Difference between revisions of "MiG-23ML"

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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 +
The MiG-23ML is an upgraded variant of the MiG-23 which was introduced to correct the drawbacks of its earlier variants. The L stands for "''lyogiky''", or "lightweight"; as the name suggests, this variant of the aircraft introduced a redesigned airframe with less drag and weight, the strengthening of the wing folding mechanisms to permit a higher G-limit, among other assorted upgrades.
 +
 +
In War Thunder, the MiG-23ML is functionally identical to the [[MiG-23MLA (Germany)]] and is slightly different from the [[MiG-23MLD]]. Overall, the MiG-23ML is a very capable and versatile plane, with a powerful engine and a diverse arsenal of weaponry to choose from. Plus, being a premium plane, you earn twice as many Research Points and Silver Lions, helping you grind the tech tree more swiftly.
 +
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
The MiG-23ML has superior flight performance with its powerful engine and variable-geometry wing design which allows for faster turning on demand. With over 10,000 kilograms-force of thrust, its thrust-to-weight ratio rivals that of even the F-104S. While the plane lacks the leading-edge slats of the MiG-23MLD, this gives it an energy retention advantage in sustained dogfights.  
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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! 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="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
+
! Weight || colspan="2" | Type
 
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
 
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
+
| 1760 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
 
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
 
|-
 
|-
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{{Specs-Avia-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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
The MiG-23ML has no armor protection. It is a somewhat large plane, so it can survive low caliber bullets as well as a few higher caliber ones if lucky. The plane is equipped with 72 large-caliber countermeasures; with optimal flaring tactics, one can survive several missiles launched at them. As you have only one engine, your performance is severely impaired if it is damaged. You are out of the fight if the engine is destroyed. Fuel tanks are located on the wings, in the center of the plane, and above the engine. All fuel tanks are self-sealing. While the engine is equipped with a fire suppression system, using it will disable the engine. Only use if you have enough speed and distance to return to your airfield.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
+
As a premium vehicle, the MiG-23ML comes with all modifications unlocked. All premium vehicles are equipped with a talisman, which doubles RP and SL rewards.{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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* A choice between two presets:
 
* 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 rounds)
−
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 72 x large calibre countermeasures
+
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 72 x large caliber 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.' -->
−
''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 MiG-23ML has a vast arsenal of suspended weaponry to choose from, including:
 +
 
 +
'''Short-range missiles (up to 6):'''
 +
 
 +
* R-13M1 (IR, 20G overload)
 +
* R-60M (IR, 30G overload)
 +
 
 +
'''Medium-range missiles (up to 2)''':
 +
 
 +
* R-23R (Radar-guided, 20G overload)
 +
* R-23T (IR, 20G overload)
 +
* R-24R (Radar-guided, 24G overload)
 +
* R-24T (IR, 24G overload)
 +
 
 +
''*Note: The R-23T and R-24T may be used in conjunction with the IRST mode of the plane's radar. This is similar in function to a radar lock, but ignores chaff, may be countered by flares, and does not alert enemy radar warning receivers (RWR) that the plane is locked.''
 +
 
 +
'''Gunpods:'''
 +
 
 +
* 2x 23mm dual-barrel GSh-23L cannon gunpods (250 rounds per gunpod)
 +
 
 +
'''Bombs:'''
 +
 
 +
* Up to 16x OFAB-100 bombs (114kg each)
 +
* Up to 4x FAB-250M-62 bombs (227kg each)
 +
* Up to 2x FAB-500M-62 bombs (508kg each)
 +
 
 +
'''Incendiary bombs:'''
 +
 
 +
* Up to 2x ZB-500 (374kg each, 250kg of CKC incendiary compound)
 +
 
 +
'''Unguided rockets:'''
 +
 
 +
* Up to 64 S-5K rockets (HEAT, 150mm penetration)
 +
* Up to 40 S-8KO rockets (HEAT, 420mm penetration)
 +
* Up to 4 S-24B rockets (235kg rockets with a 25.5kg HE warhead.)
 +
 
 +
'''Guided rockets:'''
 +
 
 +
* Up to 2 Kh-23M rockets (Manual guidance, 10km range, 289kg rockets with a 96kg HE warhead.)
 +
 
 +
''Note: Taking any amount of Kh-23M rockets requires mounting of the "Targeting Delta-NG" pod on one of the slots.''
 +
 
 +
'''Custom weapon loadouts are available for the MiG-23ML.'''  
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
The MiG-23ML is very versatile and has usefulness in nearly every combat situation. In air battles, the MiG-23ML can carry six short-range missiles, or four of them with two medium-range missiles. The best missiles for the plane are the R-60 and R-24. While the R-13 and R-23 can be useful, they are inferior to their counterparts in every way and should not be used. One interesting trait of the MiG-23ML is that the IRST used with the R-23T or R-24T can wipe out unsuspecting enemies, especially towards the beginning of the match. The R-60's, while excellent at turning, have a shorter range than similar short-range missiles. The plane has very good energy retention and has some of the best flight performance out of any plane at its BR.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:'''
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
−
'''Pros:'''
+
* Excellent variety of armament to choose from
 +
* Excellent flight performance and versatility
 +
* Adequate dogfighting ability with variable-geometry wings
 +
* A useful radar and an IRST* (see ''Suspended Armament'')
 +
* Large-caliber countermeasures
 +
* Premium reward bonuses
  
 
*
 
*
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 +
* Less countermeasures than some opponents (i.e. Mirage F1C)
 +
* Limited internal cannon ammunition (~3.5 seconds of firing time before depletion)
 +
* Large engine limits survivability from successful hits
  
 
*
 
*

Revision as of 03:25, 12 January 2023

This page is about the premium Soviet jet fighter MiG-23ML. For other versions, see MiG-23 (Family).
MiG-23ML
mig_23ml.png
GarageImage MiG-23ML.jpg
StoreImage MiG-23ML 003.jpg
MiG-23ML
USSR flag.png USSR
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.7 11.7 11.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
STORE

Description

The MiG-23ML is a premium gift rank VII Soviet jet fighter with a battle rating of 11.7 (AB/RB) and 11.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Apex Predators".

General info

The MiG-23ML is an upgraded variant of the MiG-23 which was introduced to correct the drawbacks of its earlier variants. The L stands for "lyogiky", or "lightweight"; as the name suggests, this variant of the aircraft introduced a redesigned airframe with less drag and weight, the strengthening of the wing folding mechanisms to permit a higher G-limit, among other assorted upgrades.

In War Thunder, the MiG-23ML is functionally identical to the MiG-23MLA (Germany) and is slightly different from the MiG-23MLD. Overall, the MiG-23ML is a very capable and versatile plane, with a powerful engine and a diverse arsenal of weaponry to choose from. Plus, being a premium plane, you earn twice as many Research Points and Silver Lions, helping you grind the tech tree more swiftly.

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 358 km/h
Turn time33 s
Max altitude16 000 m
EngineTumansky R-35-300
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight20 t

The MiG-23ML has superior flight performance with its powerful engine and variable-geometry wing design which allows for faster turning on demand. With over 10,000 kilograms-force of thrust, its thrust-to-weight ratio rivals that of even the F-104S. While the plane lacks the leading-edge slats of the MiG-23MLD, this gives it an energy retention advantage in sustained dogfights.

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 2,346 2,342 16000 33.6 33.9 196.1 190.6 750
Upgraded 2,371 2,358 32.4 33.0 246.1 220.0

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 + -
0 630 ___ ___ ___ ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ___ < ___ < ___ N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Tumansky R-35-300 1 __,___ kg ___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight Type _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel
1760 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet _,___ kg _,___ kg _,___ kg _,___ kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
Condition 100% ___%/WEP _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel MGW
Stationary ___ kgf ___ kgf _.__ _.__ _.__ _.__
Optimal ___ kgf
(_ km/h) 		___ kgf
(_ km/h) 		_.__ _.__ _.__ _.__

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear630 km/h

The MiG-23ML has no armor protection. It is a somewhat large plane, so it can survive low caliber bullets as well as a few higher caliber ones if lucky. The plane is equipped with 72 large-caliber countermeasures; with optimal flaring tactics, one can survive several missiles launched at them. As you have only one engine, your performance is severely impaired if it is damaged. You are out of the fight if the engine is destroyed. Fuel tanks are located on the wings, in the center of the plane, and above the engine. All fuel tanks are self-sealing. While the engine is equipped with a fire suppression system, using it will disable the engine. Only use if you have enough speed and distance to return to your airfield.

Modifications and economy

As a premium vehicle, the MiG-23ML comes with all modifications unlocked. All premium vehicles are equipped with a talisman, which doubles RP and SL rewards.
Repair cost
AB2 052 Sl icon.png
RB6 124 Sl icon.png
SB6 119 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 770 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 560 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 320 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 250 / 250 / 250 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
UB-32
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-13M
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-250
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ns23_new_gun
Mods pilon block rocket.png
B-8M1
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-60M
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-500
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-500
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod UPK-23-250
Mods pilon rocket.png
S-24
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-23R
Mod arrow 0.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-23T
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
ZB-500
Mods agm missile.png
Kh-23M
Mods air to air missile.png
R-24R
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-24T

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: GSh-23L (23 mm)

The MiG-23ML is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rounds)
    • 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 72 x large caliber countermeasures

Suspended armament

The MiG-23ML has a vast arsenal of suspended weaponry to choose from, including:

Short-range missiles (up to 6):

  • R-13M1 (IR, 20G overload)
  • R-60M (IR, 30G overload)

Medium-range missiles (up to 2):

  • R-23R (Radar-guided, 20G overload)
  • R-23T (IR, 20G overload)
  • R-24R (Radar-guided, 24G overload)
  • R-24T (IR, 24G overload)

*Note: The R-23T and R-24T may be used in conjunction with the IRST mode of the plane's radar. This is similar in function to a radar lock, but ignores chaff, may be countered by flares, and does not alert enemy radar warning receivers (RWR) that the plane is locked.

Gunpods:

  • 2x 23mm dual-barrel GSh-23L cannon gunpods (250 rounds per gunpod)

Bombs:

  • Up to 16x OFAB-100 bombs (114kg each)
  • Up to 4x FAB-250M-62 bombs (227kg each)
  • Up to 2x FAB-500M-62 bombs (508kg each)

Incendiary bombs:

  • Up to 2x ZB-500 (374kg each, 250kg of CKC incendiary compound)

Unguided rockets:

  • Up to 64 S-5K rockets (HEAT, 150mm penetration)
  • Up to 40 S-8KO rockets (HEAT, 420mm penetration)
  • Up to 4 S-24B rockets (235kg rockets with a 25.5kg HE warhead.)

Guided rockets:

  • Up to 2 Kh-23M rockets (Manual guidance, 10km range, 289kg rockets with a 96kg HE warhead.)

Note: Taking any amount of Kh-23M rockets requires mounting of the "Targeting Delta-NG" pod on one of the slots.

Custom weapon loadouts are available for the MiG-23ML.

Usage in battles

The MiG-23ML is very versatile and has usefulness in nearly every combat situation. In air battles, the MiG-23ML can carry six short-range missiles, or four of them with two medium-range missiles. The best missiles for the plane are the R-60 and R-24. While the R-13 and R-23 can be useful, they are inferior to their counterparts in every way and should not be used. One interesting trait of the MiG-23ML is that the IRST used with the R-23T or R-24T can wipe out unsuspecting enemies, especially towards the beginning of the match. The R-60's, while excellent at turning, have a shorter range than similar short-range missiles. The plane has very good energy retention and has some of the best flight performance out of any plane at its BR.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent variety of armament to choose from
  • Excellent flight performance and versatility
  • Adequate dogfighting ability with variable-geometry wings
  • A useful radar and an IRST* (see Suspended Armament)
  • Large-caliber countermeasures
  • Premium reward bonuses

Cons:

  • Less countermeasures than some opponents (i.e. Mirage F1C)
  • Limited internal cannon ammunition (~3.5 seconds of firing time before depletion)
  • Large engine limits survivability from successful hits

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft 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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

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

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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


USSR jet aircraft
Bereznyak-Isayev  BI
Yakovlev  Yak-15 · Yak-15P · Yak-17 · Yak-23 · Yak-28B · Yak-30D · Yak-38 · Yak-38M · Yak-141
Mikoyan-Gurevich  MiG-9 · MiG-9 (l) · MiG-15 · MiG-15bis · MiG-15bis ISh · MiG-17 · MiG-17AS · 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
Lavochkin  La-174 · La-15 · La-200
Sukhoi  Su-9 · Su-11
  Su-7B · Su-7BKL · Su-7BMK · Su-17M2 · Su-17M4 · Su-22M3
  Su-24M
  Su-25 · Su-25BM · Su-25K · Su-25T · Su-25SM3 · Su-39
  Su-27 · Su-27SM
  Su-34
Ilyushin  IL-28 · IL-28Sh
Tupolev  Tu-14T

USSR premium aircraft
Fighters  Krasnolutsky's I-15bis · I-16 type 28 · Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 · I-153P · I-180S · I-301 · ITP (M-1)
  LaGG-3-4 · LaGG-3-23 · LaGG-3-34 · Dolgushin's La-7 · La-11
  Eremin's Yak-3(e) · Yak-3 (VK-107) · Yak-3T · Golovachev's Yak-9M
  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▂P-40E-1 · ▂P-47D-27 · ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5
  ▂Hurricane Mk IIB · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · ▂Fw 190 D-9
Twin-engine fighters  I-29
Jet fighters  Su-11 · MiG-15bis ISh · MiG-17AS · MiG-21S (R-13-300) · MiG-23ML
Strike aircraft  IL-2M "Avenger" · IL-2 M-82 · IL-8 (1944) · Su-6 · Tandem MAI · TIS MA · Su-8 · Tu-1
  Yak-38 · Su-7BMK · Su-25K · Su-39
Bombers  Po-2M · Be-6 · MBR-2-M-34 · Pe-2-205 · TB-3M-17-32
  ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▂Hampden TB Mk I · ▂A-20G-30 · ▂B-25J-30

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