MiG29 speed with external tanks

[SAM77]

Was really surprised I could get to Mach 2 with external tanks at 12k alt. This isn't correct right? Done with MiG29S and A version. Pics and Trk of the S model.

MiG29speed.trk

Edited February 27, 2024 by SAM77
MiG29A check

[AeriaGloria]

Who knows if the MiG-29 has enough thrust to balance the drag. All we know is that it’s above the stated limits for the tanks. These limits could be “safe jettison of tank is ensured/tested up to this speed” or it could be “the pylon/connecrion/tank cannot withstand pressure past a certain airspeed,” which is something DCS doesn’t simulate with FC3. 

[SAM77]

I was thinking about the drag penalty of all three external tank. Seems highly unlikely it would be capable of Mach 2+ but like you said who knows what the thrust/drag numbers are.

Edited February 29, 2024 by SAM77

[razo+r]

You could try to compare the top speed with and without tanks. This way we'll know if the tanks have drag in the first place. 

[Seaeagle]

On 2/29/2024 at 12:57 AM, AeriaGloria said:

Who knows if the MiG-29 has enough thrust to balance the drag.

I think that would depend on the altitude.

On 2/29/2024 at 12:57 AM, AeriaGloria said:

All we know is that it’s above the stated limits for the tanks. These limits could be “safe jettison of tank is ensured/tested up to this speed” or it could be “the pylon/connecrion/tank cannot withstand pressure past a certain airspeed,” which is something DCS doesn’t simulate with FC3. 

Or(and more likely) how it affects the stability of the aircraft as such.

Anyway, if you read the German Luftwaffe manual, overall airspeed limits and airspeed limitations for safe ejection of tanks are specified.

Maximum allowed airspeed with CL tank is stated as Mach 1.5

Jettison speed limits: Min speed: 240 KIAS, max: Mach 0.85

 

Maximum allowed airspeed with wing drop tanks:  Mach 0.9

Jettison speed limits: Min speed: 300 KIAS, max: Mach 0.9