Ukrainian MiG‑29 outmaneuvers Russian missiles: A closer look
The war in Ukraine marks the first conflict in decades in which the opposing nations have similar capabilities. Numerous recordings have captured scenarios previously known only to a few. One such instance involves a fighter jet outmaneuvering an incoming missile. We delve into the complexities of this aerial combat.
The video below shows a Ukrainian MiG-29 evading a pair of Russian air-to-air missiles or an anti-aircraft defence system. It's important to note that every missile has a range beyond which it can be outmaneuvered.
Duel: Aircraft vs. air-to-air/anti-aircraft missiles — an extremely difficult fight for survival
Every missile has a rocket engine, sometimes two, which operates for a limited time (usually around 10 seconds or less). After burning out, the missile follows a ballistic trajectory toward its target. In this scenario, successful maneuvering means the rocket can't regain the energy needed for another attack.
Despite their declared range of over 100 kilometres, missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM or the Russian R-77 Vympel are most effective at shooting down a fighter jet at a much shorter distance (exact data remain unknown, but it's likely to be half or less of the declared range).
However, the pilot must execute specific maneuvers precisely regarding speed and timing. The more significant the speed difference, the more the missile has to turn, exerting a force the aircraft can withstand. If the difference is too great, the incoming missile will miss, as shown in the video, or it may break apart.
Systems that detect threats, such as radar illumination or incoming missiles, through optoelectronic detectors operating in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum are crucial aids for the pilot. These systems provide information about the missile's position and even its distance.
The only exceptions are short-range missiles like the R-73 Vympel, IRIS-T, or AIM-9 Sidewinder, which typically range from 19 to 31 kilometres. Their rocket engines operate for most of the flight. These missiles can make several attacks due to their ability to regain energy, practically ensuring the downing of the target. Moreover, some missiles, like the IRIS-T, are claimed by manufacturers to simulate attack profiles, conserving energy for the right moment while the aircraft loses momentum during evasive maneuvers.
Another advancement is missiles with jet engines, such as the European Meteor. These missiles, which follow the same format as regular medium-range missiles feature a larger rocket fuel load because they do not require an oxidizer in their structure (oxygen needed for combustion is sourced from the atmosphere). This enables longer engine operation with thrust regulation, significantly extending the so-called "No Escape Zone" (NEZ), when the missile has the greatest manoeuvrability and options, for instance, to retry a failed attack.
