Difference between revisions of "MiG-21bis (Sweden)"

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== Description ==
 
== 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 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}}''' (NATO Code: Fishbed-L/N) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]].
+
In 1963, after rejecting a deal of MiG-19s in search for a new frontline fighter, Finland became the first country outside the Warsaw Pact to purchase the MiG-21, starting with [[MiG-21F-13]]s and building their long and prosperous relationship in purchasing Soviet aircraft. Their long service of the Fishbed would culminate in 1977, when Finland acquired 26 examples of the [[MiG-21bis]] airframe, specifically the Fishbed-N variant with the Polyot-OI guidance system instead of the Lazur system. These aircraft would remain in Finnish service until 1998, when they were replaced by the F/A-18C Hornet after the end of the Cold War.
  
−
The MiG-21bis is the ultimate development of the MiG-21. It looks roughly the same as the [[MiG-21SMT]] and [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], both third-generation MiG-21 models with search radars, internal GSh-23 cannons, and pronounced fuselage spines. The main improvement in the MiG-21bis is a new R-25 engine with an emergency afterburner stage outputting more than 9,000 kgf of thrust in optimal conditions, granting excellent acceleration and climb rate for a single-engine fighter. The armament remains similar to the MiG-21SMT, but has the option of new R-13M1 infrared missiles similar to the [[AIM-9G]] and up to six R-60MKs - all-aspect versions of the familiar R-60s. Although the MiG-21bis has weak BVR capabilities and lacks the dogfight-tuned airframe of the [[J-7E]], it can still be a powerhouse in close combat for pilots who use its strong engine power, good missile capacity, and ability to pull high AoA turns.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO Code: Fishbed-N) was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]]. This aircraft is completely identical to the [[MiG-21bis]] found in the Soviet tech tree, and as such, plays exactly the same. The only differences are cosmetic, such as the camouflage and the names used on its missiles (i.e it has the export [[R-60MK]] instead of the [[R-60M]], which is the exact same missile with a different name). The same tips and cautions should be exercised when flying this aircraft; chief of which being the incredible AoA/instantaneous turn and engine acceleration power to utilize, while being cautious of the weak energy retention and subpar missiles compared to many of your adversaries at this battle rating.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
−
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
+
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! 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="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! 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" | _____ || _
+
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-25-300 || 1
−
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 6,132 kg || colspan="3" | 371 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
+
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
+
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
+
| 1,140 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
−
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 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="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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
+
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
+
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 4,040 kgf || 7,344 kgf
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.07 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.86 || 0.73
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 4,040 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 9,068 kgf<br>(1,200 km/h)
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.32 || 1.20 || 1.10 || 1.06 || 0.91
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* A choice between two presets:
+
* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (250 rpg)
−
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (250 rpg)
+
* 64 x countermeasures
−
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 64 x countermeasures
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
{{main|R-3R|R-3S|R-13M1|R-60MK|S-5K}}
 
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* Without load
 
−
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles
 
−
* 4 x R-3S missiles
 
−
* 4 x R-3R missiles
 
−
* 4 x R-13M1 missiles
 
−
* 4 x R-60MK missiles
 
−
* 6 x R-60MK missiles
 
−
* 64 x S-5K rockets (4 x 16-rocket pods)
 
−
* 64 x S-5K rockets (2 x 32-rocket pods)
 
−
 
−
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
+
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
−
| rowspan="6" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-21bis.png]]</div>
+
| rowspan="7" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-21bis.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-5K]] rockets
 +
| 16 || 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || 16
 
|-
 
|-
−
! S-5K rockets
+
! [[R-3R]] missiles
−
| 16 || 16, 32 || 16, 32 || 16
+
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! R-3R missiles
+
! [[R-3S]] missiles
−
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
+
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! R-3S missiles
+
! [[R-13M1]] missiles
−
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
+
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! R-13M1 missiles
+
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
−
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
+
| 1, 2 || 1 || || 1 || 1, 2
 
|-
 
|-
−
! R-60MK missiles
+
! 820 l drop tanks
−
| 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2
+
| || || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 +
* 1 x 820 l drop tank
 +
* 1 x 820 l drop tank + 2 x R-60MK missiles
 +
* 1 x 820 l drop tank + 2 x R-3S missiles
 +
* 4 x R-3R missiles
 +
* 4 x R-13M1 missiles
 +
* 4 x R-60MK missiles
 +
* 6 x R-60MK missiles
 +
* 64 x S-5K rockets (4 x 16-rocket pods)
 +
* 64 x S-5K rockets (2 x 32-rocket pods)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantoms]], particularly those with PD radars: these should be the MiG-21bis' priority targets, F-4s are well-known for being extremely versatile and dangerous. These planes accelerate quickly and wield dangerous AIM-7 SARH missiles that can shut down the MiG-21's climbing efforts. While the F-4E variant can be relatively easily countered with chaff to interfere the radar, the ones with PD radars like the F-4J and F-4S can easily track and destroy the MiG-21, requiring notching to break off the radar lock. These planes also have a large number of countermeasures, so the MiG-21's effort to attack them with IR missiles can be easily thwarted. At closer ranges, the fight is more even, as the F-4's Sidewinder missiles can be diverted with countermeasures (though beware if it is a F-4 equipped with the all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder missile) However, the dogfight can still be tough if the F-4 has the right pilot playing to its strengths, so be wary and don't assume the MiG-21 has control of the dogfight until the MiG-21's nose is pointed right at the target's six o' clock.
 
* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantoms]], particularly those with PD radars: these should be the MiG-21bis' priority targets, F-4s are well-known for being extremely versatile and dangerous. These planes accelerate quickly and wield dangerous AIM-7 SARH missiles that can shut down the MiG-21's climbing efforts. While the F-4E variant can be relatively easily countered with chaff to interfere the radar, the ones with PD radars like the F-4J and F-4S can easily track and destroy the MiG-21, requiring notching to break off the radar lock. These planes also have a large number of countermeasures, so the MiG-21's effort to attack them with IR missiles can be easily thwarted. At closer ranges, the fight is more even, as the F-4's Sidewinder missiles can be diverted with countermeasures (though beware if it is a F-4 equipped with the all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder missile) However, the dogfight can still be tough if the F-4 has the right pilot playing to its strengths, so be wary and don't assume the MiG-21 has control of the dogfight until the MiG-21's nose is pointed right at the target's six o' clock.
−
* [[F-14A Early]]: The F-14 can be a very dangerous opponent as it has access to the AIM-54 Phoenix and the AIM-7F Sparrow missiles. Multiple F-14s will be able to effectively shut down higher altitudes at the start of the game by launching AIM-54 missiles. Thankfully, the MiG-21 Bis is fitted with a RWR to alert you of any potential incoming treats. Whenever you notice a possible incoming SARH missile at high altitude, the best thing to do is to immediately start to notch the enemy radar (Going 90 degrees in relation to the enemy radar) and release chaff. In a dogfight, the F-14 will gain the upper hand in just a few turns due to the poor energy retention of the MIG-21. However the MiG-21 will have the better turn radius in the first 1-2 turns if the fight starts at high speed. 
 
−
* The [[F-16_(Family)|F-16A]] and [[MiG-29]]: Hopefully, the MiG-21bis does not encounter either of these due to the BR differences, but in the case that it does, both of these planes feature advanced radar and highly dangerous SARH missiles. (AIM-7F and R-27ER respectively) However these can still be countered by notching the enemy radar. Both of these planes will have the advantage in a dogfight, the MiG-29 will be able to out-turn you at most speeds while the F-16 is much more agile at lower speed and can easily put you into an energy trap.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 211: Line 213:
  
 
* Impressive climb rate of 225 m/s
 
* Impressive climb rate of 225 m/s
−
* Increased flight performance compared to earlier MiG-21s
 
 
* Excels against both aerial and ground targets
 
* Excels against both aerial and ground targets
 
* Has access to flares that are fired downwards, which means that missiles can be more easily evaded
 
* Has access to flares that are fired downwards, which means that missiles can be more easily evaded
Line 260: Line 261:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
 
{{Sweden jet aircraft}}
 
{{Sweden jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 14:50, 12 November 2024

This page is about the jet fighter MiG-21bis (Sweden). For other versions, see MiG-21 (Family).
▄MiG-21bis
mig_21_bis_finland.png
GarageImage MiG-21bis (Sweden).jpg
▄MiG-21bis
Sweden flag.png Sweden
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.0 11.0 11.0
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

In 1963, after rejecting a deal of MiG-19s in search for a new frontline fighter, Finland became the first country outside the Warsaw Pact to purchase the MiG-21, starting with MiG-21F-13s and building their long and prosperous relationship in purchasing Soviet aircraft. Their long service of the Fishbed would culminate in 1977, when Finland acquired 26 examples of the MiG-21bis airframe, specifically the Fishbed-N variant with the Polyot-OI guidance system instead of the Lazur system. These aircraft would remain in Finnish service until 1998, when they were replaced by the F/A-18C Hornet after the end of the Cold War.

The ▄MiG-21bis (NATO Code: Fishbed-N) was introduced in Update "Fire and Ice". This aircraft is completely identical to the MiG-21bis found in the Soviet tech tree, and as such, plays exactly the same. The only differences are cosmetic, such as the camouflage and the names used on its missiles (i.e it has the export R-60MK instead of the R-60M, which is the exact same missile with a different name). The same tips and cautions should be exercised when flying this aircraft; chief of which being the incredible AoA/instantaneous turn and engine acceleration power to utilize, while being cautious of the weak energy retention and subpar missiles compared to many of your adversaries at this battle rating.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 13 000 m2 240 km/h
Turn time37 s
Max altitude16 000 m
EngineTumansky R-25-300
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight10 t

The MiG-21bis has absolutely phenomenal acceleration and high-speed performance making it one of the highest-performing aircraft in the game. Firstly, the aircraft is quite fast, being able to reach 1,365 km/h IAS on the deck (at low altitudes) before its wings rip - this means that it is usually capable of outrunning most enemies at its rank, such as Phantoms and the Mirage, with the exception of the F-104 Starfighters which can outrun the MiG-21bis by a small margin. Secondly, the aircraft has the fastest overall acceleration of any aircraft in the game, meaning that it can reach its top speed quickly. However, like all other MiG-21s, the MiG-21bis cannot turn well and tends to bleed speed at an alarming rate during turns. Extended dogfights should therefore be avoided, as the MiG-21bis will often end up on the losing side.

The MiG-21bis has a strong set of control surfaces including an all-moving tail, which keeps the aircraft responsive up to high speeds (>1,300 km/h). However, be aware that the aircraft has two limiting structural factors: the wings' rip speed and structural G limit. Wings will rip at 1,365 km/h IAS, a speed the plane can reach relatively quickly given its phenomenal acceleration. The structural limit of 13G means stronger turns should thus be avoided as there is a risk that they will rip the aircraft's wings.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 13,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,177 2,142 16000 37.8 38.8 191.0 179.8 750
Upgraded 2,305 2,240 36.4 37.0 262.7 225.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1365 700 N/A 500 450 ~12 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 650 < 600 < 950 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Tumansky R-25-300 1 6,132 kg 371 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 10m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 34m fuel
1,140 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 6,852 kg 7,532 kg 8,232 kg 8,532 kg 10,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) 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

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 365 km/h
Gear700 km/h
  • 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

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 838 → 4 092 Sl icon.png
RB8 121 → 11 710 Sl icon.png
SB8 295 → 11 961 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications260 000 Rp icon.png
404 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-3S
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
UB-16
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-3R
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
UB-32
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-13M
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ns23_new_gun
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-60MK
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

Main article: GSh-23L (23 mm)

The MiG-21bis (Sweden) is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

The MiG-21bis (Sweden) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5
Hardpoints MiG-21bis.png
S-5K rockets 16 16, 32 16, 32 16
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
820 l drop tanks 1
Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 820 l drop tank
  • 1 x 820 l drop tank + 2 x R-60MK missiles
  • 1 x 820 l drop tank + 2 x R-3S missiles
  • 4 x R-3R missiles
  • 4 x R-13M1 missiles
  • 4 x R-60MK missiles
  • 6 x R-60MK missiles
  • 64 x S-5K rockets (4 x 16-rocket pods)
  • 64 x S-5K rockets (2 x 32-rocket pods)

Usage in battles

The MiG-21bis is fairly manoeuvrable at high speeds and since it accelerates quickly and climbs extremely well, it works well as an interceptor (take off, reach around 1,000 km/h, burst climb at a 20-25 degree angle up to 6,000 or 7,000 m and fire on anything that can be sighted) but this method has some risks.

First, the MiG-21bis is prone being hit by a SARH (Semi-Active Radar-Homing) missile such as the AIM-7F or R-24R that can easily shoot the MiG-21bis down since the plane becomes a brick at higher altitudes. And sometimes, even if the MiG-21bis succeeds in its interception objective, some enemies will fly in a different path, so they'll easily sneak up behind the MiG-21bis and take it down with missiles if it is high and slow enough.

The second way to play this plane is to fly at lower altitudes (below 2,000 m) and engage any targets that are encountered, the risk here is that the MiG-21bis is left vulnerable to high-flying enemies that, again, can easily sneak up and take the MiG-21bis down, so pay attention to the surroundings and avoid getting an IR missile shot up into the engine.

The third, and probably safest, way to play the MiG-21bis is to flank around the main fighting area. Side-climb up to around 4-5 kilometres in the air, making sure to avoid the frequented flight paths so the MiG-21bis does not appear on their radar (additionally, turn off the MiG-21bis' radar during this climb so that the enemies' radar-warning receiver does not pick up the MiG-21's radar as well). Idle around the sides until the main body of the enemy team is spotted and then begin turning towards the battlefield to begin engaging targets. As the MiG-21bis returns, keep an eye for any enemy planes that have a similar idea of flanking around. This scenario usually compose of only one enemy fighter climbing up, which a skilled MiG-21bis pilot can begin engaging in their favour if they have a height advantage. However, if two fighters appears, it is best to break off and move towards the vicinity of allies to help engage.

A more risky but rewarding playstyle is to use 2 x R-13M-1 and 4 x R-60MK, or 4 x R-13M-1, and take advantage of MiG-21's 225 m/s climb rate, which in theory, is superior to even the Phantom FG.1 and FGR.2. Radars on most jets can scan ~15 degrees above the horizontal, and by climbing at Mach 0.90-0.95, it is possible to "fly above the radar" and remain undetected at BVR ranges. At high altitudes, the R-13 can be launched at 3 km in a chase and even farther in a dive against lower targets. Although the MiG-21 has a substantial advantage in transonic manoeuvrability, the MiG-21's delta wings cause significant energy bleed in turns as mentioned above. Making high-speed diving attacks is certainly a valid tactic, and fighting from high altitude downwards makes situational awareness easier as most enemies will be at lower altitudes rather than in all directions. This playstyle is most suitable for principled Phantom pilots who are accustomed to maintaining a high energy state.

Enemies worth noting:

  • F-4 Phantoms, particularly those with PD radars: these should be the MiG-21bis' priority targets, F-4s are well-known for being extremely versatile and dangerous. These planes accelerate quickly and wield dangerous AIM-7 SARH missiles that can shut down the MiG-21's climbing efforts. While the F-4E variant can be relatively easily countered with chaff to interfere the radar, the ones with PD radars like the F-4J and F-4S can easily track and destroy the MiG-21, requiring notching to break off the radar lock. These planes also have a large number of countermeasures, so the MiG-21's effort to attack them with IR missiles can be easily thwarted. At closer ranges, the fight is more even, as the F-4's Sidewinder missiles can be diverted with countermeasures (though beware if it is a F-4 equipped with the all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder missile) However, the dogfight can still be tough if the F-4 has the right pilot playing to its strengths, so be wary and don't assume the MiG-21 has control of the dogfight until the MiG-21's nose is pointed right at the target's six o' clock.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Impressive climb rate of 225 m/s
  • 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 R-60MKs
  • 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
  • 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

By the late 1960s, 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-60 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.

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  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
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Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (Микоя́н и Гуре́вич Опытное конструкторское бюро)
Fighters  MiG-3-15 · MiG-3-15 (BK) · MiG-3-34
  I-225
Jet fighters  MiG-9 · MiG-9 (l)
  MiG-15 · MiG-15bis · MiG-15bis ISh
  MiG-17
  MiG-19PT
  MiG-21F-13 · MiG-21PFM · MiG-21S (R-13-300) · MiG-21SMT · MiG-21bis
  MiG-23M · MiG-23ML · MiG-23MLD
  MiG-27M · MiG-27K
  MiG-29 · MiG-29SMT
Export/Licensed  ␗MiG-9 · ␗MiG-9 (l)
  ◊MiG-15bis · ◔MiG-15bis · J-2*
  MiG-17AS · ◔MiG-17PF · J-4* · Shenyang F-5*
  ◊MiG-19S · J-6A*
  ◄MiG-21 SPS-K · ◊MiG-21MF · ◔MiG-21MF · ▄MiG-21bis · ◔MiG-21bis-SAU · ◊MiG-21bis-SAU · ◊MiG-21 "Lazur-M" · ▄MiG-21 Bison · J-7II**
  ◊MiG-23BN · ◊MiG-23MF · ◔MiG-23MF · ◊MiG-23MLA
  ◔MiG-29 · ◊MiG-29 · ◄MiG-29G
  *Licensed and domesticated with Chinese designations.
  **Unlicensed, reverse-engineered and domesticated with Chinese designations.
See Also  Shenyang · Chengdu

Sweden jet aircraft
Fighters  J21RA
  J29A · A29B · J29D · J29F
  J32B
  J34
  J35A · J35D
  JA37C · JA37D · JA37DI · JA37DI F21
  JAS39A · JAS39C
Strike aircraft  A21RB
  A32A · A32A Röd Adam
  A28B
  AJ37 · AJS37
  SK60B · SAAB-105G
Export  SAAB-105OE
Finland  ▄Vampire FB 52A · ▄MiG-21bis · Saab J35XS

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