Description:
Mig-21 is a supersonic, single-engine, lightweight day fighter-interceptor introduced by the Soviet Union in 1960. It was the backbone of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact Air Forces in the 1960s and 1970s. With over 11,000 aircraft built in the Soviet Union and under license, Mig-21 was the benchmark in combat aviation after WWII. NATO nicknamed single-seat Mig-21s 'Fished' while two-seat Mig-21U was dubbed 'Mongol'. Both aircraft were powered by a single R-13 engine providing 14,300 pounds of thrust with afterburner. More than 8,000 first generation Mig-21s have been produced so far.
Mig-21 built under license in China are called J-7/F-7. Even in the first decade of the 21st century J-7/F-7 forms the backbone of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Mig-21 bis is an improved model featuring ground attack secondary capability and R-25 engine rated at 15,000+ pounds of thrust. Mig-21 bis achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 1972 with between 2,000 to 3,000 aircraft produced to date. Most of the surviving Mig-21s are Mig-21 bis models. Mig-21-2000 and Mig-21-93 designations refer to upgrades available for existing Mig-21s.
In 2005 Indian Air Force's Mig-21s were undergoing a modernization program being carried in partnership between Sokol Plant, HAL and Mig Aircraft Corporation. Up to 125 existing Indian Mig-21s were expected to be converted into Mig-21UPG aircraft which is a far more capable variant of Mig-21 produced to date.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 1
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 23 mm
Dimensions: Height 4.8 m, Length 15.8 m, Wingspan 7.2 m
Weights: Max Weight 8,170 kg (18,011 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 15,600 lb (7,076 kg)
Performance: Ceiling 14,000 m (45,932 ft), Cruise Speed 250 mps (Mach 0.75), Max Range 1,100 km (594 nm), Top Speed 664 mps (Mach 2)