the 859th
Naval Aviation Training Center. Located near the city of Yeysk [in the
Krasnodar Territory in southwest Russia] the facility just got fitted
with a land based ski-jump to train Russian pilots in aircraft carrier
operations.
A MiG-29K takes off using the newly built ski-jump at the 859th
Naval Aviation Training Center
It was reported earlier that the ship-based aviation
training complex in Yeysk was scheduled to start functioning by the
end of the first quarter of 2016. The training facility started its
work as early as the autumn of 2014 but was only partly functional,
according to military reports.
The MiG aircraft maker, part of the United Aircraft-Manufacturing Corporation,
and the Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract in February 2012
for the delivery of 20 MiG-29K one-seat and four MiG-29KUB two-seat
fighter jets.
The MiG-29K/KUB ship-based multipurpose fighter jets are designed to
defend ship groups from air attacks and deliver strikes against ground
and sea targets using a wide range of munitions, including precision
weapons.
A MiG-29K takes off using the newly built ski-jump at the 859th
Naval Aviation Training Center
The MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets have an increased fuel
tank volume and a flight refueling system. The fighter jets can refuel
other aircraft in the air using the PAZ-1MK refueling system. The MiG-29K/KUB
fighter jets are powered by two RD-33MK engines with take-off thrust
of 9,000 kgf.
The MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets are fitted with the Zhuk-M shipborne radar
with a slot array antenna. The MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets have a maximum
speed of 2,200 km/h (1,367 mph) and a ferry range of 2,000 kilometers
(1,243 miles) without external fuel tank.
![Russian naval aviation pilots have started training on the MiG-29K/KUB (NATO reporting name: Fulcrum-D) multipurpose fighter jets at the 859th Naval Aviation Training Center. Located near the city of Yeysk [in the Krasnodar Territory in southwest Russia] the facility just got fitted with a land based ski-jump to train Russian pilots in aircraft carrier operations.](/images/stories/news/2016/january/Mig-29K_Ski_Jump.jpg)