Mikoyan Project 1.44
The Mikoyan Project 1.44/1.42 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-1.44; NATO reporting name: Flatpack) is a multirole fighter technology demonstrator developed by the Mikoyan design bureau. It was designed for the Soviet Union's MFI (Mnogofunksionalni Frontovoy Istrebitel, "Multifunctional Frontline Fighter") project for the I-90 ("1990s fighter") program, the answer to the U.S.'s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). The MFI was to incorporate many fifth-generation jet fighter features such as supermaneuverability, supercruise, and advanced avionics, as well as some degree of radar signature reduction.
| Project 1.44 | |
|---|---|
| MiG Project 1.44 at MAKS-2015 air show | |
| Role | Technology demonstrator |
| National origin | Soviet Union / Russia |
| Manufacturer | Mikoyan |
| First flight | 29 February 2000 |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Number built | 1 + 4 1.42 airframes at various stages of completion. |
The design's development was a protracted one, characterised by repeated and lengthy postponements due to a chronic lack of funds after the collapse of the Soviet Union; the MiG 1.44 made its maiden flight in February 2000, nine years behind schedule, and was cancelled later that year. The MFI project was replaced by the more modern and affordable PAK FA program, which resulted in the Sukhoi Su-57.