Q's: MiG-29, Su-27, R-73, & R-77

[N-6]

When did the MiG-29 receive capability to fire the vectored-thrust
R-73 off-boresight missles using helmet-mounted targeting? Did the
MiG-29 have R-73's and the helmet-mounted display/targeting system
since the beginning--that is, since the MiG-29A first became
operational in 1984 (or was it 1985?), or was it a later development?

When did the R-77 active-radar-homing Air-to-Air missile become
operational in Soviet service? Which fighter (the MiG-29 or Su-27) got
the operational capability to use it first?

Which of the two aircraft--the MiG-29A or the Su-27 "Flanker-B"--was
the first to enter operational service? I see service entry dates as
either 1984 or 1985 for both of these aircraft depending on sources.

[robert arndt]

> When did the R-77 active-radar-homing Air-to-Air missile become
> operational in Soviet service? Which fighter (the MiG-29 or Su-27) got
> the operational capability to use it first?

In 1993 with the MiG-29.
>
> Which of the two aircraft--the MiG-29A or the Su-27 "Flanker-B"--was
> the first to enter operational service? I see service entry dates as
> either 1984 or 1985 for both of these aircraft depending on sources.

Both the MiG-29 and Su-27 came off the production line in 1982. The
MiG-29 first unit was designated in late 1983 at Kubinka AB and
frontal aviation recieved them in 1984.
The Su-27, having repeated problems with its avionics, was delayed
entry until 1985.

Rob