MiG-23MLD

This page is about the Soviet jet fighter MiG-23MLD. For other versions, see MiG-23 (Family).

MiG-23MLD

MiG-23M

MiG-29

MiG-23MLD

MiG-23M

MiG-29

USSR

VII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
11.7	11.7	11.3

Class:

Fighter

Jet fighter

Research:175 000

Purchase:950 000

Description

The MiG-23MLD is a rank VII Soviet jet fighter with a battle rating of 11.7 (AB/RB) and 11.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Ground Breaking".

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 Viggen and F-4EJ Kai Phantom.

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 358 km/h

Turn time33 s

Max altitude16 000 m

EngineTumansky R-35-300

Type

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight20 t

The MiG-23MLD's performance leaves little to be desired. The MiG-23M boasted a high top speed but was somewhat underpowered; this is very much fixed on the MLD because its engine is 20% more powerful, and as a result its thrust-to-weight ratio practically matches the F-104S and MiG-21bis. It has an excellent climb rate exceeding 200 m/s at sea level and fantastic acceleration, particularly at transonic or supersonic speeds when the wings can be swept back. Thus, the MLD will have few issues rushing to the front lines, climbing for an altitude advantage, or chasing down a fleeing opponent.

The MLD is also very competitive in dogfights. As on the MiG-23M, the swing wings fundamentally allow for good sustained turning at low to medium speeds provided the wings are swept forward. The MLD's vortex generators, dogtoothed wing gloves, and superior thrust-to-weight enhance its turning performance further. It can reliably beat any F-4 Phantom in a turning engagement, and it can at the very least keep up with if not outplay agile opponents like the MiG-21bis and JA37C.

There are a few quirks to watch out for. First, the MiG-23MLD's excellent engine power means that it will quite easily reach its rip speed when flying in a straight line on full afterburner, so be mindful of the IAS. Second, though it has great acceleration and climb rate at transonic and supersonic speeds, the manoeuvrability in these zones can be a bit sluggish or wobbly at times, so keep that in mind when trying to score high-speed snapshots, and in situations requiring turning or precise aim it's best to slow down and allow the wings to sweep forward a bit.

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	2,333	2,320	16000	33.5	33.9	193.9	186.0	750
Upgraded	2,498	2,358		32.6	33.0	248.3	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	+	-
1,470	630	N/A	508	473	~13	~5

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 665	< 650	< 700	N/A

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
Tumansky R-35-300		1	10,705 kg		374 - 422 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)				Max Takeoff Weight
Weight (each)	Type		9m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	31m fuel
1,760 kg	Afterburning axial-flow turbojet		11,815 kg	13,020 kg	14,178 kg	14,405 kg	17,800 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition	100%	WEP	9m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	31m fuel	MTOW
Stationary	7,103 kgf	10,305 kgf	0.87	0.79	0.73	0.72	0.58
Optimal	8,368 kgf (1,400 km/h)	15,787 kgf (1,400 km/h)	1.34	1.21	1.11	1.10	0.89

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

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

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB2 793 → 4 061

RB8 215 → 11 944

SB8 935 → 12 991

Total cost of modifications294 200

457 000

Talisman cost3 000

Crew training270 000

Experts950 000

Aces3 200

Research Aces1 210 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

100 / 320 / 600 %

244 / 244 / 244 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Compressor Research: 8 600 Cost: 13 000 350 New boosters Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 Wings repair Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 490 Engine Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 650	Fuselage repair Research: 8 600 Cost: 13 000 350 Airframe Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 G-suit Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 490 Cover Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 650	ns23_belt_pack Research: 8 600 Cost: 13 000 350 OFAB-100 Research: 8 600 Cost: 13 000 350 UB-32 Research: 8 600 Cost: 13 000 350 R-13M Research: 8 600 Cost: 13 000 350 Flares/Chaff Research: 8 600 Cost: 13 000 350 ns23_new_gun Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 FAB-250 Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 B-8M1 Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 R-60M Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 Gun pod UPK-23-250 Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 490 FAB-500 Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 490 S-24 Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 490 R-23R Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 490 R-23T ZB-500 Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 650 EFS Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 650 Kh-23M Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 650 R-24R Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 650 R-24T

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns)	CCIP (Rockets)	CCIP (Bombs)	CCRP (Bombs)

Offensive armament

The MiG-23MLD 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 + 72 x 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.

The MLD has a far healthier supply of countermeasures than the MiG-23M. It retains the pack of 12 countermeasures installed in the central underbelly pylon but now features the twin 30-round dispensers installed on the wing gloves, first seen on the MiG-27M. There is no need to be as stingy when flaring incoming IR missiles or using chaff to disrupt a radar lock. Also, these are still "large calibre countermeasures", so on a unit basis they have stronger effects than standard flares or chaff.

Suspended armament

The MiG-23MLD can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

• Without load
• 2 x R-13M1 missiles
• 16 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
• 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,300 kg total)
• 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-13M1 missiles (800 kg total)
• 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-60 missiles (800 kg total)
• 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-23R missiles (800 kg total)
• 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-23T missiles (800 kg total)
• 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
• 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-13M1 missiles (500 kg total)
• 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-60 missiles (500 kg total)
• 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-23R missiles (500 kg total)
• 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-23T missiles (500 kg total)
• 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 64 x S-5K rockets (500 kg total)
• 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
• 4 x R-60 missiles + 2 x R-13M1 missiles
• 4 x R-60 missiles + 2 x R-23R missiles
• 4 x R-60 missiles + 2 x R-23T missiles
• 4 x R-13M1 missiles
• 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 2 x R-23R missiles
• 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 2 x R-23T missiles
• 6 x R-60 missiles
• 2 x R-23R missiles
• 2 x R-23T missiles
• 96 x S-5K rockets
• 4 x S-24B rockets
• 2 x Kh-23M missiles
• 40 x S-8KO rockets
• 40 x S-8KO rockets + 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (500 kg total)
• 2 x R-24R missiles
• 2 x R-24T missiles
• 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-24R missiles (800 kg total)
• 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-24T missiles (800 kg total)
• 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-24R missiles (500 kg total)
• 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-24T missiles (500 kg total)
• 4 x R-60 missiles + 2 x R-24R missiles
• 4 x R-60 missiles + 2 x R-24T missiles
• 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 2 x R-24R missiles
• 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 2 x R-24T missiles
• 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
• 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 2 x R-13M1 missiles
• 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 4 x R-60 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.

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.

Usage in battles

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 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.

The MLD's radar now features an ACM mode to quickly and conveniently acquire targets in dogfight scenarios, which can be helpful if one needs to use the R-24R or desires radar cueing for the IR missiles.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Very high acceleration and top speed
• Agile in dogfights
• Good countermeasure supply
• Access to powerful R-24 missiles for distant targets
• Has an IRST for stealthy target acquisition
• Radar has ACM mode
• Extraordinarily fast, it will overspeed at any altitude, including at altitude 13 km at Mach 2.4

Cons:

• Limited missile capacity
• Cannot use R-60Ms
• Gun is finicky to use and has limited ammunition
• Limited ground attack ordnance and ballistic computer functionality, not very suited for ground attack

History

Dubbed the "Flogger-K" by NATO, the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MLD was the ultimate fighter variant of the MiG-23. The main focus of the upgrade was to improve maneuverability, especially during high AoA (Angle of Attack), which was identified as the MiG-23M/ML's chief shortcoming. The pitot boom was equipped with vortex generators, and the wing's notched leading edge roots were 'saw-toothed' to act as vortex generators as well. The flight-control system incorporated the SOS-3-4 synthetic stick-stop device/signals limiter being used on the MiG-29 to improve handling and safety in high-AoA maneuvers. A strengthening of the wing pivot allowed the addition of a fourth wing sweep position of 33°, which was intended to reduce turn radius and allow for rapid deceleration during dogfights. However, with the wings at the 33° position, the MiG-23MLD was much more difficult to handle and suffered from poor acceleration. Moving the wings to this position was primarily reserved for experienced MiG-23 pilots, while combat manuals continued to emphasize the 45° position.

Significant improvements were made in avionics, with the incorporation of the Sapfir-23MLA-II (N008) radar which featured greater range, reliability, ECM resistance and improved modes for look-down/shoot-down over rough terrain. The radar also featured a close-in fighting mode with vertical-scan capability covering a narrow sector in front of the fighter. Against a bomber-sized target operating at medium to high altitudes, the Sapfire-23MLA-II had a maximum detection range of 70 km (43 mi). Other improvements included the SPO-15L Beryoza radar warning receiver, A-321 Klystron digital tactical radio navigation/automatic landing system, SAU-23-18 automatic flight control system, and SARP-12-24 crash-resistant flight recorder. Survivability was improved with a pair of six-round downward-firing chaff/flare dispensers mounted in the under fuselage centerline pylon, complemented by the two thirty-round upward-firing BVP-50-60 chaff/flare dispenser.

No new-build "MLD" aircraft were delivered to the VVS, as the more advanced MiG-29 was about to enter production. Instead, all Soviet "MLD"s were former "ML/MLA" aircraft modified to "MLD" standard, with 560 examples being converted at three VVS maintenance facilities in Kubinka, Chuhuiv and Lviv from May 1982 to May 1985. As with earlier MiG-23 versions, two distinct export variants were offered. Unlike Soviet examples, these were new-build aircraft, though they lacked the aerodynamic refinements of Soviet "MLD"s; 16 examples were delivered to Bulgaria, and 50 to Syria between 1982 and 1984. These were the last single-seat MiG-23 fighters made.

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

• Official data sheet - more details about the performance