War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

MiG-21 "Lazur-M" (Germany)

2024-11-04T12:54:35Z

U48631922: /* Usage in battles */ Complemented the information with sme of the Mig-21 Bis main page

{{About
| about = premium jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = MiG-21 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig-21_bis_lazur
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_002.jpg}}
|store=11806
}}

== Description ==

In the mid 1970s, the East German Airforce would start receiving their first [[MiG-21bis]] aircraft, to update their fighter-interceptor fleet from the aging [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]]<nowiki/>s and PFMs. East Germany would receive exactly 46 of the type, with 14 of them being the "Fishbed-L" variant, equipped with the Lazur-M GCI (Ground Controlled Intercept) guidance system. The other 32 would be the "Fishbed-N" variant, equipped with the Polyot-OI guidance system instead. To differentiate the two variants, the aircraft received unique names in East German service, being called the '''MiG-21bis Lazur-M''' and the [[MiG-21bis-SAU (Germany)|MiG-21bis-SAU]] respectively.

Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' may sound like it has a fancy name, but is virtually identical to its tech tree brother, the [[MiG-21bis-SAU (Germany)|MiG-21bis-SAU]], with the only difference between these aircraft being the type of guidance system used, which has no effect on the plane or its gameplay in War Thunder. Like its tech tree copy, the MiG-21bis Lazur still very much plays as you would except from the Fishbed family; that being the ability to hit hard and fast against unsuspecting targets, and punishing most aircraft that decide to dogfight you at high speeds. The Lazur-M, just as with the other Fishbeds of this battle rating, relies a lot more on its great flight performance and strong engine providing quick acceleration to win its engagements, rather than relying on its avionics, radar, and missile selection, which are underwhelming compared to its adversaries at this tier.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 13,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,177 || 2,142 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.8 || 38.8 || 191.0 || 179.8 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,303 || 2,240 || 36.4 || 37.0 || 262.0 || 225.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 500 || 450 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 600 || < 950 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-25-300 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,132 kg || colspan="3" | 371 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,140 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 6,852 kg || 7,532 kg || 8,232 kg || 8,532 kg || 9,783 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,040 kgf || 7,344 kgf
| 1.07 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.86 || 0.74
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,040 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,068 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.32 || 1.20 || 1.10 || 1.06 || 0.92
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (250 rpg)
* 64 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-21bis.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || || 4 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 16 || 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || 16
|-
! [[S-24]] rockets
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3R]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3S]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-13M1]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
| 1, 2 || 1 || || 1 || 1, 2
|-
! 490 l drop tanks
| 1 || || 1 || || 1
|-
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,300 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 650 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 570 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 3 x 490 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles
* 4 x R-13M1 missiles
* 4 x R-3S missiles
* 4 x R-3R missiles
* 4 x R-60MK missiles
* 6 x R-60MK missiles
* 64 x S-5K rockets (2 x 32)
* 64 x S-5K rockets (4 x 16)
* 4 x S-24 rockets
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


Using the speed of the MiG-21's interceptor role and design is key to success in this aircraft. Utilising a "Boom-and-Zoom" playstyle is most effective, however the MiG-21 does have an ace up its sleeve: it turns remarkably well, you can confidentially turn against F-5 Tigers in it. However, doing so will bleed your speed very rapidly, while F-5 will not bleed that much speed, so try to keep the fight as short as possible as to not get killed by another player. Always be wary of F-5's and F-16's as they can pose a threat to your playstyle as they counter it and as per usual keep an eye out for those missiles.

There are 2 recommended loadouts. You can have 6 R-60Ms, with pretty good turn rate but poor range, or 4 R-60Ms in the exterior mounts and 2 R-13M1s in the interior ones, which have much more acceleration and range, but 10 less G of pull.

Here's how you would want to use this plane to its advantages depending of the state of the game you're in:

At the beginning, climb at a low angle (around 5-10 degrees) and turn off your radar so any enemy flying high can't see you in RWR, it is recommended you stay at lower altitudes (always lower than 5Km to not show a contrail) and keep a relatively high speed (between 900 to 1300 km/h) so that you can turn away from an enemy locking you with their radar/shooting a missile at you. If the enemy you have located is isolated/not paying attention, engage it and use either your missiles or gun to engage it. Try not to lose too much speed as your plane relies on it. don't forget to look around for any incoming threat.

Towards the mid or end-game, keep flying fast and avoid wasting speed in turns. Use Boom-N-Run tactics (fly towards a target at high speed, engage them quickly and run away) and assist the team with any problematic enemies. If you find a lonely target you can dogfight with, go for it as long as you don't have any other enemy nearby, as extended dogfights with the MiG-21bis Lazur Lazur tend to leave it very vulnerable to enemy fire.

Since your main missiles will usually be R-60Ms, try to fire them relatively close to the enemy (between 2 km to 0.5 km). If you're engaging a target flying at high speeds, the minimum distance of engagement will be < 2 kilometres, if your enemy is farther/flying away, try using R-13M1s instead.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful Tumansky R-25 engine with high acceleration, climb rate, and power-to-weight ratio
* Relatively large air-to-air payload for its tier
* All-aspect IR AAMs
* Varieties of air-to-air/ground weapons
* Improved overall performance to previous Fishbeds

'''Cons:'''

* Delta wing causes massive speed bleed in turns
* The R-25 engine has rather high fuel consumption at afterburning
* Control surfaces lock at higher speeds

== History ==

The "Lazur-M" (Лазурь-М; Azure-M), also known by its equipment name ARL-SM, was a communication equipment for PVO (Air-Defense Force) jets as part of their land-based air-defense system "Dozduh-1" (Воздух-1; Air-1). Lazur-M was first installed on the MiG-21S and retained on later models of the MiG-21 including the MiG-21bis; these were the base model of earlier MiG-21bis exported to Warsaw Pact countries, and the LSK (East German Air Force) was one of the users. Later deliveries were equipped with the Polyot ILS system (producing the [[MiG-21bis-SAU (Germany)|MiG-21bis-SAU]]; ''Sistema Avtomaticheskovo Upravleniya'', Automatic Landing System).

The default livery in game is Red 872 (build no. 75033151) of JG (Jagdfliegergeschwader)-8, 1.LVD based in Neuhardenberg Marxwalde Airfield (now a regional airport) near Berlin. This aircraft was then numbered 24-27 of Luftwaffe and decommissioned on German Unification Day, and later scrapped in Dresden.<ref>Högel, Bianca. "Die Mig-21 in DER DDR." DDR MiG-21 Lasur, n.d. https://www.biancahoegel.de/flug/typen/ru/mig/mig-21lazur-ddr.html.</ref>

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig-21_bis_lazur Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[MiG-21 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8004-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-part-1-en|[Shop] Pre-order: new rank VII Premium jet fighters (part 1)]]

=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}
{{Germany premium aircraft}}

MiG-21bis

2024-11-04T12:48:16Z

U48631922: Error in "the"

{{About
| about = Soviet jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = MiG-21 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig-21_bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

In 1972, in parallel to the [[MiG-21SMT]] and ST variants, a full overhaul of the MiG-21 airframe was being developed around the new Tumansky R-25 engine, which promised a thrust-to-weight ratio of over 1 on full second-stage afterburner when mated to a lightened MiG-21 airframe. The resulting design was given updated avionics and other modernizations, before entering service as the MiG-21bis, the ultimate culmination of the third-generation Fishbed. The MiG-21bis was quickly adopted in the USSR by both the PVO and the VVS, with one minor difference for the two operators. The PVO-flown MiG-21bis was fitted with a Lazur-M GCI (Ground Controlled Interception) guidance system, whereas the VVS-operated variant had a Polyot-OI instrument landing and guidance system outfitted, with the only visual difference between the two variants being a single small antenna under the forward fuselage. The two variants in export were respectively designated as the [[MiG-21 "Lazur-M" (Germany)|MiG-21bis Lazur-M]] (Fishbed-L) and the [[MiG-21bis-SAU (Germany)|MiG-21bis-SAU]] (Fishbed-N) to differentiate them.

Introduced in [[Update "New Power"]], the MiG-21bis is the ultimate Soviet development of the MiG-21. It looks roughly the same as the [[MiG-21S (R-13-300)|MiG-21S]] and [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], both being third-generation MiG-21 models with search radars, internal [[GSh-23-2 (23 mm)|GSh-23]] cannons, and pronounced fuselage spines. However, the similarities end there, as under the hood, the MiG-21bis is a completely new beast. The most important upgrades are the new addition of the new R-25-300 engine, giving this aircraft increased thrust over its older variants. The other major upgrade to the MiG-21bis is its fire control system, which now allows it to not only use the [[R-13M1]] missile, but also the ability to mount the APU-60-2 pylons which can carry twice as many [[R-60M]]s on one hardpoint. All in all, people who enjoyed previous Fishbeds for their incredible dogfight performance, and built upon the mastery of working around both the disadvantages and advantages of the Fishbed airframes, will find this aircraft to be very enjoyable to fly, as what it lacks in BVR and strong missiles at its battle rating, are easily outweighed by the lightened airframe and relatively powerful engine allowing it to punish most planes that engage it in unconditional close-range dogfighting at low altitude, bar some specific planes.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} has above-average acceleration and high-speed performance. Firstly, the aircraft is quite fast, being able to reach 1365 km/h IAS on the deck (at low altitudes) before its wings rip, this translates to above-average level-flight speeds at medium to high altitudes. However, like all other MiG-21s, the {{PAGENAME}}, whilst being able to turn well, it tends to bleed speed at an alarming rate during turns. Extended dogfights should therefore be avoided unless you are absolutely sure you are able to outturn your opponent and it's alone, as the {{PAGENAME}} will often end up on the losing side or too slow to defend itself against another enemy.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 13,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,177 || 2,142 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.8 || 38.8 || 191.0 || 179.8 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,305 || 2,240 || 36.4 || 37.0 || 262.7 || 225.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 500 || 450 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 600 || < 950 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-25-300 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,132 kg || colspan="3" | 371 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,140 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 6,852 kg || 7,532 kg || 8,232 kg || 8,532 kg || 10,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,040 kgf || 7,344 kgf
| 1.07 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.86 || 0.73
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,040 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,068 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.32 || 1.20 || 1.10 || 1.06 || 0.91
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 60 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
* 10 mm steel - bulkhead behind pilot
* Engine and fuel tanks take up most of the fuselage area behind the cockpit

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (250 rpg)
* 64 x countermeasures

The 23 mm GSh-23L are adequate cannons, firing at a high rate of fire. However, the individual rounds from the cannons have a low stopping power, necessitating many hits on target to destroy them.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || || 4 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 16 || 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || 16
|-
! [[S-24]] rockets
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3R]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3S]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-13M1]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| 1, 2 || 1 || || 1 || 1, 2
|-
! 490 l drop tanks
| 1 || || 1 || || 1
|-
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 570 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 3 x 490 l drop tanks
* 1 x 490 l drop tank + 2 x R-60M missiles
* 4 x R-3S missiles
* 4 x R-3R missiles
* 4 x R-13M1 missiles
* 4 x R-60M missiles
* 6 x R-60M missiles
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 4 x S-24 rockets
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The main things to remember about this plane is that it is fairly manoeuvrable at high speeds and it accelerates quickly and climbs pretty well. In a combat situation, you should avoid flying slower than 800 km/h, as your plane loses a significant amount of thrust and manoeuvrability at speeds lower than that.

There are 2 recommended loadouts. You can have 6 R-60Ms, with pretty good turn rate but poor range, or 4 R-60Ms in the exterior mounts and 2 R-13M1s in the interior ones, which have much more acceleration and range, but 10 less G of pull.

Here's how you would want to use this plane to its advantages depending of the state of the game you're in:

At the beginning, climb at a low angle (around 5-10 degrees) and turn off your radar so any enemy flying high can't see you in RWR, it is recommended you stay at lower altitudes (always lower than 5Km to not show a contrail) and keep a relatively high speed (between 900 to 1300 km/h) so that you can turn away from an enemy locking you with their radar/shooting a missile at you. If the enemy you have located is isolated/not paying attention, engage it and use either your missiles or gun to engage it. Try not to lose too much speed as your plane relies on it. don't forget to look around for any incoming threat.

Towards the mid or end-game, keep flying fast and avoid wasting speed in turns. Use Boom-N-Run tactics (fly towards a target at high speed, engage them quickly and run away) and assist the team with any problematic enemies. If you find a lonely target you can dogfight with, go for it as long as you don't have any other enemy nearby, as extended dogfights with the MiG-21bis tend to leave it very vulnerable to enemy fire.

In summary: the MiG-21bis is best used in Boom-N-Run tactics for most of the game unless your target is not very manoeuvrable, then you can turnfight with them.

Since your main missiles will usually be R-60Ms, try to fire them relatively close to the enemy (between 2 km to 0.5 km). If you're engaging a target flying at high speeds, the minimum distance of engagement will be < 2 kilometres, if your enemy is farther/flying away, try using R-13M1s instead.

'''Enemies to beware of:'''

* F-16A early (Block 10): Amongst the highest BR enemy you can fight if you're in a maximum downtier. This plane is your absolute nemesis as it can counter you in every way. It flies faster than you, it turns better than you and climbs better than you. If you spot an F-16A Block 10, your best strategy would be to try to destroy it from a surprise angle or team up on it with your teammates to destroy it. If you find yourself being targeted by an F-16A Block 10, try to stay fast and do short periodical manoeuvres to throw its aim off. Don't forget to pre-flare if you're flying too slowly as its AIM-9L missiles can spell doom to you. Try to have teammates back you up in these situations, as it is unlikely you will be able to defeat a F-16A Block 10 in a 1v1 dogfight.
* F-14 (A Early/B): Another nemesis you can frequently encounter, but you can beat it. Its AIM-54 Phoenix missiles can destroy you at extreme ranges if you're not paying attention, if you find yourself in BVR range against a F-14, you can be easy prey to its AIM-7F missiles unless you counter them (either by flying very close to the ground or by notching and chaffing). When engaging in close-quarters fights against a F-14, one should take notice that the F-14 is rather manoeuvrable and can beat the MiG-21bis in a continuous turnfight. The best strategy against a F-14 is to make it lose its speed by doing burst climbs and re-descending upon it when it is at its slowest.
* F-4E: Whilst not being as nimble, a skilled F-4E player can easily destroy you. At BVR ranges, you are prey to the F-4E's radar missiles (as you would with any other enemy) but at close ranges, the F-4E can't keep up with you in turns and It is possible to beat an F-4E in a sustained dogfight, just make sure you're alone to do it, as you will get very slow which will get you killed by a 3rd party. Overall, the best strategy against an F-4E is to turn as hard as you can into him to end the fight as fast as possible, as he can't turn nor keep it's energy as well. Just don't get in front of him ever. It's 20mm rotetive gun will shred you.
* F-5E: This plane will demolish you if you try to turn with him in any way with the '''''{{PAGENAME}}'''''. It has so much more energy retention that just making a slight adjustment will put you in a disadvantage against a competent F-5E player. The good thing is that this plane has a very low speed, lower thrust than you and pretty poor missiles (2 AIM-9J) which are only 20Gs rear aspect AAMs, so running away early in the fight is very easy. Do not commit to a fight against one of this planes if you are not sure of the outcome, just use your very good acceleration and run away or climb a little. Also, it has a very low IR signature, so it will be hard to lock your missiles and will be flared really easily.

=== Radars ===

The {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with a Sapphire-21 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 30,000 m (theoretical) || 20,000 m || ±30° || -3°/+17°
|-
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 20,000 m || 300 m || ±30° || ±17°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Impressive climb rate of 225 m/s, making this plane the second-best top-rank climber behind the [[F-104S]] and above the Phantom FGR.2 and FG.1
* Increased flight performance compared to earlier MiG-21s
* Excels against both aerial and ground targets
* Has access to flares that are fired downwards, which means that missiles can be more easily evaded
* Stunning acceleration
* Can wield six potent all-aspect R-60M air-to-air missiles
* Huge thrust to weight ratio

'''Cons:'''

* As all MiG-21s, it tends to bleed speed in turns, though not as much, thanks to the improved engine
* Vicious rudder lock at speeds above 700 km/h, can be frustrating when trying to get guns on target
* Pretty bad low speed manoeuvrability
* Doesn't respond well to wing damage - if a wingtip is lost, landing this plane will be very difficult, and if a wing is lost, the plane should be considered as lost
* Poor energy retention

== History ==

=== [[wt:en/news/6903-development-mig-21bis-ultimate-fishbed-en|Devblog]] ===
By the late 1960's, the Soviet high command sought to increase the effectiveness of the MiG-21 jet fighter, especially at lower altitudes, while at the same time knowing that this could only be achieved by developing a more powerful engine for it. As a result, in 1971, the order to develop what would essentially become the MiG-21bis was issued by the Soviet high command.

As both the power plant manufacturer - Tumansky - as well as the MiG aircraft design bureau were already working on improvements, this order only officially recognized their work, and as a result, by 1972 the MiG-21bis was ready.

Unlike preceding variants, the MiG-21bis managed to strike a balance between performance and endurance. Additionally, the aircraft was fitted with an improved radar and a systems monitor, which made maintenance substantially easier. Furthermore, the maximum number of missiles the aircraft could carry was increased to six while it also received the option to carry the new R-13M air-to-air missile with increased range, higher G-loading and better seeker tracking over the preceding R-3S. Very manoeuvrable R-60M missiles can be carried as well.

The first MiG-21bis was constructed in 1972 and was adopted into service in the same year. Well over 2,200 units of the MiG-21bis would be manufactured, including licence-built versions. The MiG-21bis was one of the most widely produced variants of the aircraft and saw widespread use with numerous operators around the globe. In fact, some modernized modifications are still in combat use today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig-21_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="MiG-21bis Devblog Images" heights="170">
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 007.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 008.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Zt6JJt5uYgs|'''The Shooting Range #228''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6903-development-mig-21bis-ultimate-fishbed-en|[Devblog] MiG-21bis: Ultimate Fishbed]]
* [https://www.skytamer.com/MiG-21bis.html [skytamer<nowiki>.com]</nowiki> Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis "Fishbed-L"] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210507145332/https://www.skytamer.com/MiG-21bis.html Web Archive])
* [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mig-21.htm [fas<nowiki>.org]</nowiki> MiG-21 FISHBED] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210507145535/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mig-21.htm Web Archive])

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

MiG-21bis

2024-11-04T12:36:35Z

U48631922: Added F-5E as Enemy to beware of

{{About
| about = Soviet jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = MiG-21 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig-21_bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

In 1972, in parallel to the [[MiG-21SMT]] and ST variants, a full overhaul of the MiG-21 airframe was being developed around the new Tumansky R-25 engine, which promised a thrust-to-weight ratio of over 1 on full second-stage afterburner when mated to a lightened MiG-21 airframe. The resulting design was given updated avionics and other modernizations, before entering service as the MiG-21bis, the ultimate culmination of the third-generation Fishbed. The MiG-21bis was quickly adopted in the USSR by both the PVO and the VVS, with one minor difference for the two operators. The PVO-flown MiG-21bis was fitted with a Lazur-M GCI (Ground Controlled Interception) guidance system, whereas the VVS-operated variant had a Polyot-OI instrument landing and guidance system outfitted, with the only visual difference between the two variants being a single small antenna under the forward fuselage. The two variants in export were respectively designated as the [[MiG-21 "Lazur-M" (Germany)|MiG-21bis Lazur-M]] (Fishbed-L) and the [[MiG-21bis-SAU (Germany)|MiG-21bis-SAU]] (Fishbed-N) to differentiate them.

Introduced in [[Update "New Power"]], the MiG-21bis is the ultimate Soviet development of the MiG-21. It looks roughly the same as the [[MiG-21S (R-13-300)|MiG-21S]] and [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], both being third-generation MiG-21 models with search radars, internal [[GSh-23-2 (23 mm)|GSh-23]] cannons, and pronounced fuselage spines. However, the similarities end there, as under the hood, the MiG-21bis is a completely new beast. The most important upgrades are the new addition of the new R-25-300 engine, giving this aircraft increased thrust over its older variants. The other major upgrade to the MiG-21bis is its fire control system, which now allows it to not only use the [[R-13M1]] missile, but also the ability to mount the APU-60-2 pylons which can carry twice as many [[R-60M]]s on one hardpoint. All in all, people who enjoyed previous Fishbeds for their incredible dogfight performance, and built upon the mastery of working around both the disadvantages and advantages of the Fishbed airframes, will find this aircraft to be very enjoyable to fly, as what it lacks in BVR and strong missiles at its battle rating, are easily outweighed by the lightened airframe and relatively powerful engine allowing it to punish most planes that engage it in unconditional close-range dogfighting at low altitude, bar some specific planes.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} has above-average acceleration and high-speed performance. Firstly, the aircraft is quite fast, being able to reach 1365 km/h IAS on the deck (at low altitudes) before its wings rip, this translates to above-average level-flight speeds at medium to high altitudes. However, like all other MiG-21s, the {{PAGENAME}}, whilst being able to turn well, it tends to bleed speed at an alarming rate during turns. Extended dogfights should therefore be avoided unless you are absolutely sure you are able to outturn your opponent and it's alone, as the {{PAGENAME}} will often end up on the losing side or too slow to defend itself against another enemy.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 13,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,177 || 2,142 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.8 || 38.8 || 191.0 || 179.8 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,305 || 2,240 || 36.4 || 37.0 || 262.7 || 225.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 500 || 450 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 600 || < 950 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-25-300 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,132 kg || colspan="3" | 371 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,140 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 6,852 kg || 7,532 kg || 8,232 kg || 8,532 kg || 10,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,040 kgf || 7,344 kgf
| 1.07 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.86 || 0.73
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,040 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,068 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.32 || 1.20 || 1.10 || 1.06 || 0.91
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 60 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
* 10 mm steel - bulkhead behind pilot
* Engine and fuel tanks take up most of the fuselage area behind the cockpit

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (250 rpg)
* 64 x countermeasures

The 23 mm GSh-23L are adequate cannons, firing at a high rate of fire. However, the individual rounds from the cannons have a low stopping power, necessitating many hits on target to destroy them.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || || 4 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 16 || 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || 16
|-
! [[S-24]] rockets
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3R]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3S]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-13M1]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| 1, 2 || 1 || || 1 || 1, 2
|-
! 490 l drop tanks
| 1 || || 1 || || 1
|-
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 570 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 3 x 490 l drop tanks
* 1 x 490 l drop tank + 2 x R-60M missiles
* 4 x R-3S missiles
* 4 x R-3R missiles
* 4 x R-13M1 missiles
* 4 x R-60M missiles
* 6 x R-60M missiles
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 4 x S-24 rockets
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The main things to remember about this plane is that it is fairly manoeuvrable at high speeds and it accelerates quickly and climbs pretty well. In a combat situation, you should avoid flying slower than 800 km/h, as your plane loses a significant amount of thrust and manoeuvrability at speeds lower than that.

There are 2 recommended loadouts. You can have 6 R-60Ms, with pretty good turn rate but poor range, or 4 R-60Ms int he exterior mounts and 2 R-13M1s in the interior ones, which have much more acceleration and range, but 10 less G of pull.

Here's how you would want to use this plane to its advantages depending of the state of the game you're in:

At the beginning, climb at a low angle (around 5-10 degrees) and turn off your radar so any enemy flying high can't see you in RWR, it is recommended you stay at lower altitudes (always lower than 5Km to not show a contrail) and keep a relatively high speed (between 900 to 1300 km/h) so that you can turn away from an enemy locking you with their radar/shooting a missile at you. If the enemy you have located is isolated/not paying attention, engage it and use either your missiles or gun to engage it. Try not to lose too much speed as your plane relies on it. don't forget to look around for any incoming threat.

Towards the mid or end-game, keep flying fast and avoid wasting speed in turns. Use Boom-N-Run tactics (fly towards a target at high speed, engage them quickly and run away) and assist the team with any problematic enemies. If you find a lonely target you can dogfight with, go for it as long as you don't have any other enemy nearby, as extended dogfights with the MiG-21bis tend to leave it very vulnerable to enemy fire.

In summary: the MiG-21bis is best used in Boom-N-Run tactics for most of the game unless your target is not very manoeuvrable, then you can turnfight with them.

Since your main missiles will usually be R-60Ms, try to fire them relatively close to the enemy (between 2 km to 0.5 km). If you're engaging a target flying at high speeds, the minimum distance of engagement will be < 2 kilometres, if your enemy is farther/flying away, try using R-13M1s instead.

'''Enemies to beware of:'''

* F-16A early (Block 10): Amongst the highest BR enemy you can fight if you're in a maximum downtier. This plane is your absolute nemesis as it can counter you in every way. It flies faster than you, it turns better than you and climbs better than you. If you spot an F-16A Block 10, your best strategy would be to try to destroy it from a surprise angle or team up on it with your teammates to destroy it. If you find yourself being targeted by an F-16A Block 10, try to stay fast and do short periodical manoeuvres to throw its aim off. Don't forget to pre-flare if you're flying too slowly as its AIM-9L missiles can spell doom to you. Try to have teammates back you up in these situations, as it is unlikely you will be able to defeat a F-16A Block 10 in a 1v1 dogfight.
* F-14 (A Early/B): Another nemesis you can frequently encounter, but you can beat it. Its AIM-54 Phoenix missiles can destroy you at extreme ranges if you're not paying attention, if you find yourself in BVR range against a F-14, you can be easy prey to its AIM-7F missiles unless you counter them (either by flying very close to the ground or by notching and chaffing). When engaging in close-quarters fights against a F-14, one should take notice that the F-14 is rather manoeuvrable and can beat the MiG-21bis in a continuous turnfight. The best strategy against a F-14 is to make it lose its speed by doing burst climbs and re-descending upon it when it is at its slowest.
* F-4E: Whilst not being as nimble, a skilled F-4E player can easily destroy you. At BVR ranges, you are prey to the F-4E's radar missiles (as you would with any other enemy) but at close ranges, the F-4E can't keep up with you in turns and It is possible to beat an F-4E in a sustained dogfight, just make sure you're alone to do it, as you will get very slow which will get you killed by a 3rd party. Overall, the best strategy against an F-4E is to turn as hard as you can into him to end the fight as fast as possible, as he can't turn nor keep it's energy as well. Just don't get in front of him ever. It's 20mm rotetive gun will shred you.
* F-5E: This plane will demolish you if you try to turn with him in any way with the '''''{{PAGENAME}}'''''. It has so much more energy retention that just making a slight adjustment will put you in a disadvantage against a competent F-5E player. The good thing is that this plane has a very low speed, lower thrust than you and pretty poor missiles (2 AIM-9J) which are only 20Gs rear aspect AAMs, so running away early in the fight is very easy. Do not commit to a fight against one of this planes if you are not sure of the outcome, just use your very good acceleration and run away or climb a little. Also, it has a very low IR signature, so it will be hard to lock your missiles and will be flared really easily.

=== Radars ===

The {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with a Sapphire-21 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 30,000 m (theoretical) || 20,000 m || ±30° || -3°/+17°
|-
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 20,000 m || 300 m || ±30° || ±17°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Impressive climb rate of 225 m/s, making this plane the second-best top-rank climber behind the [[F-104S]] and above the Phantom FGR.2 and FG.1
* Increased flight performance compared to earlier MiG-21s
* Excels against both aerial and ground targets
* Has access to flares that are fired downwards, which means that missiles can be more easily evaded
* Stunning acceleration
* Can wield six potent all-aspect R-60M air-to-air missiles
* Huge thrust to weight ratio

'''Cons:'''

* As all MiG-21s, it tends to bleed speed in turns, though not as much, thanks to the improved engine
* Vicious rudder lock at speeds above 700 km/h, can be frustrating when trying to get guns on target
* Pretty bad low speed manoeuvrability
* Doesn't respond well to wing damage - if a wingtip is lost, landing this plane will be very difficult, and if a wing is lost, the plane should be considered as lost
* Poor energy retention

== History ==

=== [[wt:en/news/6903-development-mig-21bis-ultimate-fishbed-en|Devblog]] ===
By the late 1960's, the Soviet high command sought to increase the effectiveness of the MiG-21 jet fighter, especially at lower altitudes, while at the same time knowing that this could only be achieved by developing a more powerful engine for it. As a result, in 1971, the order to develop what would essentially become the MiG-21bis was issued by the Soviet high command.

As both the power plant manufacturer - Tumansky - as well as the MiG aircraft design bureau were already working on improvements, this order only officially recognized their work, and as a result, by 1972 the MiG-21bis was ready.

Unlike preceding variants, the MiG-21bis managed to strike a balance between performance and endurance. Additionally, the aircraft was fitted with an improved radar and a systems monitor, which made maintenance substantially easier. Furthermore, the maximum number of missiles the aircraft could carry was increased to six while it also received the option to carry the new R-13M air-to-air missile with increased range, higher G-loading and better seeker tracking over the preceding R-3S. Very manoeuvrable R-60M missiles can be carried as well.

The first MiG-21bis was constructed in 1972 and was adopted into service in the same year. Well over 2,200 units of the MiG-21bis would be manufactured, including licence-built versions. The MiG-21bis was one of the most widely produced variants of the aircraft and saw widespread use with numerous operators around the globe. In fact, some modernized modifications are still in combat use today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig-21_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="MiG-21bis Devblog Images" heights="170">
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 007.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 008.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Zt6JJt5uYgs|'''The Shooting Range #228''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6903-development-mig-21bis-ultimate-fishbed-en|[Devblog] MiG-21bis: Ultimate Fishbed]]
* [https://www.skytamer.com/MiG-21bis.html [skytamer<nowiki>.com]</nowiki> Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis "Fishbed-L"] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210507145332/https://www.skytamer.com/MiG-21bis.html Web Archive])
* [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mig-21.htm [fas<nowiki>.org]</nowiki> MiG-21 FISHBED] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210507145535/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mig-21.htm Web Archive])

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

MiG-21bis

2024-11-04T12:26:22Z

U48631922: General misinformation about the F-4E, Mig-21 Bis radar usage and added some recomendations about loadouts

{{About
| about = Soviet jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = MiG-21 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig-21_bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

In 1972, in parallel to the [[MiG-21SMT]] and ST variants, a full overhaul of the MiG-21 airframe was being developed around the new Tumansky R-25 engine, which promised a thrust-to-weight ratio of over 1 on full second-stage afterburner when mated to a lightened MiG-21 airframe. The resulting design was given updated avionics and other modernizations, before entering service as the MiG-21bis, the ultimate culmination of the third-generation Fishbed. The MiG-21bis was quickly adopted in the USSR by both the PVO and the VVS, with one minor difference for the two operators. The PVO-flown MiG-21bis was fitted with a Lazur-M GCI (Ground Controlled Interception) guidance system, whereas the VVS-operated variant had a Polyot-OI instrument landing and guidance system outfitted, with the only visual difference between the two variants being a single small antenna under the forward fuselage. The two variants in export were respectively designated as the [[MiG-21 "Lazur-M" (Germany)|MiG-21bis Lazur-M]] (Fishbed-L) and the [[MiG-21bis-SAU (Germany)|MiG-21bis-SAU]] (Fishbed-N) to differentiate them.

Introduced in [[Update "New Power"]], the MiG-21bis is the ultimate Soviet development of the MiG-21. It looks roughly the same as the [[MiG-21S (R-13-300)|MiG-21S]] and [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], both being third-generation MiG-21 models with search radars, internal [[GSh-23-2 (23 mm)|GSh-23]] cannons, and pronounced fuselage spines. However, the similarities end there, as under the hood, the MiG-21bis is a completely new beast. The most important upgrades are the new addition of the new R-25-300 engine, giving this aircraft increased thrust over its older variants. The other major upgrade to the MiG-21bis is its fire control system, which now allows it to not only use the [[R-13M1]] missile, but also the ability to mount the APU-60-2 pylons which can carry twice as many [[R-60M]]s on one hardpoint. All in all, people who enjoyed previous Fishbeds for their incredible dogfight performance, and built upon the mastery of working around both the disadvantages and advantages of the Fishbed airframes, will find this aircraft to be very enjoyable to fly, as what it lacks in BVR and strong missiles at its battle rating, are easily outweighed by the lightened airframe and relatively powerful engine allowing it to punish most planes that engage it in unconditional close-range dogfighting at low altitude, bar some specific planes.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} has above-average acceleration and high-speed performance. Firstly, the aircraft is quite fast, being able to reach 1365 km/h IAS on the deck (at low altitudes) before its wings rip, this translates to above-average level-flight speeds at medium to high altitudes. However, like all other MiG-21s, the {{PAGENAME}}, whilst being able to turn well, it tends to bleed speed at an alarming rate during turns. Extended dogfights should therefore be avoided unless you are absolutely sure you are able to outturn your opponent and it's alone, as the {{PAGENAME}} will often end up on the losing side or too slow to defend itself against another enemy.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 13,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,177 || 2,142 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.8 || 38.8 || 191.0 || 179.8 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,305 || 2,240 || 36.4 || 37.0 || 262.7 || 225.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 500 || 450 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 600 || < 950 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-25-300 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,132 kg || colspan="3" | 371 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,140 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 6,852 kg || 7,532 kg || 8,232 kg || 8,532 kg || 10,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,040 kgf || 7,344 kgf
| 1.07 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.86 || 0.73
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,040 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,068 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.32 || 1.20 || 1.10 || 1.06 || 0.91
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 60 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
* 10 mm steel - bulkhead behind pilot
* Engine and fuel tanks take up most of the fuselage area behind the cockpit

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (250 rpg)
* 64 x countermeasures

The 23 mm GSh-23L are adequate cannons, firing at a high rate of fire. However, the individual rounds from the cannons have a low stopping power, necessitating many hits on target to destroy them.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || || 4 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 16 || 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || 16
|-
! [[S-24]] rockets
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3R]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3S]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-13M1]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| 1, 2 || 1 || || 1 || 1, 2
|-
! 490 l drop tanks
| 1 || || 1 || || 1
|-
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 570 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 3 x 490 l drop tanks
* 1 x 490 l drop tank + 2 x R-60M missiles
* 4 x R-3S missiles
* 4 x R-3R missiles
* 4 x R-13M1 missiles
* 4 x R-60M missiles
* 6 x R-60M missiles
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 4 x S-24 rockets
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The main things to remember about this plane is that it is fairly manoeuvrable at high speeds and it accelerates quickly and climbs pretty well. In a combat situation, you should avoid flying slower than 800 km/h, as your plane loses a significant amount of thrust and manoeuvrability at speeds lower than that.

There are 2 recommended loadouts. You can have 6 R-60Ms, with pretty good turn rate but poor range, or 4 R-60Ms int he exterior mounts and 2 R-13M1s in the interior ones, which have much more acceleration and range, but 10 less G of pull.

Here's how you would want to use this plane to its advantages depending of the state of the game you're in:

At the beginning, climb at a low angle (around 5-10 degrees) and turn off your radar so any enemy flying high can't see you in RWR, it is recommended you stay at lower altitudes (always lower than 5Km to not show a contrail) and keep a relatively high speed (between 900 to 1300 km/h) so that you can turn away from an enemy locking you with their radar/shooting a missile at you. If the enemy you have located is isolated/not paying attention, engage it and use either your missiles or gun to engage it. Try not to lose too much speed as your plane relies on it. don't forget to look around for any incoming threat.

Towards the mid or end-game, keep flying fast and avoid wasting speed in turns. Use Boom-N-Run tactics (fly towards a target at high speed, engage them quickly and run away) and assist the team with any problematic enemies. If you find a lonely target you can dogfight with, go for it as long as you don't have any other enemy nearby, as extended dogfights with the MiG-21bis tend to leave it very vulnerable to enemy fire.

In summary: the MiG-21bis is best used in Boom-N-Run tactics for most of the game unless your target is not very manoeuvrable, then you can turnfight with them.

Since your main missiles will usually be R-60Ms, try to fire them relatively close to the enemy (between 2 km to 0.5 km). If you're engaging a target flying at high speeds, the minimum distance of engagement will be < 2 kilometres, if your enemy is farther/flying away, try using R-13M1s instead.

'''Enemies to beware of:'''

* F-16A early (Block 10): Amongst the highest BR enemy you can fight if you're in a maximum downtier. This plane is your absolute nemesis as it can counter you in every way. It flies faster than you, it turns better than you and climbs better than you. If you spot an F-16A Block 10, your best strategy would be to try to destroy it from a surprise angle or team up on it with your teammates to destroy it. If you find yourself being targeted by an F-16A Block 10, try to stay fast and do short periodical manoeuvres to throw its aim off. Don't forget to pre-flare if you're flying too slowly as its AIM-9L missiles can spell doom to you. Try to have teammates back you up in these situations, as it is unlikely you will be able to defeat a F-16A Block 10 in a 1v1 dogfight.
* F-14 (A Early/B): Another nemesis you can frequently encounter, but you can beat it. Its AIM-54 Phoenix missiles can destroy you at extreme ranges if you're not paying attention, if you find yourself in BVR range against a F-14, you can be easy prey to its AIM-7F missiles unless you counter them (either by flying very close to the ground or by notching and chaffing). When engaging in close-quarters fights against a F-14, one should take notice that the F-14 is rather manoeuvrable and can beat the MiG-21bis in a continuous turnfight. The best strategy against a F-14 is to make it lose its speed by doing burst climbs and re-descending upon it when it is at its slowest.
* F-4E: Whilst not being as nimble, a skilled F-4E player can easily destroy you. At BVR ranges, you are prey to the F-4E's radar missiles (as you would with any other enemy) but at close ranges, the F-4E can't keep up with you in turns and It is possible to beat an F-4E in a sustained dogfight, just make sure you're alone to do it, as you will get very slow which will get you killed by a 3rd party. Overall, the best strategy against an F-4E is to turn as hard as you can into him to end the fight as fast as possible, as he can't turn nor keep it's energy as well. Just don't get in front of him ever. It's 20mm rotetive gun will shred you.

=== Radars ===

The {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with a Sapphire-21 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 30,000 m (theoretical) || 20,000 m || ±30° || -3°/+17°
|-
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 20,000 m || 300 m || ±30° || ±17°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Impressive climb rate of 225 m/s, making this plane the second-best top-rank climber behind the [[F-104S]] and above the Phantom FGR.2 and FG.1
* Increased flight performance compared to earlier MiG-21s
* Excels against both aerial and ground targets
* Has access to flares that are fired downwards, which means that missiles can be more easily evaded
* Stunning acceleration
* Can wield six potent all-aspect R-60M air-to-air missiles
* Huge thrust to weight ratio

'''Cons:'''

* As all MiG-21s, it tends to bleed speed in turns, though not as much, thanks to the improved engine
* Vicious rudder lock at speeds above 700 km/h, can be frustrating when trying to get guns on target
* Pretty bad low speed manoeuvrability
* Doesn't respond well to wing damage - if a wingtip is lost, landing this plane will be very difficult, and if a wing is lost, the plane should be considered as lost
* Poor energy retention

== History ==

=== [[wt:en/news/6903-development-mig-21bis-ultimate-fishbed-en|Devblog]] ===
By the late 1960's, the Soviet high command sought to increase the effectiveness of the MiG-21 jet fighter, especially at lower altitudes, while at the same time knowing that this could only be achieved by developing a more powerful engine for it. As a result, in 1971, the order to develop what would essentially become the MiG-21bis was issued by the Soviet high command.

As both the power plant manufacturer - Tumansky - as well as the MiG aircraft design bureau were already working on improvements, this order only officially recognized their work, and as a result, by 1972 the MiG-21bis was ready.

Unlike preceding variants, the MiG-21bis managed to strike a balance between performance and endurance. Additionally, the aircraft was fitted with an improved radar and a systems monitor, which made maintenance substantially easier. Furthermore, the maximum number of missiles the aircraft could carry was increased to six while it also received the option to carry the new R-13M air-to-air missile with increased range, higher G-loading and better seeker tracking over the preceding R-3S. Very manoeuvrable R-60M missiles can be carried as well.

The first MiG-21bis was constructed in 1972 and was adopted into service in the same year. Well over 2,200 units of the MiG-21bis would be manufactured, including licence-built versions. The MiG-21bis was one of the most widely produced variants of the aircraft and saw widespread use with numerous operators around the globe. In fact, some modernized modifications are still in combat use today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig-21_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="MiG-21bis Devblog Images" heights="170">
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 007.jpg|
File:MiG-21bis WTWallpaper 008.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Zt6JJt5uYgs|'''The Shooting Range #228''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6903-development-mig-21bis-ultimate-fishbed-en|[Devblog] MiG-21bis: Ultimate Fishbed]]
* [https://www.skytamer.com/MiG-21bis.html [skytamer<nowiki>.com]</nowiki> Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis "Fishbed-L"] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210507145332/https://www.skytamer.com/MiG-21bis.html Web Archive])
* [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mig-21.htm [fas<nowiki>.org]</nowiki> MiG-21 FISHBED] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210507145535/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mig-21.htm Web Archive])

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Grom-1

2024-10-25T13:59:37Z

U48631922: GNS doesen't exist, it's GNSS

== Description ==
The '''Grom-1''' is a russian GNSS-guided air-to-ground missile. It was introduced in [[Update "Firebirds"]]. It is the longest range air-to-ground guided missile currently found in game, alongside the [[Kh-38ML]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|su_34}}

=== Effective damage ===


=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of missiles that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this missile in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

'''Cons:'''

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Kh-38|[Wikipedia] Kh-38]]

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]