Mikoyan MiG-29UB "Fulcrum-B"
Mikoyan · Soviet Union · first flew 1981 · fighter
The MiG-29UB is the two-seat combat-trainer variant of the Fulcrum, identifiable by its solid nose, raised rear cockpit and the absence of operational radar.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 17.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Solid nose without radar bulge — replaced by a dummy radome over training sensors only
- Raised rear cockpit under a single continuous two-seat canopy replacing the flush single-seat hood
- Slightly taller canopy profile visible from any angle due to the tandem seating
Compared with the single-seat 9-12 Fulcrum, the UB has a visibly smoother, un-bulged nose (no radar dish) and a taller, longer canopy enclosing two seats in tandem. The overall planform with twin canted fins and wide engine spacing is otherwise identical.
Specifications
- The MiG-29UB Fulcrum-B has a length of 17.3 m (57 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2230 km/h (1386 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flying in April 1981 alongside the baseline MiG-29, the UB was built to provide type conversion and instrument training without the N019 Slot Back radar, which was omitted to make room for the second seat and dual controls. Despite lacking radar, the UB retains full engine and handling representative of the single-seat aircraft.
Variants
The MiG-29UB (Fulcrum-B NATO code) was the standard trainer; later developments include the MiG-29M2 and carrier-going MiG-29KUB two-seaters with operational radar. The MiG-35 family carries forward a two-seat UB concept.
Where you'll see it
The UB equipped every operator of the MiG-29, including former Warsaw Pact nations now in NATO such as Poland, Germany (briefly), the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Polish Air Force UBs were a regular sight at UK airshows during the 1990s and 2000s.
Related aircraft
- MiG-29
- MiG-29 9-12 Fulcrum-A
- Mikoyan MiG-29M
- MiG-31
- SIAI-Marchetti S-211
- Aermacchi MB-339K Veltro II
- AIDC AT-3 Tzu Chung
- General Dynamics F-16A Block 10 Fighting Falcon
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