Aircraft / Fighter aircraft / Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger
General Facts
- TYPE
Fighter aircraft - ORIGIN
USSR - NICKNAMES
Flogger (NATO reporting name)
Bahadur (Indian designation for MiG-27) - DESIGNED
1960's - DESIGNER
Mikoyan Gurevich - PRODUCTION
1968 - 1985 (MiG-23)
1970 - 1986 (MiG-27) - PRODUCERS
India - Hindustan Aeronautics (MiG-27)
USSR - Mikoyan Gurevich (all versions) - QUANTITY
5.047 (MiG-23)
1.075 (MiG-27) - UNIT COST
Unknown - CHARACTERISTICS
Variable geometry wing
Good performance in latest versions
No multi-purpose versions
Introduction
The MiG-23 is a fighter aircraft of Russian origin. It was to complement the successful MiG-21 which lacked radar performance, speed and range. At the time of development it was a very serious adversary for any aircraft, especially regarding the later models. A ground-attack variant was developed as well, which resulted later in the MiG-27. The MiG-23 has the NATO designation Flogger.
Layout
The MiG-23 is a swing-wing aircraft. The three position wings are swept backwards at high speeds, resulting in good performance at both high and low speeds. A single engine is fitted with air intakes on both sides of the fuselage. The MiG-23 is operated by a single pilot. Conversion training is conducted in special twin seat versions.
Armament
The MiG-23 is armed with a 23mm double barrel GSh-23L autocannon for use against aerial and ground targets. All versions can be armed with the AA-2 Atoll and AA-8 Aphid infrared guided missiles. The later air defense variants can also fire the more capable and longer range AA-7 Apex missile. In the ground attack role the MiG-23 is fitted with dumb bombs, pods for 57mm unguided rockets and the AS-7 Kerry guided air to ground missile.
Sensors
Earlier models suffered from limited avionics, especially regarding radar performance. Later on more powerful radars were installed allowing more capable weapons to be used, including beyond visual range missiles. Export models are fitted with reduced capability avionics.
Mobility
For its time the MiG-23 was a very fast aircraft. Although it is quite agile it is not in the same league as the MiG-21 regarding agility. The maximum speed is Mach 2.3 at altitude and Mach 1.1 at sea level. The ferry range is about 2.800 km.
Users
The MiG-23 replaced many MiG-21 in Soviet service and supplemented the Su-17 in the ground attack role. The MiG-23 was also widely exported to many Soviet allies, mainly in the Middle East and Asia. It is no longer in use in Russia, but remains in use with various nations around the world.
MiG-23M
The MiG-23M, codenamed Flogger-B, is the first generation fighter version of the MiG-23. The MiG-23MF, also codenamed Flogger-B, is the export variant of the MiG-23M. It features reduced avionics capabilities and those exported beyond Eastern Europe also have a less capable radar. The MiG-23MS, codenamed Flogger-E, is an export model of the MiG-23M with a very basic avionics suite. It lacks BVR capabilities, being armed only with AA-2 and AA-8 missiles.
MiG-23P
The MiG-23P, codenamed Flogger-G, is a dedicated air defense version that was only used by the Russian air defense forces. It is similar to the MiG-23ML, but the avionics have been optimized for Russian air defense tactics. It includes a datalink that allows for ground controlled interception, but the IRST has been removed. The MiG-23bis, also codenamed Flogger-G, is similar to the MiG-23P, but has been fitted with IRST.
MiG-23ML
The MiG-23ML, codenamed Flogger-G, is the second generation fighter version of the MiG-23. It features a fully redesigned airframe which performs better during dog fights and is fitted with a more powerful engine. Besides the various airframe modifications the MiG-23ML also features a better radar system and IRST. The MiG-23MLA Flogger-G is a slightly improved version with a further improved radar and ECCM. The MiG-23MLD Flogger-K is the latest fighter model of the MiG-23. It features some airframe modifications to improve maneuverability, the radar is improved and AA-11 missiles can be fired.
MiG-23BN
The MiG-23BN Flogger-H is the ground attack variant of the MiG-23 family. It is unable to fire the AA-7 Apex missile, due to its much simplified avionics. Instead of a radar a ground attack sight is installed. Stronger pylons allow it to carry more combat payload. Most of the 624 MiG-23BN's have been built for export customers. For some time the MiG-23B Flogger-F was produced before the MiG-23BN entered production, the main difference being the AL-21 engine instead of the R-29 used on the BN. The MiG-23BK, which has the NATO designation Flogger-H as well as the MiG-23BN, is a MiG-23BN with enhanced avionics for export to other Warsaw Pact nations.
MiG-27
The MiG-27 is a much simpler ground attack variant than the MiG-23BN. It features a different nose than the MiG-23, fixed size air intakes and a powerful GSh-6-23M autocannon. The original MiG-27 is codenamed Flogger-D. The MiG-27D is a nuclear strike variant with a modified navigation system. The MiG-23M Flogger-J is a modified version that includes much improved ECM systems and the GSh-6-30 autocannon. The MiG-27L is a MiG-27M constructed in India. The MiG-27K, designated Flogger-J2, is the latest variant of the MiG-27. It has an integrated laser targeting system, is able to launch TV guided weapons and most are fitted with the GSh-6-30 autocannon.
MiG-23UB
The MiG-23U, codenamed Flogger-C, is a twin seat trainer based on the pre-production models of the MiG-23. The cockpit has been somewhat lengthened to accommodate the extra pilot seat. The improved MiG-23UB is fitted with the newer R-29 engine instead of the R-27 in the MiG-23U. Of the two the MiG-23UB was much more numerous. Production amounted to 769 units, including converted MiG-23U's.