The MiG-23ML/MLA (NATO reporting name: Flogger) is a Soviet third-generation fighter jet. Designed to address the shortcomings of the previous MiG-23M/MF, the MiG-23ML variant features a lighter airframe, an improved and more powerful engine, additional countermeasure dispensers, enhanced avionics, and more effective weaponry when compared to the standard MiG-23s. The MiG-23ML is functionally identical to the German MiG-23MLA, and the MLA will be referred to as the ML in this article.
The Flogger is a formidable plane in air battles, with the potent R-24R/T missiles for midrange combat and the heatseeking R-60M or R-13M1 missiles for engagements at closer distances. The variable-geometry wings of the MiG-23 give it versatility in flight performance, allowing the plane to perform optimally at both lower and higher speeds.
The MiG-23ML is available as a premium pack in the War Thunder store. It comes with all modifications researched and the included premium bonuses give players extra SL and RP rewards for their actions in battles. The MiG-23MLA is available as a tech tree vehicle in the German Aviation tree.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent acceleration and top speed | Large turning radius |
| Useful IRST mode for stealthy engagements | RWR only displays four 90° sectors |
| Variable sweep wings can be adjusted at different speeds for optimal performance | Mediocre energy retention and turning performance when wings are not extended |
| Potent R-24R/T missiles for mid-range combat | GSh-23L cannon can be difficult to aim |
Table of contents
Flight performance
Thanks to its immensely powerful engine, the MiG-23ML is one of the fastest planes in the game, with its speed being rivaled by few aircraft. The Tumansky R-35-300 engine can produce over 10,000 kgf of thrust at 110% WEP throttle. Some notable planes that will keep pace with the MiG-23ML are the F-104s, the Kfirs, and the Mirage 2000 series. The rip speed of the MiG-23ML at sea level is 1,470 km/h.
In terms of maneuverability, the MiG-23ML has a relatively large turning radius and can feel sluggish at lower speeds. However, once the wings are unswept (see variable geometry wings for more information), the MiG-23ML is an excellent rate fighter and can hold its speed very well. The MiG-23ML can comfortably sit at 500-600 km/h in a turnfight with the wings out and the throttle set to the maximum.
General
| Speed (km/h) | |
|---|---|
| Wings (minimum sweep) | 892 km/h |
| Wings (maximum sweep) | 1,470 km/h |
| Gear | 630 km/h |
Flaps
| Speed (km/h) | |
|---|---|
| Combat | N/A |
| Take-off | 508 km/h |
| Landing | 473 km/h |
Maximum G-force amount
| With wings at minimum sweep | With wings at maximum sweep |
|---|---|
| ~ 10 positive Gs | ~ 11 positive Gs |
| ~ 4 negative Gs | ~ 4 negative Gs |
Variable geometry wings
The wings of the MiG-23 family are variable geometry, meaning that the wings can be swept back or extended forward to adjust the flight characteristics of the plane. This allows the MiG-23 to quickly adapt based on the current situation. The sweep amount ranges from 0% to 100%, with the wings being fully extended at 0% and fully swept back at 100%.
Note: At higher speeds, the wings will sweep back even further than what is shown in the image above when set to 100% sweep.
Sweeping the wings back reduces the amount of drag generated from the wings and will increase the acceleration and top speed of the plane. However, turning with the swept wings is very inefficient and this will result in large amounts of speed being lost. Unsweeping the wings will vastly improve the energy retention and turning performance of the MiG-23. Note that leaving the wings unswept at higher speeds will negatively affect the roll rate of the plane.
In order to manually adjust the wing sweep, the following controls must be keybinded:
- Switch wing sweep control mode
- Under Wing sweep: Increase value, Decrease value, and enable Relative control
To manually adjust the wing sweep, first switch the wing sweep control mode from “Auto” to “Semi-auto”; this allows the wings to be manually adjusted by pressing the keybinds to increase and decrease the wing sweep value.
Note: The flaps cannot be deployed when the wings are swept. Sweeping the wings will also automatically retract the flaps if they are extended.
Avionics
Radar
The MiG-23ML is equipped with the Sapphire-23ML radar, with 54 km of maximum range (10 km while using the ACM mode), built-in IFF for target identification, and MTI to discriminate targets against radar clutter. The Sapphire-23ML is a potent radar and is relatively resistant to ground clutter and chaff when using MTI.
Warning: MTI can only be used when the nose of the plane is pointed below the horizon and when the plane is below 1400 meters relative to ground level. Although MTI is not strictly needed to use the radar, it will greatly improve the consistency of the radar lock on the target since MTI has a higher resistance to chaff and ground clutter than regular SRC.
| Band | J |
| Range | 54 km |
| Search Zone | 60° x 15° |
| Look-down | All aspects |
| Look-up | Yes |
| IFF | Yes |
| BVR mode | Yes |
| ACM mode | Yes |
| SARH | Yes |
Data sourced from the in-game stats of the Sapphire-23ML radar.
IFF can be used when the radar is in the default SRC search mode, and not when the radar is tracking a target or in ACM mode. Friendly contacts will appear as two horizontal lines on top of each other, or a = symbol.
Hostile contacts will appear as a single dash, or -, and hostile contacts that the radar will attempt to lock onto first will appear as |-|.
Tim’s Variety War Thunder has provided an excellent guide to how aircraft radar functions, what the different radar modes mean, and more.
IRST
In addition to the Saphire-23ML radar, the MiG-23ML also has the TP-23M IRST. IRST locks onto and tracks targets by the infrared radiation that they emit.
The IRST is extremely effective for stealth attacks since it is passive and does not ping enemy RWR. The primary uses of the IRST are to search for targets passively, and also to slave the R-24T missiles for long-distance launches.
To use the IRST, switch from the radar to the IRST if needed (Change Radar/IRST mode keybind), and then press the keybind assigned for the Radar/IRST beyond/within visual range combat to lock up targets with the ACM. Targets that show up on the IRST can also be manually locked by pressing the Lock Radar/IRST on target keybind.
Note: Note that IRST cannot be used to fire the R-23R and R-24R radar missiles since these missiles require a radar lock for guidance.
RWR and countermeasures
RWR — Radar Warning Receiver
The MiG-23ML is equipped with the SPO-10 RWR. The SPO-10 only has four 90° sectors, meaning that it cannot display the precise location of radar pings. This makes defending against radar missiles and locating opponents very difficult.
| Band | H — J |
| Range | 50 km |
| Detection | Tracking only |
Data sourced from the in-game stats of the SPO-10 RWR.
Countermeasures
The MiG-23ML is equipped with 60 upward-firing large caliber countermeasures mounted in dispensers on the top of the fuselage.
The MiG-23ML can also mount an extra CM, or countermeasure dispenser containing 12 large caliber countermeasures on the belly (same hardpoint as the drop tank). The extra CM dispenser does not affect the flight performance of the plane and should be taken if the pilot chooses not to carry the drop tank.
If pilots take the extra CM pod, the integrated countermeasure dispenser on the top of the plane will be used before the countermeasures in the CM pod.
Recommended loadout
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-24R missiles | 1 | 1 | |||
| R-60M missiles | 2 | 2 | |||
| Drop tank | 1 |
Fuel amount: Customizable quantity, 20 minutes
Countermeasures: Mixed, 40 flares / 20 chaff
GSh-23L cannon belt: Air Targets
Gun targeting distance: 600 m
Note: Don’t know what each munition is and what it is? Click on each munition to view a more detailed description or scroll down to the dedicated page for air armaments or ground armaments.
Armaments for air combat
GSh-23L autocannon
The Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L is the primary gun armament of the MiG-23ML, with 200 rounds of ammunition. It is mounted on the belly of the plane.
The GSh-23L has a very high rate of fire of over 2000 RPM thanks to its twin barrel design. It also packs a lethal punch, being able to disintegrate enemy aircraft with a short burst. However, the GSh-23L has a low muzzle velocity (710 m/s) and can be frustratingly hard to aim, especially in high-speed engagements. Pilots must also have good trigger discipline as the gun can quickly go through available ammo in seconds due to the high rate of fire.
- Default: HEFI-T · AP-I · HEF-I
- Armored targets: HEF-I · AP-I · AP-I · AP-I
- Air targets: HEFI-T · HEF-I · HEFI-T · HEF-I · AP-I
- Stealth: AP-I · HEF-I · HEF-I
All 23 mm rounds have a muzzle velocity of 710 meters per second.
Note: Pilots can also take advantage of the MiG-23MLs EEGS (AKA radar gun assist) to help with aiming the gun by locking targets with the radar. The lead indicator will appear at around 1.2 km. Note that the radar gun assist can be inaccurate in some situations, especially when the target is maneuvering/changing trajectory frequently.
Due to the positioning of the gun and landing gear, the gun will not be able to fire when the landing gear is extended because the forward wheel is blocking the gun.
Missiles
R-24R
As the MiG-23ML’s primary weapon for BVR combat, the R-24R is an extremely lethal radar missile. It has good maneuverability, a large warhead, and accelerates very quickly to its max speed of Mach 3.5. The R-24R’s main drawback is its heavy weight that can hamper the plane’s flight performance.
The R-24R is the most effective in head-on engagements under 6 km at sea level and 10 km at altitude. Although the R-24R can hit targets beyond these distances, firing the missile at closer ranges will give the target less time to react and take evasive maneuvers. Use the R-24R on targets that are either at high altitude and/or flying toward the pilot or distracted. The R-24R can also be used in rear-aspect situations to surprise opponents.
R-24T
Being very similar to its sibling, the R-24T is the IR guided version of the R-24R, with the only differences being the guidance method (SARH vs IR) and the weight, with the R-24T being slightly lighter than the R-24R.
In most scenarios, the R-24R will be more useful than the R-24T as it is harder to defeat and delivers more consistent kills. However, the R-24T shines especially in simulator battles where it can be used for sneak attacks. It is recommended to use the R-24T with the IRST.
R-60M
The R-60M is the MiG-23ML’s primary close-range, all-aspect missile. It tracks targets well, but has extremely poor flare resistance, range, and a very small warhead. Its optimal range is 2 km or below.
The best way to utilize the R-60M is by launching it at targets that are distracted or unaware. Another viable way to use the R-60M is by “shotgunning” it in a head-on at extremely close ranges (under 1 km); this reduces the likelihood of the target being able to flare and evade the missile before it hits.
Note: The R-60M on the MiG-23MLA is listed as the R-60MK since it uses the export version of the R-60M. Both are functionally identical.
R-13M1
The R-13M1 is an alternative to the R-60M, with some advantages and disadvantages. When compared to the R-60M, the R-13M1 has more flare resistance, longer guidance time, and a more effective warhead.
However, the R-13M1 is less maneuverable (20 G vs 30 G) and only can be launched from rear aspect (in certain scenarios side aspects as well), making it less versatile than the R-60M. The MiG-23ML can also only carry two R-13M1 missiles compared to four R-60Ms when taking the two R-24s.
The R-23R and R-23T are earlier and inferior versions of the R-24R/R-24T, so there is no point in taking them over the R-24s. The R-23s have worse G-overload, maneuverability/tracking, and top speed than the R-24s.
Armaments for striking ground targets
The MiG-23ML has a variety of ordinance to attack ground targets with, including incendiary and dumb bombs, rockets, gunpods, and MACLOS missiles. However, the MiG-23ML is much more suited for air combat due to its small payload so using the plane in ground battles for CAS is not advisable.
Bombs
| Bomb | Weight | Explosive mass | Max # of bombs |
|---|---|---|---|
| OFAB-100 | 100 kg | 38 kg | 16 |
| FAB-250M-62 | 250 kg | 100 kg | 4 |
| FAB-500M-62 | 500 kg | 213 kg | 2 |
| ZB-500 incendiary | 374 kg | 250 kg (CKC) | 2 |
The best bombs to take to destroy ground targets are the FAB-500M-62s. The OFAB-100s and FAB-250M-62s are unsuited for destroying ground targets due to their poor damage. Two FAB-500M-62s can be taken on the outermost pylons.
For base bombing, the ZB-500 incendiaries are the most efficient option as they are relatively light and deal good damage to bases. Note that the ZB-500s cannot be taken simultaneously with the R-60M/R-13M1 on the two inner pylons.
Warning: The MiG-23ML does not have a ballistic computer/CCIP for bombs, so there is no crosshair to indicate where dropped bombs will land. Pilots will have to guesstimate on where their bombs will hit.
Rockets
| Rocket | Explosive mass | Max # of rockets |
|---|---|---|
| S-5K | 465 g | 96 |
| S-8KO | 1.38 kg | 40 |
| S-24B | 25.5 kg | 4 |
The S-24B rockets will be the most efficient for tank busting, as only one well-placed rocket to the roof is needed to overpressure most MBTs. The S-8KO rockets are also able to destroy tanks, but firing more rockets will be necessary.
Taking the S-5K rockets is not recommended; although 96 of them can be mounted, they have low damage and destroying MBTs with them will be difficult.
Guided missiles (Kh-23M)
The Kh-23M is a manually guided (MCLOS) air to ground missile, similar to the American AGM-12 Bullpup and the French AS-30 Nord. In order to guide the missile, pilots must use their keybinds for Yaw axis for aimed weapons and Pitch axis for weapons aiming in order to manually guide the Kh-23Ms. Up to two Kh-23M missiles can be carried.
A direct hit is required to destroy armored targets, while a close miss may be sufficient enough to destroy SPAA or light vehicles.
Warning: In order to use the Kh-23Ms, the Delta-NG Targeting Pod must be carried on pylon 2.
Gunpods (23 mm GSh-23L cannons)
The MiG-23ML is also able to carry up to two extra GSh-23L cannons, mounted in separate gunpods on the outermost pylons. These cannons are identical to the internal GSh-23L under the fuselage but have 50 more rounds of ammunition per gunpod.
Taking the gunpods can be useful for air combat, where the combined burst mass of the gunpods and the internal cannon can easily obliterate enemy aircraft in one hit. However, taking the R-24 missiles instead of the gunpods may be more useful for some players. These gunpods are also not very suited for strafing ground targets, as the armor-piercing 23mm round can only penetrate 31 mm of armor at 0 m.
The gunpods are also mounted on the same pylons as the R-24 missiles, so pilots can only take one or the other.
Usage in battles
When used correctly, the MiG-23ML is a plane to be reckoned with. It excels at hit-and-run tactics, allowing pilots to quickly engage enemy aircraft and reposition for more attacks afterwards. Always stay below ~5500 m of altitude so the engine contrail does not appear.
If the need to dogfight with enemy planes arises, always unsweep the wings fully before engaging. The MiG-23ML may not get the gun on target in the first turns, but it is a very good ratefighter and should win prolonged dogfights if engagements are executed well. Utilize the radar gun assist for the GSh-23L to assist with shooting down targets with the gun.
The R-24R radar missiles should be used for mid-range combat under 10 km. Make sure to keep the target below the plane altitude-wise so the radar will stay in MTI mode. R-60Ms should be either shotgunned in head-ons under 1 km or fired at targets that are unaware.
When needing to scramble, the wings can be fully swept (100% sweep) to minimize drag and to maximize acceleration and speed. Do not exceed 1470 km/h; going over this speed will rip the wings off.
Note: For more information, Bob Dickinson has created a very useful video that goes over the history of the MiG-23, its armaments, and how to best utilize it in battles.
Credits
Special thanks to Flame 2512 for making the images of the various missiles and the KH-23M on the old War Thunder wiki. Other images of armaments can be found on the old WT wiki here.
The image of the GSh-23L cannon is from Wikipedia and can be viewed here.
The videos listed in the article are by Tim’s Variety War Thunder and Bob Dickinson on YouTube, respectively.
All other media and images are by nornfang058, who is the author of this article.
