The Mikoyan Project 1.44/1.42 was a technology demonstrator developed by the Mikoyan design
bureau. It was the Soviet Union's answer to the U.S.'s Advanced Tactical Fighter, incorporating
many fifth-generation fighter aspects such as advanced avionics, stealth, supermaneuverability,
and supercruise. The design’s development was a protracted one, characterized by repeated
and lengthy postponements due to a chronic lack of funds; the MiG 1.44 made its maiden
flight in February 2000, nine years behind schedule. The current status of the 1.44 is
unknown.
Development Preliminary design
The MiG 1.44 had its origins in the early 1980s, when the U.S. Air Force began developing
an advanced fighter under the Advanced Tactical Fighter project, which would ultimately materialise
in the form of the supermanoueverable and stealthy, albeit costly, Lockheed Martin F-22
Raptor. Consequently, the Soviet government tasked its fighter design bureaux the job
of developing a fighter with which to counter the American threat, and replace the Sukhoi
Su-27. Mikoyan busied itself with two concurrent projects, one of which focused on a heavy
multi-role design designated MFI, the other a light tactical fighter named LFI. To minimise
costs, both designs were to share as many components as possible.
However, as the research and development phase for the two projects progressed, costs escalated
due to the complexity normally associated with advanced aircraft projects. As a result,
the Soviet government created the Combined Task Programme in 1983 with the aim of maximising
efficiency and developing technologies to be used for all classes of aircraft. Mikoyan
became the primary contractor for the programme, the importance of which was illustrated with
its inclusion into the Soviet five-year economic plan. The design bureau soon formulated initial
specifications for the new fighters. Mikoyan proceeded with the preliminary design
of both the MFI and LFI with participation from numerous institutions, which assisted
in the progressive definition of the designs. TsAGI was responsible for collecting wind
tunnel test results, which, along with theoretical studies, were vital during this phase of development.
The institution recommended that Mikoyan include canards for the MFI, since it offers great
agility and lift, the latter important as the MFI was a statistically unstable design.
The delta wings then had a wing leading edge sweep of 40–45°. During this period, engineers
undertook unprecedented wind tunnel testing to refine the MFI's aerodynamics and verify
its radar cross-section. The MFI would have a variable engine intake
located under the front fuselage, reminiscent of the Eurofighter Typhoon; this was particularly
important with the nature of the aircraft, since it allows for sustained air flow into
the engine during sudden manoeuvres. As for the engine themselves, research was conducted
on thrust-vectoring, allowing for markedly improved manoeuvrability and short take-off
and landing performance. Besides the mechanical and aerodynamic aspects of the design, engineers
investigated hundreds of issues to refine the layout and specifications. In 1987, Mikoyan
and the associated institutions submitted the MFI and LFI proposals for review.
Full-scale development While both MFI and LFI designs passed critical
review, due to budgetary constraints, Mikoyan shelved the latter to free up funds for the
development of the MFI, which had by then been redesignated Isdeliye 1.42. Under the
leadership and coordination of Chief Project Engineer Gheogiy A. Sedov, Mikoyan embarked
on major design effort. Because the LFI was shelved, 1.42 had by then assumed the multi-role
approach, meaning that it had to fulfill both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. TsAGI
was still a part of the design effort, having tested radio-controlled models for research
into stability and handling characteristics, particularly at high angles of attack. It
was later confirmed that the 1.42 is still controllable at angles of attack of up to
60°. By now the specifications were being firmed.
Engineers from various establishments had settled on a definite design, having refined
the flight-control software, verified all wind tunnel test results, and checked important
systems using test rigs and modified aircraft. In 1988, Mikoyan was issued a specific operational
requirement for the 1.42. Three years later, the design passed the Soviet Air Force's critical
review. This paved the way for the construction of a flyable technology demonstrator, and
so Mikoyan issued specifications to specialised factories tasked with such roles.
The technology demonstrator, bearing the designation 1.44, would be used to verify the aerodynamic
layout and flight control system of the design. Construction of it was halfway when the collapse
of the Soviet Union brought a halt to further funding. Inevitably the scheduled first flight
of the almost-complete aircraft slipped indefinitely. However, full-scale mock-ups and sections
of the 1.44 were built in support of static tests, while factories were gearing up for
the construction of prototypes. Mikoyan lobbied the government to declassify the project so
it could display the aircraft at various air shows. In June 1995, MiG's Deputy General
Designer Anatoliy Belosvet announced that the prototype could be displayed at that year’s
MAKS Airshow; in the end, the government refused. The company tried in 1997, to no avail.
Testing interrupted In early 1994, the incomplete aircraft was
transported to Zhukovsky Airfield, where it would undertake flight tests. Ground tests
began later that year, culminating in the first high-speed runs with Mikoyan's Chief
Test Pilot Roman Taskayev at the controls. Just as the test programme began to pick up,
it was again put on hold as the design bureau did not have enough funds to purchase the
remaining components still missing on the demonstrator. This would be the main factor
in the indefinite postponement of the programme for the next few years. In 1997, the Russian
government cancelled the MFI program due to its unacceptably high unit cost. Mikoyan was
financially insecure, resulting with the change in the management during the years leading
up to 2000; this opened up other sources of funds.
The change in the company’s management also brought many changes. In late 1998, the Russian
government agreed to reveal the existence of the project. On 24 December 1998, the Nezavisimaya
Gazeta published a brief article on the fighter, accompanied by several photos. On 12 January
the following year, the 1.44 was officially rolled out in the presence of top-ranking
Russian military and government personnel, international journalists and other dignitaries.
Until then, the status of the 1.44 was largely a secret; the previous day, however, Aviation
Week & Space Technology published a photo taken from the roof of the hangar in which
the demonstrator was parked. Design
Note: since the MiG 1.44 did not conduct an extensive flight test programme, not all predicted
performance aspects by engineers were verified. Thus, this section refers to the design as
the MiG MFI. The MiG MFI was a delta wing, twin-tailed,
fifth-generation air superiority/strike fighter design that incorporated advanced technology
to theoretically give the aircraft excellent stealth and fighting attributes. It was of
a tail-first layout which, when working in concert with the engines, gave the aircraft
remarkable manoeuvrability. It had a tricycle landing gear system, with a single, dual-wheel
landing gear in the front, and two single wheels in the rear. The MFI was controlled
by a fly-by-wire flight control system, without which the aircraft was almost impossible to
fly because of the statically unstable nature of the MFI. Mikoyan made use of weight-saving
materials in the construction of the aircraft, with aluminium-lithium alloys making up 35%
of the empty weight, steel and titanium alloys, composites and others.
The MiG MFI was unconventional in its layout, in an effort to improve in-flight efficiency
and stealth characteristics. Efforts were made to minimise surface-area, possibly to
reduce drag. The wings were of delta planform, with leading-edge sweep at 52°. At the tips
were dielectric fairings which housed electronic countermeasures/electronic support measures.
The wings had full-span leading edge. The canards, meanwhile, had a leading-edge sweep
of 58°, and had prominent dogtooth which improve airflow over the wings at high alpha.
Russian aviation experts claim that the unorthodox design, use of radar-absorbent materials,
and internally mounted weapons, gave an RCS comparable to that of the F-22.
Two Lyul'ka Saturn AL-41F afterburning turbofans produced 177 kN of thrust, giving the MFI
a top speed of Mach 2.35. The engines also allowed the jet to supercruise. The axisymmetrical
engines could be vectored in both pitch and yaw planes. The nozzle's inner petals were
lined with ceramic tiles to reduce heat signatures. The engines, through serpentine ducts covered
in RAM, were fed by a rectangular intake underneath the front fuselage. Weapons and fuel tanks
could be carried under the wings as well. Testing and cancellation
During 1999, final preparations were made for first flight. The aircraft was finally
completed after missing components were purchased. It underwent ground tests, including high-speed
taxis during which the aircraft was rotated. On 29 February 2000, the aircraft performed
its first flight at the hands of Vladimir Gorboonov. During the 18-minute flight, the
1.44 reached a maximum height of 1,000 m and reached speeds of 600 km/h. The aircraft
touched down at 11:43 am Moscow Time, amid tight security. Gorboonov later described
the aircraft as docile. After the 22-minute second flight on 27 April, engineers probably
uncovered some problems, since there were no reported flights thereafter. The programme
has since apparently been cancelled, with the aircraft's status unknown.
Variants MiG 1.42/42 Primary version which may go onto
production; the functions are better than that of the 1.44. NATO named it "Foxglove".
MiG 1.44 Demonstrator prototype with failed upgrades; will remain a demonstrator. 2 have
been built. NATO named it "Flatpack". Despite the close similarity to the Chengdu
J-20, MiG has denied any intentional disclosure of technical information on the 1.44 to China.
Specifications
Note: Since the 1.44 and 1.42 never went beyond pre-production, most specifications are estimated.
Data from General characteristics
Crew: 1 Length: 19 m
Wingspan: 15 m Height: 4.50 m
Empty weight: 18,000 kg Loaded weight: 28,000 kg
Max. takeoff weight: 35,000 kg Powerplant: 2 × Lyulka AL-41F afterburning
turbofans, 176 kN each Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 2.6 Range: 4,000 km
Service ceiling: 21,555 m Armament
Guns: 1× 30 mm Izhmash GSh-301 cannon, 250 rounds
Missiles: R-77 medium-range radar-guided missiles, R-73 short-range IR-guided missiles, K-37
long-range radar-guided missiles, K-74 short-range IR-guided missiles
Payload: likely any AGM or small-diameter free fall bomb in the Russian inventory
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Mikoyan LMFS Chengdu J-20
Sukhoi Su-47 Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Sukhoi PAK FA Related lists
List of fighter aircraft References
Notes
Citations
Bibliography "Russian 1.44 to fly soon despite money shortage,
says MAPO". Flight International 155: 9. 20–26 January 1999. ISSN 0015-3710. Retrieved 5
August 2011. "RSKMiG 1.44 shown on maiden flight". Flight
International 157: 20. 2–8 May 2000. ISSN 0015-3710. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
Barrie, Douglas. "Mikoyan pushes 1.42 for Mosaero debut". Flight International 147:
4. ISSN 0015-3710. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
Barrie, Douglas. "Last of the big MiGs?". Flight
International 150: 24–26. ISSN 0015-3710. Retrieved 5 August 2011.
Gordon, Yefim. "Sukhoi S-37 and Mikoyan MFI: Russian Fifth-Generation Fighter Technology
Demonstrators". Warbird Tech 1. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-120-2.
Velovich, Alexander. "MiG 1.44 undergoes high-speed runs as M APO prepares
for maiden flight". Flight International 157: 32. ISSN 0015-3710. Retrieved 5 August 2011.
External links MiG-35 / 1.42 Multirole Front-Line Fighter
on FAS.org Mikoyan Project 1.44 / MiG 1.42 MFI at Fighter-Planes.com
MIG MFI at Royfc.com [1] picture of 1.44 with tarp over the cockpit