The 'Ghost of Kyiv' could be a true or hoax incident during the onset of the invasion that became viral as the first true ace of any aerial encounter in recent times.
One of the reasons for becoming so viral is the reputation of the MiG-29 itself that was built as a counter to the F-16 Falcon, noted Airforce Technology.
As everything goes, the 'Ghost of Kyiv' can be called an urban legend of Ukraine's embattled capital.
Ukraine's Aerial Hero Could Be Fictional
In the early hours of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, an unexpected 'hero' emerged after Russia unleashed its multifaceted onslaught on Ukraine.
Videos of what appeared to be a solo MiG-29 of the Ukrainian Air Force buzzing over Kyiv went viral, reported The Week.
The lone jet with the grey paint scheme of the Ukrainian MiG-29 was able to shoot six Russian jets on the first day of the invasion.
It is claimed an aging MiG-29 Fulcrum jet is supposed to outclass a more modern Su-35 on this occasion without a wingman.
At one point, the Ukrainian ministry of defense tweeted it on social media claiming the 'Ghost of Kyiv' could be one of several pilots caught up with social media users.
To give credence to their claims, the Ministry of Defense posted an unverified clip of the aerial battle that would say a Su-35 was taken out, but there were doubts over its authenticity.
The MiG-29 Limited Capabilities
Despite the well-built fulcrum, a lithe and strong dogfighter is not definite. Dogfights are dicey effects where anything can go wrong, from pilot error or his instruments' reliability, but the Ghost of Kyiv was very lucky.
This Kyiv urban legend might be that newer variants will outclass due to an old fulcrum fleet.
Compared to its bigger cousins, the Su-27, the MiG-29 is not the main fighter with a shorter range which is a problem. Having more maneuverability with fewer weapons and range is a distinct disadvantage too.
According to The Drive, US defense journalist Thomas Newdick explained a point, saying that a basic variant has six air-to-air missiles and 120 rounds of 30-millimeter, and it cannot stay on longer air patrol at low-level flight.
Flying means more sorties and one pilot per plane; the unknown hero did not have difficulty getting targets lined up. Next, engaging and winning each encounter with no hardship getting the six advertise kills, the feat was impossibly improbable too.
One more fact is that bases including Vasylkiv and Ivano-Frankivsk where the MiGs were stationed leave questions on how operations are. However, the planes could have been moved before the initial attacks.
Tom Cooper, a Veteran military aviation journalist, and the author made a point by explaining that more missiles are needed than the six it has armed. The undercarriage has drop tanks in several videos and no missiles to get the six targets.
Drop tanks cause drag and will slow a jet down. When in combat, it is discarded. Another fact is the AAMS in service with the Ukraine Air Forces are old types and easily countered.
The Russians are well acquainted with the R-27 and R-73 series of missiles that they still use,
The 'Ghost of Kyiv' is probably a hoax, but people will not discount it as social media significantly affects its realness.
Related Article: Russian, Ukrainian Air Force Jetfighters Seen in Tense Low Altitude Dogfight Over Kyiv While Missile Attack Rages
