Mikoyan Mig-29

 MiG-21: Comprehensive Specifications and Performance Overview

MiG-21 jet

- National Origin: Soviet Union

- Crew: One pilot

- Length: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in) excluding pitot boom

- Height: 4.1 m (13 ft 5 in)

- Wing Area:  23 m2 (250 sq ft)

- Gross Weight:  8,725 kg (19,235 lb) with two R-3S missiles

- Max Takeoff Weight: 8,800 kg (19,401 lb) unprepared or metal planking runway, 9,800 kg (21,605 lb) paved runway with standard wheels and tires, 10,400 kg (22,928 lb) paved runway with larger wheels and tires

- Powerplant: 1 × Tumansky R-25-300 afterburning turbojet

- Thrust:

    - Dry: 40.18 kN (9,030 lbs)

    - With afterburner: 69.58 kN (15,640 lbs)

           Performance

- Maximum Speed:

  - 2,175 km/h (1,351 mph, 1,174 km) / M2.05 at 13,000 m (43,000 ft)

  - 1,300 km/h (810 mph; 700 kn) / M1.06 at sea level

- Landing Speed:

  - 250 km/h (160 mph; 130 km)

- Range:

  - 660 km (410 mi, 360 nmi) clean at 11,000 m (36,000 ft)

  - 604 km (375 mi; 326 nmi) at 11,000 m (36,000 ft) with two R-3S missiles

  - 793 km (493 mi; 428 nmi) at 10,000 m (33,000 ft) with two R-3S missiles and 800 L drop-tank

- Time to Altitude:  17,000 m (56,000 ft) in 8 minutes 30 seconds

        Armament

- Guns:

  - 1 × internal 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L autocannon with 200 rounds

- Hardpoints:

  - 5 (4 underwing + 1 ventral, reserved for fuel drop tanks)

- Provisions for Carrying Combinations of:

  - Rockets: 4 × S-24 or 4 × UB-16-57 rocket pods (4 × 16 57mm rockets)

- Missiles:

  - Air-to-air missiles:

    - K-13

    - R-55

    - R-60

- Bombs:

  - 2 × 500 kg (1,100 lb) and 2 × 250 kg bombs

                       MiG-21 Overview:

  - A supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft

  - Designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union

  - NATO reporting name: Fishbed

Nicknames and Cultural References

  - Diverse Nicknames:

  - "Balalaika": Resemblance to the Russian musical instrument

  - "Ołówek": Polish for "pencil," inspired by fuselage shape

  - "Én Bạc": Vietnamese for "silver swallow"

Global Presence and Endurance

- *International Usage:*

  - Flown by approximately 60 countries across four continents

  - Still in service six decades after its maiden flight

MiG-21 3d PICTURE

Record-Breaking Achievements

- Aviation Records:

  - Most-produced supersonic jet aircraft in history

  - Most-produced combat aircraft since the Korean War

  - Formerly, the longest production run of any combat aircraft

  - Current records surpassed by the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon

Historical Significance

- Enduring Legacy:

  - Contribution to aviation history and military capabilities

  - Continues to play a significant role in modern air forces

 Confusion in the West

- Lack of Information:

  - Limited available details on the MiG-21 in the West

- Misattributions:

  - Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1960–1961 confusion

  - Incorrectly listing "Fishbed" as a Sukhoi design

  - Illustration featuring the Su-9 'Fishpot'

MiG-21's Maiden Flight and Public Debut

- Significance of Ye-4 Prototype:

  - Introduction of delta wings

  - First flight on 16 June 1955

- Showcasing at Soviet Aviation Day:

  - Public appearance at Moscow's Tushino airfield in July 1956

                OVERALL DESCRIPTION:

The MiG-21, a renowned supersonic jet fighter crafted by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union, presents a comprehensive set of specifications and exceptional performance capabilities. Sporting a solo-pilot configuration, the aircraft showcases dimensions with a length of 14.7 meters, a height of 4.1 meters, and a wing area spanning 23 m2. Tipping the scales at 8,725 kg inclusive of two R-3S missiles, it flaunts adaptability across varied takeoff scenarios, from unprepared runways to those equipped with standard or larger wheels and tires. Fueled by a Tumansky R-25-300 afterburning turbojet, it generates a robust thrust of 69.58 kN with the afterburner engaged. Performance-wise, the MiG-21 attains a maximum speed of 2,175 km/h and a graceful landing speed of 250 km/h. Its operational range flexibly adjusts with distinct payloads, showcasing versatility across diverse mission profiles. Outfitted with a Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L autocannon and an array of hardpoints, the MiG-21 carries a potent arsenal, including rockets, air-to-air missiles (K-13, R-55, R-60), and an assortment of bombs. The enduring legacy and historical significance of this iconic aircraft resonate globally, having served in over 60 countries across four continents and establishing records as the most-produced supersonic jet and combat aircraft in aviation history. Despite initial Westward confusion, the MiG-21 stands as a testament to enduring design excellence, maintaining its relevance in contemporary air forces.