MiG-23 aircraft: specifications, photos

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The MiG-23 is a Soviet-made multirole fighter equipped with a variable sweep wing. It belongs to the third generation, according to NATO classification - "Scourge" (Flogger). The first flight was made in June 1967 (at the helm - test pilot A. V. Fedotov). This aircraft in various modifications was in service with many countries of Eastern Europe, China, Korea, African countries and the CIS states.

History of Creation

The development of the MiG-23 aircraft began in the 60s of the last century. Design bureau engineers concluded that model 21 is not suitable for the installation of powerful radar equipment due to insufficient free space in the forward part of the air intake.

This compartment was planned to be moved to the side or to the bottom. At the same time, the new fuselage section was to be equipped with the Sapphire sighting system. The MiG-21PF machine was used as the basis, on which the nose compartment was re-equipped, a new power unit of the R-21F-300 type was installed with a lower air intake under the fuselage and frontal horizontal plumage. A prototype under the factory index E-8/1was lifted into the air by tester G. Mosolov. It happened on March 2, 1962, and already in June the second car began to be tested.

Some complications during testing of the MiG-23 were caused by the adjustment system in the flow area of the main air intake. Automatic correction on the devices was disabled, the tests were carried out in manual mode, which often caused the motor to stop and surge directly in the air. Subsequently, the aircraft were checked with the automatics turned on, which made it possible to somewhat stabilize the control of the air intake device.

Interesting facts

In September 1962, another test of the MiG-23 aircraft was carried out, a photo of which is shown below. This time there was a deformation of the disk of one of the compressor stages of the power plant. Debris damaged the aircraft, causing two hydraulic systems to fail and loss of control. Georgy Mosolov (test pilot) managed to eject, but was seriously injured. After this incident, testing of the E-8 series model was suspended.

The next project from the MiG-23 series is the version under the code E-8M. She entered the test site in December 1963. Initially, the model was supposed to be able to short takeoff and landing. Two turbine engines of the R-27F-300 type acted as engines. They were equipped with an air intake with a top location. In addition, there are nozzles designed to divert the gas jet back or forward a few degrees (from 5 to 10) whentakeoff and braking.

Fuselage

This element of the MiG-23 aircraft is a half monocoque, which has an oval section, turning into a rounded rectangular configuration. The technological design of this element includes a large number of panels, which are interconnected by means of electric welding and rivets.

The following mechanisms are provided in the bow:

• Radar compartment.
• Radio transparent fairing.
• Electronic equipment.
• Cockpit.
• Front landing gear socket.
• The space behind the cab is divided by a partition.

Rectangular air intakes are mounted in the area of 4-18 frames. Their entrance parts do not touch the side plating by 55 mm, forming a drain slot for the border convoy from the bow.

The MiG-23 single pressurized cockpit, photo of which is shown below, is equipped with one ejection seat. The lantern consists of a visor and a folding element that opens up and back under the influence of a pneumatic cylinder. In addition, this part can be raised by 100 mm during parking. The visor is made of armored special glass; a periscope is mounted on the cover of the hinged part of the light element. An overview of the wing planes is guaranteed by a pair of mirrors. Under the cab floor there is a frontal niche for the chassis.

Wing Features

The wing includes in its design a center section with a solid powertank and a pair of rotary consoles in the form of trapezoids. The main element of the fixed part of the wing (central compartment) is welded to the upper frames. It houses the swivel consoles and fuel tanks.

The wing turning element is a coffered welded structure that transforms into a reinforced fork. This node with a pair of spars has a console, divided into the bow, central and tail sections. The two-channel hydraulic motor type SPK-1 is responsible for the turns.

The bow block of the rotary part is four-section, it can deviate by 20 degrees. The sections are interconnected by means of controlled rods. The wing spars of the MiG-23 fighter are made from aluminum by hot stamping. The sealing of the unit is provided by a sealant supplied through the bolt holes, as well as by a rubber band laid along the entire perimeter of the compartment. The flap is divided into three sections, one of which is made of titanium alloy, the rest are made of aluminum composition. All parts are interconnected by collets, controlled by a separate hydraulic motor. The maximum flap angle is 50 degrees.

Plumage

Plumage horizontal type has an oblique axis, includes two parts of the stabilizer. Each half consists of a front stringer, ribs, skin and spars. There are panels in the center, and rivets on the nose and tail. Each element of the MiG-23 stabilizer rotates on a pair of bearings.

The design of the vertical tail includes a rotary rudder and keel. The frame of the last element has a front stringer, two spars, a setsheet ribs, as well as milled and onboard counterparts. The middle part of the keel is completely made of panels; a radio-transparent block with antennas is provided on top. The steering wheel is fixed on three supports.

Control system

MiG-23 aircraft (Russian Air Force) in the cockpit is controlled by a handle moving in the longitudinal-transverse direction, as well as by track control pedals. The main elements are spoilers, a steering wheel and a dual-mode rotary type stabilizer. The power drives are irreversible boosters with two chambers.

Angular movements of handles and pedals on boosters are carried out by means of a direct mechanical transmission. RAU-107A "extensible rod" electrical devices are used as actuating equipment for the autopilot. Additional force on the handle is created using spring loaders, the load is removed by means of devices with a trim effect.

MiG-23 weapons

The considered fighters could be used to destroy air targets, to carry out bombing and assault strikes on ground targets. Such versatility is ensured by the engineering and technical equipment of the aircraft, which consists in replacing the external suspension holders. The maximum weight of airborne weapons reaches two tons.

The main means of eliminating aircraft are 4 guided missiles of the R-24 and R-60 types. Guided projectiles were used to destroy ground targetsX-23M, cluster and standard bombs (from 100 to 500 kg.). Modifications with a multi-lock holder were able to transport suspended ammunition of 100 caliber (in total - 16 pieces). It also provided for the possibility of suspension of unguided rockets such as UB and B-8M.

Also, up to three external tanks PTB-800, holders of IR configuration traps for 16 charges could be attached to the combat aircraft. The lower fuselage compartment housed a double-barreled gun GSh-23L (ammunition - 200 rounds).

Combat use of the MiG-23

Among the real military operations of the considered fighter, the following can be noted:

• The work of aircraft in Syria (1973). Two Israeli fighter jets were shot down over Mount Herman.
• Clashes in response to Chinese Air Force provocations at the border (1960, 1975).
• In 1978, Iranian Chinook helicopters were shot down after crossing the Soviet border over Turkmenistan.
• The aircraft in question were actively used to destroy reconnaissance and propaganda balloons.
• Participation in the Egyptian-Libyan and Chadian-Libyan conflict (1973, 1976, 1983, 1986).
• War in Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iran-Iraq confrontation.
• Operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Persian Gulf, Angola, Libya.

Main parameters

The following is a list of the main characteristics of the MiG-23 in the standard version:

• Length - 16.7 m.
• Crew members - 1 pilot.
• Height – 5.0 m.
• Wing area - 34, 16 sq. m.
• Chassis (base/track) - 5770/2660 mm.
• The weight of an empty fighter is 10.55 tons.
• Maximum takeoff weight - 20, 1 tons.
• Fuel capacity - 4, 3 t.
• Speed threshold - 2500 km/h.
• Practical flight range - 900/1450 km.
• Acceleration length - 450 m.
• Aerodynamic coefficient - 12, 1.

Summarize

According to experts, at one time the MiG-23 was a modern and high-speed fighter that could change sweep, had good weapons, but had a cramped cockpit and poor visibility of the rear hemisphere. After the end of the Cold War, these modifications were practically not exported, although the MiG-21 is still in service with some states (mainly due to better maneuverability).