Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
The Mikoyan‑Gurevich MiG‑23, developed by the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, entered service in 1970 as the Soviet Union’s first variable‑sweep wing fighter. Designed to replace the MiG‑21, the MiG‑23 combined high‑speed interception capability with a larger internal weapons bay and a powerful twin‑engine layout. Its swing‑wing mechanism allowed a sweep of 16° for take‑off and landing and up to 72° for supersonic dash, giving the aircraft superior low‑altitude maneuverability and a top speed of Mach 2.35. Powered by the afterburning Klimov RD‑33 turbofan, the jet could climb to 18 000 m and sustain high‑energy engagements. Avionics were advanced for the era, featuring the RP‑23 radar with look‑down/shoot‑down capability and the ability to launch R‑13 and R‑60 air‑to‑air missiles, as well as a modest ground‑attack payload. Over 5,000 units were built and exported to more than a dozen nations, seeing combat in the Middle East, Africa and the Balkans. The MiG‑23’s blend of speed, range and flexible wing geometry marked a pivotal step in Soviet fighter evolution, influencing later designs such as the MiG‑27 and MiG‑29 and cementing its place in Cold‑War aviation history.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 16.7 metre
- Height
- 4.82 metre
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 18500 metre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 5,047
- First Flight
- 1967
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG
- NATO Name
- Flogger, Faithless
- Operator
-
Angola
- Wikidata ID
- Q155679