How High Can the MiG-29 Fly?
MiG-29 at the Edge of Space.
Maximum Altitude Reached by the MiG-29
The MiG-29’s service ceiling is 18,013 m (59,100 ft). During our stratosphere flights, when speeds of Mach 1.9 were still permitted, we were able to climb up to 23 km. How was this possible?
Edge of Space flight profile: upper end of the climb.
Ballistic Flight Profile
In essence, the MiG-29 accelerates and climbs at maximum speed from 12 km, overshooting its service ceiling by several kilometres through sheer momentum. Unfortunately, the engines now require more conservative handling after a recent replacement by the Russian maintenance team. As a point of reference – the world altitude record for an air-breathing aircraft is held by Alexandr Fedotov, achieved in a specially modified Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat (the E-266M). He reached 37,650 m (123,520 ft) on 31 August 1977. Until 2006, MiGFlug offered stratosphere flights in the MiG-25 Foxbat and was able to climb well above 25 km. Read more about that here.Related Questions
How high can the MiG-29 fly?
On MiGFlug's High Altitude (Edge of Space) flights, the MiG-29 climbs to a guaranteed 17 km and often reaches 18 or even 19 km. In the past, altitudes above 20 km were possible, but a current speed limit of Mach 1.7, down from Mach 1.9, has lowered the practical ceiling.
What is the best time of year to book an Edge of Space flight?
The colder months, October through April, are best, with winter (November to February) ideal. Cold air lets the MiG-29's engines produce more thrust, so the jet climbs higher. The MiG-29 Fulcrum Edge of Space experience reaches its peak altitudes in winter conditions.
Can you see the curvature of the Earth from a MiG-29?
Yes. From around 17 to 19 km, near the edge of space, the sky turns dark and the curvature of the Earth becomes clearly visible. This is the signature view of the MiG-29 Edge of Space flight, a height few aircraft reach but still below the absolute altitude records set by specialised jets.
Why is the MiG-29 limited to Mach 1.7?
The MiG-29's top speed on these flights is currently capped at Mach 1.7, lower than the Mach 1.9 reached previously, because sustained higher speeds wore out the engines too quickly. Since speed and altitude are linked, this cap also slightly lowers the maximum height the jet can reach.
How does cold weather affect a jet's maximum altitude?
Cold air is denser and helps a jet engine generate more thrust, allowing the aircraft to climb higher. That is why MiG-29 Edge of Space flights reach their greatest altitudes in winter, and why operators recommend booking between November and February for the best chance at peak height.
i am interested in the edge of space with 1st class trip to Moscow
I would really like to do one too.
I’m from Ksnya?? and would really like to fly to the edge of space, edge of heaven.
How can I book?
Will the stratosphere flights be available this year if so I would like to book one
Hi David – there is a good chance that stratosphere flights will be back later in 2020 or 2021. It is somewhat unpredictable, due to the paperwork involved. But there is good progress.
HOW MUCH TOTAL WEIGHT IN MIG
Hi,
I want to fly a MiG 29 or similar, kindly give me more details with price
We will update you once Supersonic and Edge of Space Flights are available again Paresh. Likely, it won’t be in the MiG-29 though. Cheers, Philipp (MiGFlug)
what exactly is the reason the edge of space flights quit being offered? just heard about this type of flight a couple of days ago.
I want to go
Toooo space in a MiG
Anyone Out there
How??
Ian
I live in the USA and I think Russia makes the most beautiful fighter jets in the world. I “fly”in DCS and dream of doing the real thing once. Someday my dream is to come over and take one of these flights. I live through your videos until then. This is the most awesome service available to humans. Thank you for offering it.
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