MiG Corporation is developing a next-generation light fighter

Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RAC MiG) is implementing a project for development of a fifth-generation light fighter, Interfax-AVN reports with reference to a source close to the aircraft industry.

“This project is focused on developing configuration of the next-generation light fighter. It is being implemented using the corporation’s own funds,” the source noted. He reminded that the State Arms Program includes development of a light fighter with a takeoff weight of 15 tons; however, funds for development of the jet have not been allocated.

“The project for development of the light fighter is still of great importance. There are no alternatives to this aircraft. Sooner or later we will have to develop it and we must be ready for this,” the source added. According to him, the most important problems connected with this project are: the fact that there is no state-of-the-art engine having a required thrust and a high cost of production of prototypes. 

Speaking of RAC MiG’s production program for 2015-2016 the source said that this year Russian Ministry of Defense would take delivery of 10 out of 24 ordered MiG-29K/KUB carrier-based fighters, 10 more jets will be delivered to the customer in 2016. The rest four vehicles were delivered in 2013. 

“Moreover, eight MiG-29SMT jets will be manufactured in 2015 for Russian air forces and six more ones – in 2016,” the source explained.

Earlier RAC MiG has already worked on development of a fifth-generation fighter. MiG 1.44 MFI (multi-role fighter) was developed as a prototype of the fifth-generation fighter. The aircraft was designed as a counterpart to F-22 (USA) jet and outmatched its rival in terms of some characteristics. It featured stealth-technologies. All the jet’s weapons were placed inside its fuselage. It was covered with special radar-absorbing coating; the jet’s vertical stabilizers had curved surfaces, which lowered the jet’s signature.