MiG-23MLD - Revision history

U42858531: /* See also */ I added the list with links to other aircraft with variable geometry wings that exist in the game

2024-03-24T03:45:25Z

‎See also: I added the list with links to other aircraft with variable geometry wings that exist in the game

U38088265: /* Suspended armament */

2024-03-16T13:12:03Z

‎Suspended armament

U38088265: /* Suspended armament */ Updated

2024-03-16T13:11:18Z

‎Suspended armament: Updated

U38088265: /* Description */

2023-10-12T17:38:14Z

‎Description

U81436767: /* Description */ New Description Project

2023-10-11T21:27:55Z

‎Description: New Description Project

U38088265: /* Suspended armament */ Updated

2023-07-02T12:01:19Z

‎Suspended armament: Updated

U38088265: /* Suspended armament */ Updated

2023-01-02T21:12:50Z

‎Suspended armament: Updated

U2271578: Removed con "cannot use R60M" as the plane now has access to R60Ms

2022-12-22T20:23:03Z

Removed con "cannot use R60M" as the plane now has access to R60Ms

U44629479: Edits

2022-10-04T18:33:24Z

Edits

U44629479: Edits

2022-10-03T13:10:29Z

Edits

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:45, 24 March 2024
Line 325:		Line 325:

	* [[MiG-23 (Family)]]		* [[MiG-23 (Family)]]
		+
		+	; '''Other jet planes with variable sweep wings'''
		+
		+	* [[Tornado (Family)]]
		+	* [[Su-17/22 (Family)]]
		+	* [[F-14 (Family)\|F14 (Family)]]
		+	* [[F-111A]]

	== External links ==		== External links ==

@@ Line 223: / Line 223: @@
 {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
-* 1 x 800 l drop tank
+* 1 x 820 l drop tank
 * 2 x R-13M1 missiles
 * 12 x large calibre countermeasures

@@ Line 175: / Line 175: @@
 |-
 ! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
-| 1 || || || || 1
+| || 1 || || 1 ||
 |-
 ! [[S-5K]] rockets
@@ Line 213: / Line 213: @@
 | || 1* || || ||
 |-
-! 800 l drop tanks
+! 820 l drop tanks
 | || || 1<sup>†</sup> || ||
 |-

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-In the dawn of the 1980s, the refinements to the MiG-23 airframe in the [[MiG-23ML]] and [[MiG-23MLA (Germany)|MLA]] variants were deemed "still insufficient" and too difficult to use in combat against the latest 4th generation aircraft (as shown in combat in the Middle East and Africa). As a result, until the (then) early [[MiG-29]] could have its early production issues ironed out, a "ultimate" refinement of the MiG-23 was ordered, based on the upgrades applied to the ML and MLA variants previously and incorporating new technology from the then new MiG-29. The new plane had a complete overhaul to not only its avionics, but the airframe as well. The airframe was lightened even further over the ML "lightweight" variant, the wings were upgraded to the new strengthened "Type 4" wing with the "dogtooth" wing root for increased AoA at higher speeds, and were also given new slats and vortex generators to increase low speed performance. And to top off the flight performance upgrades, the powerful R-35F-300 engine providing extra thrust over older MiG-23 models was installed. The radar was replaced with the brand new N008 (Saphir-23MLA-II) radar, featureing electronic countermeasure resistance, vertical scan "dogfight" modes, Track-While-Scan capability, and far greater range over previous Saphir-23 models. The avionics suite was completely overhauled with new smaller and lighter electronics, including new GCI and autopilot systems, multiple new new safety systems, and most importantly, the major upgrade from the previous SPO-10 RWR to the new SPO-15L "Breyoza" RWR system from the MiG-29. The reinforcement and lightening of the airframe resulted in the MiG-23MLD, when in the hands of experienced pilots in Maryi airbase (the Soviet equivelant to the American "Top Gun" agressor training school) being able to beat even the new MiG-29 regularly in hit-and-run dogfights. Almost all MLDs were rebuilt from older ML and MLA aircraft, with the exception being the 62 export MLDs sold to Bulgaria (12) and Syria (50), being the last brand new single-seat MiG-23 airframes to roll off the production line.
+In the dawn of the 1980s, the refinements to the MiG-23 airframe in the [[MiG-23ML]] and [[MiG-23MLA (Germany)|MLA]] variants were deemed "still insufficient" and too difficult to use in combat against the latest 4th generation aircraft (as demonstrated in combat in the Middle East and Africa). As a result, until the (then) early [[MiG-29]] could have its early production issues ironed out, an "ultimate" refinement of the MiG-23 was ordered, based on the upgrades applied to the ML and MLA variants previously and incorporating new technology from the then new MiG-29. The new plane had a complete overhaul to not only its avionics, but the airframe as well. The airframe was lightened even further over the ML "lightweight" variant, the wings were upgraded to the new strengthened "Type 4" wing with the "dogtooth" wing root for increased AoA at higher speeds, and were also given new slats and vortex generators to increase low speed performance. And to top off the flight performance upgrades, the powerful R-35F-300 engine providing extra thrust over older MiG-23 models was installed. The radar was replaced with the brand new N-008 (Sapphire-23MLA-II) radar, featuring electronic countermeasure resistance, vertical scan "dogfight" modes, Track-While-Scan capability, and far greater range over previous Sapphire-23 models. The avionics suite was completely overhauled with new smaller and lighter electronics, including new GCI and autopilot systems, multiple new new safety systems, and most importantly, the major upgrade from the previous SPO-10 RWR to the new SPO-15L "Breyoza" RWR system from the MiG-29. The reinforcement and lightening of the airframe resulted in the MiG-23MLD, when in the hands of experienced pilots in Maryi airbase (the Soviet equivalant to the American "Top Gun" aggressor training school) being able to beat even the new MiG-29 regularly in hit-and-run dogfights. Almost all MLDs were rebuilt from older ML and MLA aircraft, with the exception being the 62 export MLDs sold to Bulgaria (12) and Syria (50), being the last brand new single-seat MiG-23 airframes to roll off the production line.
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]], is the ultimate culmination of the [[MiG-23 (Family)|Flogger family]] of aircraft. Building upon everything learned from the previous MiG-23 variants, this plane not only refines all of it to near perfection, but also introduces new gameplay elements that are required before advancing to the formidable MiG-29 that follows it in the tech tree. The lightened and strengthened airframe plus the increased engine power over its predecessor, the MiG-23M, will be instantly noticable as they provide a major advantage during manouvering, allowing the MLD to dogfight almost every 3rd generation fighter it faces, and some heavier 4th generation aircraft too. The aircraft is no slouch in relying on its weapons systems either, being outfitted with a generous amount of [[R-60M]] all aspect missiles in addition ot the potent [[R-24R]]/[[R-24T|T]] missiles, a strong radar system, and a IRST targeting set. Manouverbility is exponentially increased over the previous [[MiG-23M]] with the replacement of the SPO-10 with a SPO-15L RWR from a MiG-29, and the addition of BDS-50-60 countermeasure dispensers increasing the amount of countermeasures you can take by six times. All in all, the MiG-23 is a very easy plane to learn and use, but a difficult one to master, as the player is forced to learn about enemy aircraft he faces, and decide accordingly for each engagement wether he needs to utilize the aircraft's great flight performance in a dogfight or employ its strong weapons systems in hit-and-run tactics, a very important note as the skill of picking your engagements and how to fight them is a important skill you will need for the succeeding aircraft in the tech tree, the venerable [[MiG-29]].
+The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]], is the ultimate culmination of the [[MiG-23 (Family)|Flogger family]] of aircraft. Building upon everything learned from the previous MiG-23 variants, this plane not only refines all of it to near perfection, but also introduces new gameplay elements that are required before advancing to the formidable MiG-29 that follows it in the tech tree. The lightened and strengthened airframe plus the increased engine power over its predecessor, the MiG-23M, will be instantly noticable as they provide a major advantage during manoeuvring, allowing the MLD to dogfight almost every 3rd generation fighter it faces, and some heavier 4th generation aircraft too. The aircraft is no slouch in relying on its weapons systems either, being outfitted with a generous amount of [[R-60M]] all aspect missiles in addition ot the potent [[R-24R]]/[[R-24T|T]] missiles, a strong radar system, and a IRST targeting set. Manoeuvrability is exponentially increased over the previous [[MiG-23M]] with the replacement of the SPO-10 with a SPO-15L RWR from a MiG-29, and the addition of BDS-50-60 countermeasure dispensers increasing the amount of countermeasures you can take by six times. All in all, the MiG-23 is a very easy plane to learn and use, but a difficult one to master, as the player is forced to learn about enemy aircraft he faces, and decide accordingly for each engagement whether he needs to utilize the aircraft's great flight performance in a dogfight or employ its strong weapons systems in hit-and-run tactics, a very important note as the skill of picking your engagements and how to fight them is a important skill you will need for the succeeding aircraft in the tech tree, the venerable [[MiG-29]].
 == General info ==

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
+In the dawn of the 1980s, the refinements to the MiG-23 airframe in the [[MiG-23ML]] and [[MiG-23MLA (Germany)|MLA]] variants were deemed "still insufficient" and too difficult to use in combat against the latest 4th generation aircraft (as shown in combat in the Middle East and Africa). As a result, until the (then) early [[MiG-29]] could have its early production issues ironed out, a "ultimate" refinement of the MiG-23 was ordered, based on the upgrades applied to the ML and MLA variants previously and incorporating new technology from the then new MiG-29. The new plane had a complete overhaul to not only its avionics, but the airframe as well. The airframe was lightened even further over the ML "lightweight" variant, the wings were upgraded to the new strengthened "Type 4" wing with the "dogtooth" wing root for increased AoA at higher speeds, and were also given new slats and vortex generators to increase low speed performance. And to top off the flight performance upgrades, the powerful R-35F-300 engine providing extra thrust over older MiG-23 models was installed. The radar was replaced with the brand new N008 (Saphir-23MLA-II) radar, featureing electronic countermeasure resistance, vertical scan "dogfight" modes, Track-While-Scan capability, and far greater range over previous Saphir-23 models. The avionics suite was completely overhauled with new smaller and lighter electronics, including new GCI and autopilot systems, multiple new new safety systems, and most importantly, the major upgrade from the previous SPO-10 RWR to the new SPO-15L "Breyoza" RWR system from the MiG-29. The reinforcement and lightening of the airframe resulted in the MiG-23MLD, when in the hands of experienced pilots in Maryi airbase (the Soviet equivelant to the American "Top Gun" agressor training school) being able to beat even the new MiG-29 regularly in hit-and-run dogfights. Almost all MLDs were rebuilt from older ML and MLA aircraft, with the exception being the 62 export MLDs sold to Bulgaria (12) and Syria (50), being the last brand new single-seat MiG-23 airframes to roll off the production line.
-The MiG-23MLD is the ultimate production fighter variant of the "Flogger" family. Though it still looks quite similar to the [[MiG-23M]], there are a great number of improvements: the airframe is lighter, aerodynamic refinements like vortex generators and a revised vertical stabilizer have been installed, the engine is much more powerful, and a new avionics suite allows it to use the R-24 series of medium-range missiles instead of the MiG-23M's R-23s, among other changes. The MLD fixes many of the MiG-23M's shortcomings and continues to improve on its strengths. The end result is well-rounded fighter with excellent performance and potent armament, a worthy opponent to other top-tier jets like the [[JA37C|JA37C Viggen]] and [[F-4EJ Kai Phantom II|F-4EJ Kai Phantom]].
+The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]], is the ultimate culmination of the [[MiG-23 (Family)|Flogger family]] of aircraft. Building upon everything learned from the previous MiG-23 variants, this plane not only refines all of it to near perfection, but also introduces new gameplay elements that are required before advancing to the formidable MiG-29 that follows it in the tech tree. The lightened and strengthened airframe plus the increased engine power over its predecessor, the MiG-23M, will be instantly noticable as they provide a major advantage during manouvering, allowing the MLD to dogfight almost every 3rd generation fighter it faces, and some heavier 4th generation aircraft too. The aircraft is no slouch in relying on its weapons systems either, being outfitted with a generous amount of [[R-60M]] all aspect missiles in addition ot the potent [[R-24R]]/[[R-24T|T]] missiles, a strong radar system, and a IRST targeting set. Manouverbility is exponentially increased over the previous [[MiG-23M]] with the replacement of the SPO-10 with a SPO-15L RWR from a MiG-29, and the addition of BDS-50-60 countermeasure dispensers increasing the amount of countermeasures you can take by six times. All in all, the MiG-23 is a very easy plane to learn and use, but a difficult one to master, as the player is forced to learn about enemy aircraft he faces, and decide accordingly for each engagement wether he needs to utilize the aircraft's great flight performance in a dogfight or employ its strong weapons systems in hit-and-run tactics, a very important note as the skill of picking your engagements and how to fight them is a important skill you will need for the succeeding aircraft in the tech tree, the venerable [[MiG-29]].
 == General info ==
@@ Line 222: / Line 222: @@
 {{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 * 1 x 800 l drop tank
 * 2 x R-13M1 missiles

@@ Line 144: / Line 144: @@
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
-* A choice between two presets:
+* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
-** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
+* 60 x large calibre countermeasures
 The MiG-23MLD still retains the 23 mm GSh-23L cannon with 200 rounds from the MiG-23M. It has an excellent rate of fire and will likely do significant damage if it hits a target, but the muzzle velocity is unimpressive and it can be a challenge to aim it properly in high speed engagements. It's generally best to reserve the gun for extended dogfights where the MLD can use its manoeuvrability to pull lead on a slower target. The limited ammunition supply means that the average pilot can only expect a kill or two with the gun before needing to go back to base.
@@ Line 155: / Line 154: @@
 {{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
-The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 |-
-! !! width="12%" | 1 !! width="12%" | 2 !! width="12%" | 3 !! width="12%" | 4
+! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
-| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-23MLA_(Germany).png]]</div>
+| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-23MLA_(Germany).png]]</div>
 |-
-! 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)
+! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
-| 1 || || || 1
+| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 |-
-! 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs
+! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
-| 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
+| 1 || || || || 1
 |-
-! 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs
+! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
-| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
+| 1 || || || || 1
 |-
-! 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs
+! [[S-5K]] rockets
-| 1 || || || 1
+| 16, 32 || 16 || || 16 || 16, 32
 |-
-! ZB-500 incendiary bombs
+! [[S-8KO]] rockets
-| 1 || || || 1
+| 20 || || || || 20
 |-
-! S-5K rockets
+! [[S-24B]] rockets
-| 16, 32 || 16 || 16 || 16, 32
+| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 |-
-! S-8KO rockets
+! [[Kh-23M]] missiles
-| 20 || || || 20
+| 1* || || || || 1*
 |-
-! S-24B rockets
+! [[R-13M1]] missiles
-| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
+| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 |-
-! Kh-23M missiles
+! [[R-23R]] missiles
-| 1* || || || 1*
+| 1 || || || || 1
 |-
-! R-13M1 missiles
+! [[R-23T]] missiles
-| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
+| 1 || || || || 1
 |-
-! R-23R missiles
+! [[R-24R]] missiles
-| 1 || || || 1
+| 1 || || || || 1
 |-
-! R-23T missiles
+! [[R-24T]] missiles
-| 1 || || || 1
+| 1 || || || || 1
 |-
-! R-24R missiles
+! [[R-60M]] missiles
-| 1 || || || 1
+| 1 || 2 || || 2 || 1
 |-
-! R-24T missiles
+! Large calibre countermeasures
-| 1 || || || 1
+| || || 12 || ||
 |-
-! R-60M missiles
+! Delta-NG targeting pod
-| 1 || 2 || 2 || 1
+| || 1* || || ||
 |-
-! Delta-NG
+! 800 l drop tanks
-| || 1* || ||
+| || || 1<sup>†</sup> || ||
 |-
-| colspan="6" | * It is required to equip the Delta-NG targeting pod with the Kh-23M missiles
+| colspan="7" | * It is required to equip the Delta-NG targeting pod with the Kh-23M missiles <br> <sup>†</sup> The drop tank cannot be equipped in conjunction with quad bombs on adjacent hardpoints
 |-
 |}
 The MiG-23MLD has similar loadouts to the MiG-23M. The main difference is that it has access to R-24R and R-24T missiles, which are straight upgrades to the R-23R and R-23T missiles. The R-24s are deadly missiles, but the MLD is still limited to carrying only two of them. The R-23s should only be used as stopgaps before the R-24s are unlocked.

@@ Line 158: / Line 158: @@
 {{main|S-5K|S-8KO|S-24B|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}
 {{main|R-23R|R-23T|R-24R|R-24T}}
-{{main|Kh-23M|R-13M1|R-60}}
+{{main|Kh-23M|R-13M1|R-60M}}
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
@@ Line 165: / Line 165: @@
 * 2 x R-13M1 missiles
 * 4 x R-13M1 missiles
-* 6 x R-60 missiles
+* 6 x R-60M missiles
 * 2 x R-23R missiles
 * 2 x R-23T missiles
@@ Line 229: / Line 229: @@
 | 1 || || || 1
 |-
-! R-60 missiles
+! R-60M missiles
 | 1 || 2 || 2 || 1
 |-
@@ Line 235: / Line 235: @@
 | || 1* || ||
 |-
 | colspan="6" | * It is required to equip the Delta-NG targeting pod with the Kh-23M missiles
 |-
 |}
-The MiG-23MLD has similar loadouts to the MiG-23M. The main differences are that it has access to R-24R and R-24T missiles, which are straight upgrades to the R-23R and R-23T missiles, and does not have access to the all-aspect R-60Ms. The R-24s are deadly missiles, but the MLD is still limited to carrying only two of them. The R-23s should only be used as stopgaps before the R-24s are unlocked. The basic R-60 performs much the same as the R-60M in the turning dogfights that it excels at, so the MLD's weapons are still superior overall.
+The MiG-23MLD has similar loadouts to the MiG-23M. The main difference is that it has access to R-24R and R-24T missiles, which are straight upgrades to the R-23R and R-23T missiles. The R-24s are deadly missiles, but the MLD is still limited to carrying only two of them. The R-23s should only be used as stopgaps before the R-24s are unlocked.
 For ground attack, the MLD can use various unguided bombs and rockets. The only guided air-to-ground option is the Kh-23M MCLOS missile. It does have a ballistic computer but it can only provide CCIP guidance for the guns/gun pods and rockets. As dedicated attackers, the related [[MiG-27M]] and [[MiG-27K]] are much better options.
@@ Line 248: / Line 248: @@
 The MiG-23MLD is a fairly forgiving fighter that can be used for many approaches. Players who want to beeline straight into battle and jump in dogfights will be satisfied by its great acceleration and dogfight performance. Those who prefer to hang back can use its climb rate to build up altitude and energy while observing the battle below. From this point, fans of long range combat can sling the R-24R radar-guided missiles to snipe targets at long range or low altitude, and opportunistic pilots can sneak in from the sidelines and use the IRST in conjunction with the R-24T IR missiles to eliminate distracted targets. The MiG-23MLD does not reign supreme in the pure beyond-visual-range role because it can only carry two R-24Rs compared to the four AIM-7E-2s or Skyflashes carried by the [[F-4EJ Kai Phantom II]] and [[Phantom FGR.2]] for example, so one should plan on getting close and dogfighting at some point to not let the MLD's full capabilities go to waste.
-The R-24s should be used wisely because of their limited capacity. R-24Ts in particular are excellent for sneak attacks against distracted targets because of their range, manoeuvrability, and tracking, but they can still be spoofed by flares if the target sees it coming. The R-60s are more plentiful, which offsets their high flare sensitivity, and should be preferentially used in close combat. Ideally, one can wait until opponents have run out of countermeasures and/or are no longer in a good position to make evasive manoeuvres.
+The R-24s should be used wisely because of their limited capacity. R-24Ts in particular are excellent for sneak attacks against distracted targets because of their range, manoeuvrability, and tracking, but they can still be spoofed by flares if the target sees it coming. The R-60Ms are more plentiful, which offsets their high flare sensitivity, and should be preferentially used in close combat. Ideally, one can wait until opponents have run out of countermeasures and/or are no longer in a good position to make evasive manoeuvres.
 The MLD can pull harder than the MiG-23M because of its aerodynamic improvements, which is definitely good for nosing onto targets, but if optimal rate fighting performance is desired, it's best to keep the airspeed at or above 600 km/h by managing the elevator.
@@ Line 268: / Line 268: @@
 So now that the F-14's capabilities are familiarized with, how should a {{PAGENAME}} pilot attack a F-14?
-Perhaps the most successful way is to go after tunnel-vision F-14 pilots from medium range. F-14 pilots at any altitude would be concerned about using their radar to engage enemies with long-range missiles. Therefore, a {{PAGENAME}} would find it productive to instead fly towards the sides of the map, away from the straight path towards the enemy airfield. The loadout to bring would be the IR-guided R-24T and pilot's choice of R-13M1 or R-60s for the short-range IR missiles. Once a decent distance from the friendly airfield alongside the sides of the map (position roughly 30-40% between friendly airfield to enemy airfield), make sure there are no enemy aircraft also in the area before turning towards the center of the map, this way you can meet enemy F-14's vector perpendicularly for an optimum attack angle.
+Perhaps the most successful way is to go after tunnel-vision F-14 pilots from medium range. F-14 pilots at any altitude would be concerned about using their radar to engage enemies with long-range missiles. Therefore, a {{PAGENAME}} would find it productive to instead fly towards the sides of the map, away from the straight path towards the enemy airfield. The loadout to bring would be the IR-guided R-24T and pilot's choice of R-13M1 or R-60Ms for the short-range IR missiles. Once a decent distance from the friendly airfield alongside the sides of the map (position roughly 30-40% between friendly airfield to enemy airfield), make sure there are no enemy aircraft also in the area before turning towards the center of the map, this way you can meet enemy F-14's vector perpendicularly for an optimum attack angle.
 Utilize the {{PAGENAME}}'s IRST function instead of the standard radar in order to not trigger the F-14's RWR, and use IRST to lock onto F-14s from a long-distance for the R-24T. Once a lock can be acquired, utilize the R-24T's extremely wide uncaged seeker to compensate the lead for the F-14's speed and direction. Once within an optimum distance (roughly 5 km), fire the R-24T towards the F-14. While it may be tempting to watch the R-24T seek its target, the {{PAGENAME}} pilot should instead disengage and try and locate another target for its other missile. It is up to luck at this point and the F-14 pilot's awareness if they notice the incoming R-24T before it destroys their aircraft.

@@ Line 182: / Line 182: @@
 ==== Custom loadout options ====
-{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
+{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 |-
 ! !! width="12%" | 1 !! width="12%" | 2 !! width="12%" | 3 !! width="12%" | 4
@@ Line 255: / Line 255: @@
 ;Fighting the [[F-14A Early]]
 The [[F-14A Early|F-14 Tomcat]] is a very capable and popular aircraft in the American tech tree. Facing against a F-14 will be inevitable for pilots of the {{PAGENAME}}. However, there are certain actions a {{PAGENAME}} pilot can take to make the encounter a more even fighting chance.
@@ Line 260: / Line 261: @@
 Once a F-14 has been identified, three different threat envelopes need to be recognized.
 # AIM-54 Phoenix: Perhaps the aircraft's most famous armament, the F-14's Phoenix missiles are unique in their extremely long firing range of tens of kilometers away. However, do not be discouraged! There are many limitations with missile that can be exploited to reduce the chance of a hit. First is that if fired at a long-range, the Phoenix missile can be identified by its long smoke trail from the F-14 aircraft. This allows not only a {{PAGENAME}} pilot to recognize a F-14 is present, but also perform evasive maneuvers. The second is that from a long-range firing, the Phoenix are not utilizing its "active-radar homing" (ARH) abilities and is instead utilizing inertial navigation at its launch. This means the missile is not actively tracking the aircraft, but simply homing towards the general direction of the {{PAGENAME}}'s vector and once within range, will activate its radar for the active homing towards the final target. This means that until the active radar homing is on, the {{PAGENAME}} can evade and escape where the missile will think the {{PAGENAME}} will be. If successful and once the Phoenix turns on its radar, it will not be able to locate the {{PAGENAME}} and therefore not be able to home in. If the Phoenix does end up targeting right at the {{PAGENAME}}, a copious amount of chaff and maneuverability should be sufficient to perform an evasion against the missile's final run.
 # AIM-7F Sparrow: A familiar missile that {{PAGENAME}} will know fighting against F-4Js, the AIM-7F is more lethal with the F-14 as the aircraft can carry more and has a more capable radar. In fact, it can be argued the Sparrow is a comparatively underrated weapon in the pylons of a F-14 due to the aircraft's capabilities enhancing the missile's own. By the time the F-14 is within optimum range to use the Sparrow, there is often very little time for the {{PAGENAME}} to perform the right action to evade the missile, especially during a head-on. A F-14 using a Sparrow less than 10 km away will be more dangerous than a F-14 using a Phoenix from 40 km away. Take extreme caution against F-14 pilots that bring Sparrows over the Phoenixes.
@@ Line 271: / Line 273: @@
 If the F-14 notices the {{PAGENAME}} and its missile, the situation will quickly get out of hand as the F-14 has decent countermeasures to throw off the {{PAGENAME}}'s IR missiles. Once a F-14 is aware of the {{PAGENAME}} position at its sides or rear, additional missiles may prove fruitless as the enemy pilot would have their countermeasures primed and ready. The {{PAGENAME}} pilot can now only hope that the F-14 is too pre-occupied at the tailing {{PAGENAME}} that allies can approach and take out the distracted F-14 pilot. If alone, the situation can go two ways:
 # The F-14A will utilize its better engines and accelerate away from the {{PAGENAME}} while utilizing countermeasures to ensure missiles cannot reach it. While it may be hoped the F-14's evasive maneuvers would slow it down enough for the {{PAGENAME}} to catch up, this is unlikely and the F-14A may speed away and decide to re-engage the {{PAGENAME}} on its own terms or return to the airfield.
 # The situation may devolve into a close-range dogfight with IR missiles and gun, with energy management of the planes dependent on pilot's abilities between F-14 and MiG-23. However, this is a relatively disadvantageous situation for the {{PAGENAME}} pilot to get itself in as chances are if it is tangling with one F-14, there is another coming in from another angle ready to stick a Sidewinder up the {{PAGENAME}}'s engine exhaust.
@@ Line 292: / Line 295: @@
 * Limited missile capacity
 * Gun is finicky to use and has limited ammunition
 * Limited ground attack ordnance and ballistic computer functionality, not very suited for ground attack
@@ Line 304: / Line 306: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig_23mld Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 315: / Line 318: @@
 ;Related development
 * [[MiG-23 (Family)]]

@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 |-
 ! Min sweep
-| 1,330 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 508 || 473 || ~13 || ~5
+| 1,330 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 508 || 473 || ~10 || ~4
 |-
 ! Max sweep
-| 1,470 || N/A || N/A || N/A || __ || __
+| 1,470 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~11 || ~4
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 |}
-{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
 |-
-! colspan="8" | Limits
+! rowspan="2" | Limits
-|-
+! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 ! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 ! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 |-
-! 0% sweep !! 100% sweep !! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
+! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 |-
-| 1,330 || 1,470<!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 508 || 473 || ~13 || ~5
+! Max sweep
 |-
 |}