Notice the 'closed' engine intakes on the Mig 29. Apparently these were to protect the engines when landing and taking off from rough airstrips - these were built for any conditions, the good, bad and decidedly ugly.
(I've seen the intakes open and close on videos and it looks decidedly impressive - never had the good [or bad] fortune to get to see one up close and personal.) You weren't hallucinating. Also there's this one too... |