Difference between revisions of "MiG-23ML"

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m (See also: I added the list with links to other aircraft with variable geometry wings that exist in the game)
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
The first generation [[MiG-23M]] (and its export variant, the [[MiG-23MF (Germany)|MF]]) had a lot of shortcomings as was expected from a completely new and unique aircraft design. Over time, the most severe issues were addressed, and a complete rework of the MiG-23 airframe was conducted in the early 1970s. The airframe was completely redesigned in a way that trimmed down the drag and weight, by removing the No.4 fuel tank in the fuselage, cropping the dorsal fin extension, and redesigning the landing gear and wing-sweep mechanisms to be not only lighter, but more robust and reliable, the MiG-23ML (with L standing for "Lyogiky", i.e "Lightweight"). These upgrades were then mated with two other major changes to the MiG-23 airframe. The first being the new Tumansky R-25F-300 engine, increasing the thrust of the aircraft noticably. The other difference, was a complete overhaul of the flight and fire control systems to modern standards, chief of which was the new Sapphire-23ML radar and TP-23M IRST, the latter of which was rated at up to twice the range of its predecessor. The new systems allowed the aircraft to greatly increase its defensive and offensive capabilities, through the ability to use BDS-50-60 countermeasure dispensers and the new R-24 missile, in addition to a few upgrades to the CAS ordnance of the aircraft, namely the ability to use the UPK-23 gunpods.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
  
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a pack premium introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. It is functionally identical to the [[MiG-23MLA (Germany)|MiG-23MLA]] found in the German tree, and is slightly different from the [[MiG-23MLD]]. Just like those two aircraft, the MiG-23ML is a very capable and versatile plane, with a powerful engine and a diverse arsenal of weaponry to choose from. The RP-23ML radar is strong for its battle rating, which coupled with the [[R-24R]] and [[R-24T]] missiles, provides a very lethal combination for engaging enemy aircraft at BVR.
+
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", (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.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 20: Line 22:
 
{{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.'' -->
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 kgf 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.
+
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 kgf 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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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| 2,346 || 2,342 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.6 || 33.9 || 196.1 || 190.6 || rowspan="2" | 750
+
|100000||10000|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.6 || 33.9 || 196.1 || 190.6 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
| 2,371 || 2,358 || 32.4 || 33.0 || 246.1 || 220.0
+
|10000
 +
|10000|| 32.4 || 33.0 || 246.1 || 220.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 51: Line 54:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Limits
 
 
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
Line 61: Line 65:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
! Min sweep
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
| 892 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 508 || 473 || ~10 || ~4
 
|-
 
! Max sweep
 
| 1,470 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~11 || ~4
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 75: Line 75:
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
| < 665 || < 650 || < 700 || N/A
+
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 83: Line 83:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
+
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-35-300 || 1
 
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-35-300 || 1
| colspan="2" | 10,705 kg || colspan="3" | 374 - 422 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | __,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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 (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 31m fuel
+
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 1,760 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 
| 1,760 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,815 kg || 13,020 kg || 14,178 kg || 14,405 kg || 16,086 kg
+
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
+
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 31m fuel || MGW
+
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,103 kgf || 10,305 kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| 0.87 || 0.79 || 0.73 || 0.72 || 0.64
+
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 8,368 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h) || 15,787 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
| 1.34 || 1.21 || 1.11 || 1.10 || 0.98
+
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
|-
 
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
 
|-
 
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
+
* A choice between two presets:
* 60 x large calibre countermeasures
+
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
 +
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 72 x large calibre 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.' -->
 +
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)
 +
 
 +
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:'''
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
+
* 2x 23 mm dual-barrel GSh-23L cannon gunpods (250 rpg)
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
'''Bombs:'''
|-
+
 
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
+
* Up to 16 x OFAB-100 bombs (114 kg each)
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-23MLA (Germany).png]]</div>
+
* Up to 4 x FAB-250M-62 bombs (227 kg each)
|-
+
* Up to 2 x FAB-500M-62 bombs (508 kg each)
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
+
 
| 1 || || || || 1
+
'''Incendiary bombs:'''
|-
+
 
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
+
* Up to 2 x ZB-500 (374 kg each, 250 kg of CKC incendiary compound)
| 4 || 4<sup>¶</sup> || || 4<sup>¶</sup> || 4
+
 
|-
+
'''Unguided rockets:'''
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
+
 
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
+
* Up to 64 x S-5K rockets (HEAT, 150 mm penetration)
|-
+
* Up to 40 x S-8KO rockets (HEAT, 420 mm penetration)
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
+
* Up to 4 x S-24B rockets (235 kg rockets with a 25.5 kg HE warhead)
| 1 || || || || 1
+
 
|-
+
'''Guided rockets:'''
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
+
 
| || 1 || || 1 ||
+
* Up to 2 x Kh-23M rockets (Manual guidance, 10 km range, 289 kg rockets with a 96 kg HE warhead)
|-
 
! [[S-5K]] rockets
 
| 16, 32 || 16 || || 16 || 16, 32
 
|-
 
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
 
| 20 || || || || 20
 
|-
 
! [[S-24B]] rockets
 
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
! [[Kh-23M]] missiles
 
| 1* || || || || 1*
 
|-
 
! [[R-13M1]] missiles
 
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
! [[R-23R]] missiles
 
| 1<sup>‡</sup> || || || || 1<sup>‡</sup>
 
|-
 
! [[R-23T]] missiles
 
| 1<sup>†</sup> || || || || 1<sup>†</sup>
 
|-
 
! [[R-24R]] missiles
 
| 1<sup>†</sup><sup>‡</sup> || || || || 1<sup>†</sup><sup>‡</sup>
 
|-
 
! [[R-24T]] missiles
 
| 1<sup>†</sup><sup>‡</sup> || || || || 1<sup>†</sup><sup>‡</sup>
 
|-
 
! [[R-60M]] missiles
 
| 1 || 2 || || 2 || 1
 
|-
 
! Large calibre countermeasures
 
| || || 12 || ||
 
|-
 
! Delta-NG targeting pod
 
| || 1* || || ||
 
|-
 
! 800 l drop tanks
 
| || || 1<sup>¶</sup> || ||
 
|-
 
| colspan="7" | * It is required to equip the Delta-NG targeting pod with the Kh-23M missiles <br> <sup>†</sup> R-24R missiles cannot be equipped together with R-23T or R-24T missiles <br> <sup>‡</sup> R-24T missiles cannot be equipped together with R-23R or R-24R missiles  <br> <sup>¶</sup> The drop tank cannot be equipped in conjunction with quad bombs on adjacent hardpoints
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
+
Taking any amount of Kh-23M rockets requires mounting of the "Targeting Delta-NG" pod on one of the slots.
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
  
* 1 x 800 l drop tank
+
Custom weapon loadouts are available for the MiG-23ML.
* 12 x large calibre countermeasures
 
* 4 x R-13M1 missiles
 
* 6 x R-60M missiles
 
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 2 x R-23T missiles
 
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 2 x R-23R missiles
 
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 2 x R-24R missiles
 
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 2 x R-24T missiles
 
* 16 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
 
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 4 x R-60M missiles (800 kg total)
 
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 4 x R-60M missiles (500 kg total)
 
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
 
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
* 64 x S-5K rockets
 
* 40 x S-8KO rockets
 
* 4 x S-24B rockets
 
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles
 
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
 
{{Navigation-End}}
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Line 255: Line 200:
  
 
* Limited internal cannon ammunition (~3.5 seconds of firing time before depletion)
 
* Limited internal cannon ammunition (~3.5 seconds of firing time before depletion)
* Large engine limits survivability from successful hits
+
* Large engine limits survivability from successful hits  
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 267: Line 212:
  
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig_23ml Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig_23ml Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|tub5koN9rno|'''MiG-23ML Ultimate Guide''' - ''Bob Dickinson''}}
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 279: Line 221:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
;Related development
 
 
*[[MiG-23 (Family)]]
 
 
; '''Other jet planes with variable sweep wings'''
 
 
* [[Tornado (Family)]]
 
* [[Su-17/22 (Family)]]
 
* [[F-14 (Family)|F14 (Family)]]
 
* [[F-111A]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 295: Line 226:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
* [[wt:en/news/8015-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-part-2-en|[Shop] Pre-order: new rank VII Premium jet fighters (part 2)]]
+
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.''
  
{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
 
 
{{USSR jet aircraft}}
 
{{USSR jet aircraft}}
 
{{USSR premium aircraft}}
 
{{USSR premium aircraft}}

Revision as of 23:20, 5 February 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
Show in game
STORE

Description

The MiG-23ML is a premium gift rank VII Soviet jet fighter with a battle rating of 11.3 (AB/RB) and 11.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Apex Predators".

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", (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.

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-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 kgf 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 100000 10000 16000 33.6 33.9 196.1 190.6 750
Upgraded 10000 10000 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 (each) Type _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel
1,760 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 armour 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 will be severely impaired if it is damaged. You will be out of the fight if the engine is destroyed. Fuel tanks are located on the wings, in the centre 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 it if you have enough speed and distance to return to your airfield.

Modifications and economy

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

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.

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 rpg)
    • 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 72 x large calibre 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)

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 23 mm dual-barrel GSh-23L cannon gunpods (250 rpg)

Bombs:

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

Incendiary bombs:

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

Unguided rockets:

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

Guided rockets:

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

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 air-to-air missiles, or four of them with two medium-range air-to-air missiles. The best air-to-air 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. 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-60s, 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 armaments to choose from
  • Excellent flight performance and versatility
  • Adequate dogfighting ability with variable-geometry wings
  • A useful radar and an IRST mode
  • Large-calibre countermeasures

Cons:

  • 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

Skins

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.


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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
  Yak-3(e) Eremin's · 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
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