Ukraine’s Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant, part of the state-run Ukroboronprom, handed over a MiG-29UB “trainer” aircraft to Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) today. MiG-29UB (Product 9.51, NATO reporting code Fulcrum-B) is a training and combat modification of MiG-29 with twin seat training model, infra-red sensor mounted only and no radar. The aircraft is designed to train cadets and improve the combat skills of experienced pilots. Export variant had downgraded systems similar to MiG-29 9.12. The aircraft successfully passed test flights and left for one of the combat units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant (“LSARP”) is a leading enterprise that is part of Ukroboronprom and that specializes in the repair of aircraft and military. The company was founded in 1920 for aircraft repair and overhaul. LSARP repairs of the aircraft MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27 and MiG-29, including the works on renovation of overhaul service life and life time. Because of the refusal to use Russian spare parts, Ukrainian plants have to find other channels to get these details. Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant is also manufacturing parts that were previously supplied from manufacturers in the Russian Federation.
LSARP is in the process of refurbishing and upgrading its MiG-29 “Fulcrum” fleet to a 4+-generation multi-purpose aircraft in two phases, known as MiG-29MU1 and MiG-29MU2. In August 2018, two more MiG-29MU1 aircraft were delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force , which currently fields eight MiG-29MU1s based at the Vasilkiv AFB. The MiG-29MU2 is expected to roll out in 2019, with serial production of the MU2 modification planned to begin in 2020. The Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant (LSARP) has already begun work on a third phase of modernization, the MiG-29MU3.
As prime contractor LSARP was tasked with upgrading the MiG-29. Support is provided by Rockwell Collins based on a strategic cooperation agreement concluded last October in Kiev. LSARP coordinates the work of other Ukrainian contractors participating in the MiG-29MU1/MU2 program, such as Orizon-Navigatsiya (DPO-N), Novator, Fazotron-Ukraina, Arsenal, Laser Technic Design Bureau, Elektroprilad, AVIARM, Avia-Radio Service and SDO Tecon-Electron. Ukrainian company Radionix also supplies an Omut electronic defense system that comprises a radar warning/reconnaissance sub-system, an updatable threat database with prioritization.
