MiG 21

Czech Air Force MiG-21MFN

The MiG Fishbed was designed after the Soviet Union had reviewed their experiences in the Korean war, and decided tot buy a short range interceptor-fighter.

This type was in principle the same as the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, but the MiG was a completely different aircraft. It was based on a delta form with tail, small in size with the goal to have satisfying performances with a single relatively weak turbojet with afterburner, the Tumansky R-11 witch was barely larger and more powerful than the RD-9 that was used in the former two-engine MiG-19's.

Different shaped Ye-2A and Ye-5 prototypes were flown in 1956 and the last (Ye-5) cleared the road for the final Ye-6 prototype witch flew in 1957. More than 11.000 MiG-21's in different versions were build.

MiG-21FL export version of the MiG-21PS without the RATO-units hard points

MiG-21PFMA second generation with double task, included a sort of 'hump' on the back and four in stead of two enforced hard points under the wing.

MiG-21SMT aerodynamically improved version of the MiG-21MF with larger fuel and ECM capacity

MiG-21Mbis final version of third generation fighter with newly designed airframe, modernized electronics and R-25 engine.

Developing Nation:	Soviet Union
Task:	Multirole Fighter
First Flight:	1957
Crew:	1
Wing Span:	7,15 m
Wing Area:	23 m²
Length:	13,46 m
Engine (s):	Tumansky R-13 turbojet with 65,48 kN thrust (incl. afterburn)
Weight:	5450 kg
Max.Take off weight:	7750 kg
Max. Speed:	2230 km/h (mach 2,1) at 12000 m
Max. Range:	315 km (on internal fuel only)
Weapons:	- 2x 23 mm cannons and a maximum of 1000 kg other weaponry depending on type of mission.