Funked,
Read a similar article about F-18 vs Mig29 engagements. The Helmet mounted sight of the Mig was considered a major advantage, although there were several issues regarding limitations on the Mig. The cockpit workload was considered very large, so much so it was doubtful that it could even perform a BVR engagement. Also, the radar signature was huge, apparantly far larger than expected, as it was on the Su-27. The C/D models of F18 were much smaller radar targets and even the early A/B models were better. The summary came to the conclusion that the Mig would hold the advantage in a close quarters dogfight within 10 miles or so if not just for the short range missiles is possessed and the helmet mounted sight. It had to get close but would most likely be shot at by AMRAAM/Sparrow before then (most Mig's were rather under equipped in the self defense equipment as were earlier Su-27's. Very few chaff/flare launchers or ECM).
The Su-27 is a fantastic plane, but it also has some issues. Early versions had many of the same pilot workload issues as the MiG-29, as well as very large radar signature. I guess the large intakes that led right on to the faces of the engines made it possible to use blade count from radar returns to id Su-27's at long range. More seriously, the actual combat load weight of the Su-27 was very misleading. Airshow performances were always performed at minimum weight, sometimes without radar installed (some ballast installed to compensate). Wing loading numbers were VERY good at light loadout, but the average weight of a russian missile, and the total fuel load for combat made the wingloading numbers change dramatically. The Saturna engines were thirsty, and while it carried all the fuel for long range that meant carrying a lot of weight. The actual maneuver limits placed on it in it's combat configuration were more than what was shown at airshows. They were still impressive, don't get me wrong, but considered more comparative to planes like the F-15 than the AH N1K
Didn't the US buy a bunch of Mig-29's from a eastern block country not more than a year or two ago? The Germans had several after reunification that were used in dissimilar ACM training, but I thought the US has several of their own now. Not sure if they are just stored or in use.
As an additional note, the Mig29 SMT, and other similar upgrades (they have several versions on offer) offered a western style cockpit and avionics. Several countries felt this overcame a number of the pilot workload issues and thus the market for Mig-29's, and upgrades, is considered substatial.
-Soda
