Difference between revisions of "MiG-23BN (Germany)"

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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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].
+
Following adoption of the MiG-23B ground-attack variant of the [[MiG-23 (Family)|MiG-23]], Mikoyan OKB quickly set out to modernize and upgrade the aircraft where possible. The first of these many upgrades was the MiG-23BN variant, with the main difference being the usage of the Type 3 wings of the MiG-23ML and an upgraded variant of the R-29 engine. The BN variant saw almost no use with the Soviets, instead being a very popular export model to both Warsaw Pact and Third World customers. During the mid-late '70s, the East German airforce received 18 MiG-23BNs, especially modified by removal of the dielectric fairings, and received without any countermeasure dispensers. These aircraft would serve in the forefront of the ground attack roles alongside the [[Su-22M4 (Germany)|Su-22]] aircraft used by the East German air force.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO: Flogger-H) is a dedicated ground attack variant of the MiG-23, introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]] to the German tech tree. It lacks any form of countermeasures, guided ordnance, or air-to-air missiles, but do not let this deter you, as in air battles, the aircraft is not only very versatile and fast (having the flight performance of the MiG-23s at a far lower battle rating), but with the ability to take gunpods and outrun almost every enemy it faces, it is a force to be reckoned with when used in the fighter role at its battle rating. The aircraft also shines in mixed battles, where it can use its ballistic computer to accurately rain bombs and small-calibre rockets over a wide area, or precisely pick enemy tanks off using the powerful [[S-24B]] rockets, accurately aimed using the CCIP computer. All in all, the MiG-23BN is an aircraft that appears bad on paper at first and turns away many players, but those who truly master its playstyle in both air and ground battles are heftily rewarded with a very fearsome aircraft.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 19:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
At first glance, aside from having the LSK's emblem (East German Air Force), the MiG-23BN looks exactly like any other Flogger. A closer inspection on its nose gives its identity away: as an attacker, MiG revised the nose with a flat bottom for the B variants; but the BN removed the optical equipment for this exact job. Since it was based on the first-generation MiG-23 but with a R-29B-300 engine, the overall flight performance is very similar to the [[MiG-23M]] in the Soviet tech tree but without AAMs. Experienced players might take the use of its iconic variable swept wing for dogfights, but do keep in mind that a major problem of these 1st generation Floggers were exactly the wings, it might be sufficient to take down heavier jets like Phantoms if utilized the wings well, but having only guns for air-to-air operations makes it a huge target for other jets. Any extra ordnance ranging from bombs up to AGMs affects the flight model severely, so utilize its speed in missions and avoid dogfights unless in dire situation.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 13,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 2,182 || 2,172 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.6 || 37.0 || 132.5 || 125.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 2,220 || 2,200 || 35.4 || 36.0 || 179.3 || 155.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
−
|-
 
−
! 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)
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
! Min sweep
 +
| 1,154 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 508 || 473 || ~__ || ~__
 +
|-
 +
! Max sweep
 +
| 1,417 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~__ || ~__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
+
| < 665 || < 650 || < 700 || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
The MiG-23BN has only a pair of 16 mm steel plates on the side of the cockpit as extra protection against other targets. If it has to commit to a head-on fight or even a dogfight, it might not have sufficient survivability to leave the combat in one piece.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{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.'' -->
−
{{main|OFAB-100 (100 kg)|FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|ZB-500 incendiary}}
 
−
{{main|Kh-23M|S-5K|S-8KO|S-24B|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}
 
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* Without load
 
−
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles
 
−
* 64 x S-5K rockets
 
−
* 128 x S-5K rockets
 
−
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
 
−
* 4 x S-24B rockets
 
−
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
 
−
* 18 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,800 kg total)
 
−
* 6 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
 
−
* 6 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (3,000 kg total)
 
−
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
 
−
 
−
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6
+
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
−
| rowspan="11" width="20%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
+
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-27M.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
 +
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)
+
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
−
| 1 || || || || || 1
+
| 4 || 1 || 4 || || 4 || 1 || 4
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs
+
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
−
| 4 || 1 || 4 || 4 || 1 || 4
+
| 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1, 2
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs
+
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
−
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
+
| 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1, 2
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs
+
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
−
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
+
| 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ZB-500 incendiary bombs
+
! [[S-5K]] rockets
−
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || || 1
+
| 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || || 16, 32
 
|-
 
|-
−
! S-5K rockets
+
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
−
| 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || 16, 32 || || 16, 32
+
| 20 || || 20 || || 20 || || 20
 
|-
 
|-
−
! S-8KO rockets
+
! [[S-24B]] rockets
−
| 20 || || 20 || 20 || || 20
+
| 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! S-24B rockets
+
! [[Kh-23M]] missiles
−
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || || 1
+
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Kh-23M missiles
+
! 800 l drop tanks
−
| 1 || || || || || 1
+
| || || || 1 || || ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="7" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 750 kg
+
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,050 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 750 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 +
* 1 x 800 l drop tank
 +
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles
 +
* 64 x S-5K rockets
 +
* 128 x S-5K rockets
 +
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
 +
* 4 x S-24B rockets
 +
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
 +
* 18 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,800 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 6 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
 +
* 6 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (3,000 kg total)
 +
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
 +
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
For players who jumped from the subsonic [[G.91 R/3 (Germany)|G.91 R/3]] into the MiG-23BN, not only it is supersonic and goes up to mach 2.0, it also carries as much ordnance as its TT predecessor [[IL-28 (Germany)|IL-28]]. For players of MiG-27 or MiG-23 variants, the flight performance is very similar as they were built under similar airframe but with some revision differences per blocks (batches). Some players might want to take it for a dogfight for its manoeuvrability as well as the variable swept-wing; but as an attacker, it doesn't have any AAM at disposal, the only viable option is the 23 mm gun for gunning down enemy jets with its fast rate of fire and sufficient damage. Additional 23 mm cannons can be mounted as wing-mount gunpods. The MiG-23BN doesn't have countermeasures either, the airframe is also rather unprotected other than 2 steel plates on the sides of the cockpit, so avoid enemies at all cost and only fight enemies when there's only one of them- any more than this number means the MiG-23BN will become an easy prey for the enemies due to its enormous size.
 +
 
 +
=== High-altitude bombing ===
 +
 
 +
For the reasons mentioned above, dogfights should be completely avoided in Air RB and Combined Battles. Instead, in a contested airspace such as Air RB, the MiG-23BN excels as a high-altitude bomber. The two loadouts recommended for this are either 6 x 500 kg bombs (roughly 1.5 bases' worth) or 16 x 100 kg and 2 x 500 kg bombs (1.33 bases' worth, but gives higher rewards). With the latter, the optimal drop order is either 2 drops first for a third of a base, then the rest for a full hp one, or 12 "drops" first (which coincides with a preset bomb series) for a whole base, and the rest for a third of one.
 +
 
 +
After takeoff, maintaining a 10-15° climb allows the jet to reach a 9,000 m altitude before encountering the enemy. Pilots should watch for condensation trails from the enemy's direction, as that means that an enemy fighter is also climbing to a high altitude. If no support is available, avoid the area until the hostile engages someone else. After reaching 9-10,000 m, fully extending the wings allows the plane to maintain the altitude without afterburner when in a 3-5° climb. Disengaging the afterburner greatly reduces the range enemy missiles can achieve a lock-on. It is recommended to wait until the bases have respawned at least once, as the bombs can take more than 40 seconds to hit the target, and are easily wasted if a teammate takes out the base.
 +
 
 +
Once the teammates are returning to base, the CCRP target selector can be used to align the plane with a base, then, holding the bomb series key (with the series set to 4 or 12) and maintaining level flight, allows the bombs to accurately hit the target (With Weapon Maintenance maxed out, the bombs should have near 100% accuracy). Alternatively, a dive can be used to align the bomb indicator and drop manually.
 +
 
 +
It is not recommended to return to base in a dive, as the plane can destroy itself due to its excessive speed. Keeping the altitude change positive completely avoids this and allows for a greater speed to be maintained.
 +
 
 +
=== Combined battles ===
 +
 
 +
Relative to its BR, it is a very fast attacker in-game (only slower than its [[Su-22UM3K (Germany)|Sukhoi counterpart]]) and the payload is sufficient to deal devastating damage to enemies. It might not be as much as USAF's [[F-4C Phantom II|F-4C]] or British's [[Buccaneer S.2|Buccaneer]], but the variety of bombs or AGMs will fit the player's playstyle one way or another. For players who demand a fireworks show on the ground and create as many craters as possible, conventional and incendiary bombs are at your disposal. The Kh-23M missiles are arguably the least useful weapon in its loadout. With a ballistic computer, its unguided rockets are actually significantly easier to use than the MCLOS missile and are much more forgiving thanks to the large number it can carry. One unconventional and highly situational use for the AGMs is to launch them at enemy fighters with maximum horizontal guidance. The smoke trail and the movement gives the appearance of a radar-guided missile and can deter inexperienced players. Attempting to actually hit a jet fighter with a manually-guided missile yields very little results.
 +
 
 +
If the enemy SPAAGs, interceptors or in some occasion, helicopters with AAMs (namely, [[TY-90|TY-90s]] found on PLAGF helicopters) are in business, the excellent speed of the MiG-23BN will certainly help you to get away from trouble since there are few jets that can catch up with your mach 2.0 top speed (but in high-altitude). Speed is what makes MiG-23BN unique among jet attackers of its era and BR; any prolonged fight in the combat area hugely increase its risk of meeting its end.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
'''Pros:'''
  
−
'''Pros:'''
+
* Great top speed
−
*
+
* Great acceleration
 +
* Great energy retention
 +
* Sufficient payload for ground-attack
 +
* Variable swept-wing makes it manoeuvrable
 +
* Equipped with RWR
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Lacks flares
 +
* Lacks AAMs
 +
* Bombs won't drop above Mach 1
 +
* Relatively small ammo pool for the fixed 23 mm cannon
 +
* Rather large size makes it easier to hit
 +
* RWR only shows radar pings and locks from 4 sides
 +
* Due to swept wing design it is hard to aim at high speeds
 +
* The plane can only reach up to Mach 1 below 5,000 m
 +
* At high altitudes the engine's performance drops significantly
 +
* Gunsight lacks information to effectively use CCRP in simulator battles
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 214: Line 255:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig_23bn Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|HqDtRttvNBk|'''The Shooting Range #331''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 220: Line 267:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;'''Related development'''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
*[[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 229: Line 284:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''

Latest revision as of 04:21, 26 March 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the strike aircraft MiG-23BN (Germany). For other versions, see MiG-23 (Family).
◊MiG-23BN
mig_23bn.png
GarageImage MiG-23BN (Germany).jpg
◊MiG-23BN
Germany flag.png Germany
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.0 9.7 9.7
Class:
Research:220 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:620 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Following adoption of the MiG-23B ground-attack variant of the MiG-23, Mikoyan OKB quickly set out to modernize and upgrade the aircraft where possible. The first of these many upgrades was the MiG-23BN variant, with the main difference being the usage of the Type 3 wings of the MiG-23ML and an upgraded variant of the R-29 engine. The BN variant saw almost no use with the Soviets, instead being a very popular export model to both Warsaw Pact and Third World customers. During the mid-late '70s, the East German airforce received 18 MiG-23BNs, especially modified by removal of the dielectric fairings, and received without any countermeasure dispensers. These aircraft would serve in the forefront of the ground attack roles alongside the Su-22 aircraft used by the East German air force.

The ◊MiG-23BN (NATO: Flogger-H) is a dedicated ground attack variant of the MiG-23, introduced in Update "Drone Age" to the German tech tree. It lacks any form of countermeasures, guided ordnance, or air-to-air missiles, but do not let this deter you, as in air battles, the aircraft is not only very versatile and fast (having the flight performance of the MiG-23s at a far lower battle rating), but with the ability to take gunpods and outrun almost every enemy it faces, it is a force to be reckoned with when used in the fighter role at its battle rating. The aircraft also shines in mixed battles, where it can use its ballistic computer to accurately rain bombs and small-calibre rockets over a wide area, or precisely pick enemy tanks off using the powerful S-24B rockets, accurately aimed using the CCIP computer. All in all, the MiG-23BN is an aircraft that appears bad on paper at first and turns away many players, but those who truly master its playstyle in both air and ground battles are heftily rewarded with a very fearsome aircraft.

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 200 km/h
Turn time36 s
Max altitude15 000 m
EngineTumansky R-29B-300
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight20 t

At first glance, aside from having the LSK's emblem (East German Air Force), the MiG-23BN looks exactly like any other Flogger. A closer inspection on its nose gives its identity away: as an attacker, MiG revised the nose with a flat bottom for the B variants; but the BN removed the optical equipment for this exact job. Since it was based on the first-generation MiG-23 but with a R-29B-300 engine, the overall flight performance is very similar to the MiG-23M in the Soviet tech tree but without AAMs. Experienced players might take the use of its iconic variable swept wing for dogfights, but do keep in mind that a major problem of these 1st generation Floggers were exactly the wings, it might be sufficient to take down heavier jets like Phantoms if utilized the wings well, but having only guns for air-to-air operations makes it a huge target for other jets. Any extra ordnance ranging from bombs up to AGMs affects the flight model severely, so utilize its speed in missions and avoid dogfights unless in dire situation.

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 2,182 2,172 15000 36.6 37.0 132.5 125.5 750
Upgraded 2,220 2,200 35.4 36.0 179.3 155.0

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 + -
Min sweep 1,154 630 N/A 508 473 ~__ ~__
Max sweep 1,417 N/A N/A N/A ~__ ~__
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-29B-300 1 11,305 kg ___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 11m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 39m fuel
1,780 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 12,666 kg 13,612 kg 14,765 kg 15,835 kg 18,905 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 11m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 39m fuel MGW
Stationary 7,950 kgf 10,208 kgf 0.81 0.75 0.69 0.64 0.54
Optimal 8,282 kgf
(1,417 km/h) 		12,633 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		1.00 0.93 0.86 0.80 0.67

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear630 km/h

The MiG-23BN has only a pair of 16 mm steel plates on the side of the cockpit as extra protection against other targets. If it has to commit to a head-on fight or even a dogfight, it might not have sufficient survivability to leave the combat in one piece.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 852 → 4 146 Sl icon.png
RB8 769 → 12 750 Sl icon.png
SB9 632 → 14 004 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications197 000 Rp icon.png
305 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training175 000 Sl icon.png
Experts620 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 600 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
ZB-500
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
UB-32
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ns23_new_gun
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
OFAB-100
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
B-8M1
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod UPK-23-250
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-250
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
S-24
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-500
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png
Mods agm missile.png
Kh-23M
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: GSh-23L (23 mm)

The MiG-23BN (Germany) is armed with:

  • 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)

Suspended armament

The MiG-23BN (Germany) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Hardpoints MiG-27M.png
23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg) 1 1
100 kg OFAB-100 bombs 4 1 4 4 1 4
250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs 1, 2 1 1 1 1 1, 2
500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs 1, 2 1 1 1 1 1, 2
ZB-500 incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1
S-5K rockets 16, 32 16, 32 16, 32 16, 32
S-8KO rockets 20 20 20 20
S-24B rockets 1 1 1 1
Kh-23M missiles 1 1
800 l drop tanks 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,050 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 750 kg
Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 800 l drop tank
  • 2 x Kh-23M missiles
  • 64 x S-5K rockets
  • 128 x S-5K rockets
  • 80 x S-8KO rockets
  • 4 x S-24B rockets
  • 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
  • 18 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,800 kg total)
  • 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 6 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
  • 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
  • 6 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (3,000 kg total)
  • 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
  • 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)

Usage in battles

For players who jumped from the subsonic G.91 R/3 into the MiG-23BN, not only it is supersonic and goes up to mach 2.0, it also carries as much ordnance as its TT predecessor IL-28. For players of MiG-27 or MiG-23 variants, the flight performance is very similar as they were built under similar airframe but with some revision differences per blocks (batches). Some players might want to take it for a dogfight for its manoeuvrability as well as the variable swept-wing; but as an attacker, it doesn't have any AAM at disposal, the only viable option is the 23 mm gun for gunning down enemy jets with its fast rate of fire and sufficient damage. Additional 23 mm cannons can be mounted as wing-mount gunpods. The MiG-23BN doesn't have countermeasures either, the airframe is also rather unprotected other than 2 steel plates on the sides of the cockpit, so avoid enemies at all cost and only fight enemies when there's only one of them- any more than this number means the MiG-23BN will become an easy prey for the enemies due to its enormous size.

High-altitude bombing

For the reasons mentioned above, dogfights should be completely avoided in Air RB and Combined Battles. Instead, in a contested airspace such as Air RB, the MiG-23BN excels as a high-altitude bomber. The two loadouts recommended for this are either 6 x 500 kg bombs (roughly 1.5 bases' worth) or 16 x 100 kg and 2 x 500 kg bombs (1.33 bases' worth, but gives higher rewards). With the latter, the optimal drop order is either 2 drops first for a third of a base, then the rest for a full hp one, or 12 "drops" first (which coincides with a preset bomb series) for a whole base, and the rest for a third of one.

After takeoff, maintaining a 10-15° climb allows the jet to reach a 9,000 m altitude before encountering the enemy. Pilots should watch for condensation trails from the enemy's direction, as that means that an enemy fighter is also climbing to a high altitude. If no support is available, avoid the area until the hostile engages someone else. After reaching 9-10,000 m, fully extending the wings allows the plane to maintain the altitude without afterburner when in a 3-5° climb. Disengaging the afterburner greatly reduces the range enemy missiles can achieve a lock-on. It is recommended to wait until the bases have respawned at least once, as the bombs can take more than 40 seconds to hit the target, and are easily wasted if a teammate takes out the base.

Once the teammates are returning to base, the CCRP target selector can be used to align the plane with a base, then, holding the bomb series key (with the series set to 4 or 12) and maintaining level flight, allows the bombs to accurately hit the target (With Weapon Maintenance maxed out, the bombs should have near 100% accuracy). Alternatively, a dive can be used to align the bomb indicator and drop manually.

It is not recommended to return to base in a dive, as the plane can destroy itself due to its excessive speed. Keeping the altitude change positive completely avoids this and allows for a greater speed to be maintained.

Combined battles

Relative to its BR, it is a very fast attacker in-game (only slower than its Sukhoi counterpart) and the payload is sufficient to deal devastating damage to enemies. It might not be as much as USAF's F-4C or British's Buccaneer, but the variety of bombs or AGMs will fit the player's playstyle one way or another. For players who demand a fireworks show on the ground and create as many craters as possible, conventional and incendiary bombs are at your disposal. The Kh-23M missiles are arguably the least useful weapon in its loadout. With a ballistic computer, its unguided rockets are actually significantly easier to use than the MCLOS missile and are much more forgiving thanks to the large number it can carry. One unconventional and highly situational use for the AGMs is to launch them at enemy fighters with maximum horizontal guidance. The smoke trail and the movement gives the appearance of a radar-guided missile and can deter inexperienced players. Attempting to actually hit a jet fighter with a manually-guided missile yields very little results.

If the enemy SPAAGs, interceptors or in some occasion, helicopters with AAMs (namely, TY-90s found on PLAGF helicopters) are in business, the excellent speed of the MiG-23BN will certainly help you to get away from trouble since there are few jets that can catch up with your mach 2.0 top speed (but in high-altitude). Speed is what makes MiG-23BN unique among jet attackers of its era and BR; any prolonged fight in the combat area hugely increase its risk of meeting its end.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great top speed
  • Great acceleration
  • Great energy retention
  • Sufficient payload for ground-attack
  • Variable swept-wing makes it manoeuvrable
  • Equipped with RWR

Cons:

  • Lacks flares
  • Lacks AAMs
  • Bombs won't drop above Mach 1
  • Relatively small ammo pool for the fixed 23 mm cannon
  • Rather large size makes it easier to hit
  • RWR only shows radar pings and locks from 4 sides
  • Due to swept wing design it is hard to aim at high speeds
  • The plane can only reach up to Mach 1 below 5,000 m
  • At high altitudes the engine's performance drops significantly
  • Gunsight lacks information to effectively use CCRP in simulator battles

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
Videos
The Shooting Range #331 - Metal Beasts section at 00:26 discusses the MiG-23BN (Germany).

See also

Related development
Other jet planes with variable sweep wings

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (Микоя́н и Гуре́вич Опытное конструкторское бюро)
Fighters  MiG-3-15 · MiG-3-15 (BK) · MiG-3-34
  I-225
Jet fighters  MiG-9 · MiG-9 (l)
  MiG-15 · MiG-15bis · MiG-15bis ISh
  MiG-17
  MiG-19PT
  MiG-21F-13 · MiG-21PFM · MiG-21S (R-13-300) · MiG-21SMT · MiG-21bis
  MiG-23M · MiG-23ML · MiG-23MLD
  MiG-27M · MiG-27K
  MiG-29 · MiG-29SMT
Export/Licensed  ␗MiG-9 · ␗MiG-9 (l)
  ◊MiG-15bis · ◔MiG-15bis · J-2*
  MiG-17AS · ◔MiG-17PF · J-4* · Shenyang F-5*
  ◊MiG-19S · J-6A*
  ◄MiG-21 SPS-K · ◊MiG-21MF · ◔MiG-21MF · ▄MiG-21bis · ◔MiG-21bis-SAU · ◊MiG-21bis-SAU · ◊MiG-21 "Lazur-M" · ▄MiG-21 Bison · J-7II**
  ◊MiG-23BN · ◊MiG-23MF · ◔MiG-23MF · ◊MiG-23MLA
  ◔MiG-29 · ◊MiG-29 · ◄MiG-29G
  *Licensed and domesticated with Chinese designations.
  **Unlicensed, reverse-engineered and domesticated with Chinese designations.
See Also  Shenyang · Chengdu

Germany jet aircraft
Germany flag.png  Luftwaffe
He 162  He 162 A-1 · He 162 A-2
Me 163  Me 163 B · Me 163 B-0
Ho 229  Ho 229 V3
Ar 234  Ar 234 B-2 · Ar 234 C-3
Me 262  Me 262 A-1a · Me 262 A-1a/Jabo · Me 262 A-1a/U1 · Me 262 A-1/U4 · Me 262 A-2a
  Me 262 C-1a · Me 262 C-2b
GDR flag.png  LSK
Fighters  ◊MiG-15bis · ◊Lim-5P · ◊MiG-19S
  ◊MiG-21MF · ◊MiG-21bis-SAU · ◊MiG-21 "Lazur-M"
  ◊MiG-29
Attackers  ◊MiG-23BN · ◊MiG-23MF · ◊MiG-23MLA
  ◊Su-22UM3K · ◊Su-22M4
  ◊IL-28
FRG flag.png  Luftwaffe
F-84  ◄F-84F
F-86  ◄CL-13A Mk 5 · ◄CL-13B Mk.6 · ◄F-86K
F-104  ◄F-104G
F-4  ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · ◄F-4F KWS LV
G.91  ◄G.91 R/3 · ◄G.91 R/4
Tornado  ◄Tornado IDS WTD61 · ◄Tornado IDS MFG · ◄Tornado IDS ASSTA1
Other  Alpha Jet A · ◄Sea Hawk Mk.100
Ex-LSK  ◄MiG-21 SPS-K · ◄MiG-29G · ◄Su-22M4 WTD61
Switzerland flag.png  Swiss Air Force
  ◌Hunter F.58 · FFA P-16

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