Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "1985 MiG 29" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the MiG 29 from the 100 Year of Powered Flight Collection. MiG-29 was designed to combat the latest fighters from the United States, and was first flown on October 6, 1977. This Soviet aircraft features a blended high-lift, low drag wing and fuselage, while its widely-spaced twin engines have specially tailored air intakes that maximize its high angle-of-attack capability. As a result, the MiG-29 has dazzled air show crowds with its nose stuck almost vertically in the air. Powered by two Isotov/Sarkisov RD33 afterburning turbojets, the MiG-29 has a top speed of 1,519 mph. As a fighter, it carries six under-wing missiles of a variety of types and has a single 30-mm cannon as backup. The MiG-29's performance is comparable to that of the Boeing F- 15, and it is equipped with missiles that can be fired from any angle. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B17115)