It designed in 1972 to replace the aging MiG-21 and MiG-23; the Fulcrum represented a revolutionary development in Soviet fighter aircraft performance. The MiG-29, along with the Sukhoi Su-27, was developed to counter new American fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. Although lacking the stylish electronics and "fly-by-wire" systems of contemporary Western aircraft like the American F-16 Falcon and the F-15 Eagle, the MiG-29's agility and maneuverability make it their equal in term of performance. In addition, the MiG-29 incorporates a unique forward looking infrared target acquisition system which allows the Fulcrum to acquire and engage targets with heat seeking missiles or its internally mounted cannon without being detected by radar-detecting threat warning receivers. To take advantage of the MiG-29's incredible turning ability, the pilot is equipped with a helmet mounted target designation retile which can be used to designate and engage targets outside of the fighter's forward plane of travel.
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