Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
| Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 | ||
|---|---|---|
A MiG-21 at Farnbrough 2002 | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Light interceptor | |
| Crew | 1 | |
| First Flight | ||
| Entered Service | ||
| Manufacturer | MIG MAPO, Russia | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 15.76 m | 51 ft 8.5 in |
| Wingspan | 7.15 m | 23 ft 5 1/2 in |
| Height | 4.12 m | 13 ft 6.2 in |
| Wing area | m² | ft² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 5350 kg | 11,795 lb |
| Loaded | kg | lb |
| Maximum takeoff | 9661 kg | 21,299 lb |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | One Tumanskii R-25-300 turbojet | |
| Thrust | 69.58 kN | 15,650 lbf |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 2230 km/h | 1385mph |
| Combat range | 450-500 km | 280-311miles |
| Ferry range | km | miles |
| Service ceiling | 19,000 m | 62,366 ft |
| Rate of climb | 7200m/min | 23,622 ft/min |
| Wing loading | kg/m² | lb/ft² |
| Thrust/Weight | ||
| Avionics | ||
| Avionics | ||
| Armament | ||
| Guns | One centreline twin-barrelled GSh-23 23mm cannon | |
| Ordnance | 2000 kg (4409 lb) on four underwing hardpoints | |
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (NATO reporting name Fishbed) is a fighter aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It is the most common post-World War II aircraft, with the exception of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
The MiG-21 saw frequent action in the Vietnam War and was one of the most advanced aircraft at the time. However, many North Vietnamese acess preferred flying the MiG-19, due to the wingload on the MiG-21's wings. Employing the popular triangular wings, it was the first successful Soviet aircraft combining fighter and interceptor in a single aircraft. It was a lightweight fighter, achieving Mach 2 speed using a relatively low-powered afterburning turbojet, and is thus comparable to the American F-104 Starfighter and French Dassault Mirage III.
It was also used extensively in Middle East conflicts of the 1960s and 1970s, by the air forces of Egypt, Syria and Iraq against Israel.
It was used also in early stages of the wars in Afghanistan but soon outclassed by the newer MiG-23 and MiG-27.
The first prototype (called Ye-6) flew in 1957, entering service in 1958.
Currently MiG-21s, in the F/L variant are currently produced under license by HAL of India. However, following a series of about 250 crashes over the last decade, and acquiring the nickname "flying coffin", the Indian Air Force has announced that the MiG-21 will be phased out of service.
| Related content | |
|---|---|
| Related Development | Chengdu J-7 |
| Similar Aircraft | F-104 Starfighter - Dassault Mirage III |
| Designation Series | MiG-15 - MiG-17 - MiG-19 - MiG-21 - MiG-23 - MiG-25 - MiG-27 |
| Related Lists | List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS - List of fighter aircraft |
| List of Aircraft | Aircraft Manufacturers | Aircraft Engines | Aircraft Engine Manufacturers Airlines | Air Forces | Aircraft Weapons | Missiles | Years in Aviation |