The 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 aces preferred flying the MiG-19, due to the wing load 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 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. MiG-21s in the F/L variant were produced under license by HAL of India.
Specifications
Variants
- MiG-21F Fishbed C
- MiG-21PF Fishbed D
- MiG-21PFM Fishbed F
- MiG-21R Fishbed H
- MiG-21SM Fishbed J
- MiG-21MF Fishbed J
- MiG-21SMT Fishbed K
- MiG-21bis Fishbed L/N
- J-7 / F-7 Fishbed (Chinese variants)
- F-7M Airguard
- F-7P Skybolt
Armament
One NR-30 30mm cannon plus various configurations including K-13 AA-2 Atoll missiles, FAB-500/250 bombs, UV-16-57 rocket pods, and AA-8 Aphid missiles depending on variant.