Aeroplane: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 bis (NATO: Fishbed N)
USSR
fighter
1981
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Span
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7.15 m (23 ft 5 in) |
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Length
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12.18 m (39 ft 11 in) |
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Take-off weight
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Maximum speed
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2,175 kph (1174 kt / 1352 mph) |
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Ceiling
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17,800 m (58,340 ft) |
| Range |
1,225 km (760 mi / 661 NM) |
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Armament
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one 23-mm GSh-23L cannon, four R-3 (AA-2) or R-60 air-to-air missiles, rocket launchers and
bombs |
Powerplant
:
an R-25-300 turbojet rated at 7,100 kG (15,653 lbf) |
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The fourth and last generation of the MiG-21 fighter.
Experience gained during Middle East and Vietnam conflicts proved the need of improvement of combat characteristics of MiG-21 on low and medium altitudes and increasing the range while carrying the same load of ordnance. A fourth
generation was developed – MiG-21bis, produced 1972–1982. 2,030 aircraft were built.
Externally the aircraft resembled the MiG-21MF airframe. Major changes involved redesigned internal fuselage structure of reduced weight and increased durability, internal fuel tanks of increased capacity, new R-25-300 engine with a special work mode, called "second afterburner", improving performance on low altitudes, and instrument navigation and landing system called RSBN. Armament was supplemented with the highly maneuverable R-60 infrared homing missile.
The MiG-21bis was used in combat in Afghanistan, and by the Iraqi Air Force during Iraq – Iran war 1980-1988 and the 1991 Gulf War. During the Iraq – Iran war a number of MiG-21s were modified to carry French Matra Magic missile. Despite modifications, main deficiencies of MiG-21, like short range, insufficient ordnance load and poor radar characteristics could not be eliminated.
Poland purchased 72 aircraft, delivered 1980–1981. They were withdrawn from service in 2003. The example manufactured as No. 75089204 at Gorki aviation factory was delivered on July 14, 1981. It served with No. 26 Fighter Aviation Regiment (redesignated the No. 9 FAR in 1989) at Zegrze Pomorskie. At the end of its service the aircraft served with 3rd Tactical Squadron and was withdrawn in January 2004.
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Dofinansowano ze środków Ministra Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego 
