OVERVIEW: The N019 Rubin aka RLPK-29 aka Sapfir-29 aka Topaz aka SLOT BACK radar is an airborne LD/SD air-to-air fire-control radar operating in the NATO I/low-J band.

DETAILS:
The N019 Rubin aka SLOT BACK is a pulse-Doppler radar is a ”Look down/Shoot down” (LD/SD) radar, using a twist-Cassegrain antenna, capable of rough track against 10 targets and engagement of one. However, it can not see targets traveling below 110 knots. It is capable of all-aspect engagement of targets, and detection and covert automatic tracking of targets in free space and/or ground clutter; a high-speed vertical scan/lock on mode for visual close combat and compatibility with a range of weapons including the R-27R1, R-29R1E, R-27T1, R-27T1E, R-60MK, R-73E and RVV-AE missiles.

SARH Illumination and main channels use different frequencies within the I band and are multiplexed in time. Individual aircraft can be preset on the ground to different frequencies to avoid mutual interference during group operations.

Scanning cycle times are 2.5-5 seconds depending on mode. Beam width is 3.5°


Specifications:

	Frequency: 	9-10 GHz (approx) (I-band/low J-band (NATO))
	PRF: 		160-220 Khz
	Pulse width:	 unknown
	Power: 		2.4 KW (scan); 7.8 KW (peak)
	Scan Limits:	 ±65° azimuth, +56°, -36° degrees elevation.
	Range: 		57/38nm search (v. bomber/fighter aircraft head-on, LD mode)
			43nm search (v. fighter, head-on, free space)
			16nm search (v. fighter aircraft tail aspect, LD mode)
			22nm search (v. fighter, tail aspect, free space)


NOTES: Initially an unreliable radar, with MTBF increasing to approx. 100 hours by the late 1980's.

SOURCES: Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017, location 4247, 4281 (Kindel ed.) ; "MiG Alley." Accessed October 9, 2022. https://toad-design.com/migalley/index.php/jet-aircraft/mig29/mig29-n019-radar/ ; Jane's Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems, "Sapfir Series Radars," 19 October 2000; Ukroboronexport, "N019" Accessed October 9, 2022. https://uoe.com.ua/products/en/?id=0&pid=catalogue&language=eng&catalogue_id=744&type=content.; "MiG Alley." Accessed October 9, 2022. https://toad-design.com/migalley/index.php/jet-aircraft/mig29/ ; "MiG Alley." Accessed October 10, 2022. https://toad-design.com/migalley/index.php/jet-aircraft/mig29/mig29-n019-radar/ ; "Презентация на тему: НАЦІОНАЛЬНИЙ АВІАЦІЙНИЙ УНІВЕРСИТЕТ Житомирський військовий інститут ім. С.П.Корольова." StudFiles. Accessed October 10, 2022. https://studfile.net/preview/5383872/#6.


