Difference between revisions of "MiG-21MF (Germany)"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=mig-21_mf
 
|code=mig-21_mf
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{Break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]].
  
Line 13: Line 11:
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' has good acceleration and, in terms of maneuverability, is second only to the J35 Draken. Keep in mind, however, that constant maneuvering will cause it to bleed a lot of speed. Its wings will not rip off from maneuvers. The acceleration is good at speeds under Mach, and once it hits Mach 1, the MiG-21MF can out accelerate everything except for the MiG-21SMT and the British Phantoms. It is also very easy to overspeed and rip in a dive so players should keep an eye on their speed.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' has good acceleration and, in terms of manoeuvrability, is second only to the J35 Draken. Keep in mind, however, that constant manoeuvring will cause it to bleed a lot of speed. Its wings will not rip off from manoeuvres. The acceleration is good at speeds under Mach, and once it hits Mach 1, the MiG-21MF can out accelerate everything except for the MiG-21SMT and the British Phantoms. It is also very easy to overspeed and rip in a dive so players should keep an eye on their speed.
  
 
{| 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 13,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 13,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
Line 31: Line 29:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
|2295|| 2,240 ||32.3|| 33.0 ||192.8|| 165.0
+
| 2,295 || 2,240 || 32.3 || 33.0 || 192.8 || 165.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 42: Line 40:
 
! 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 || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 57: Line 55:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 550 || 550 || 450 || ~11 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 550 || 450 || ~11 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 108: Line 106:
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{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.'' -->
  
 
The MiG-21MF lacks armor plating. There is none around the nose of the aircraft, making head-ons a death sentence. (Though at top rank, they're a bad idea with the 23 mm guns the plane has). The plane also has poor survivability like most jets at 10.3. Two fuel tanks in each wing allows even a stray cannon round to set you ablaze, though the main body of the plane is occasionally able to take a round or two. The wings are susceptible to being sheered off by incoming rounds. In short; getting hit is not something you want to do when playing the MiG-21MF.
 
The MiG-21MF lacks armor plating. There is none around the nose of the aircraft, making head-ons a death sentence. (Though at top rank, they're a bad idea with the 23 mm guns the plane has). The plane also has poor survivability like most jets at 10.3. Two fuel tanks in each wing allows even a stray cannon round to set you ablaze, though the main body of the plane is occasionally able to take a round or two. The wings are susceptible to being sheered off by incoming rounds. In short; getting hit is not something you want to do when playing the MiG-21MF.
Line 114: Line 112:
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
Your main priority is to get to the R-60s as soon as possible, this will require you to unlock two tier three modifications. Unless you particularly want to research the ground attack ordinance  you will be wanting to unlock "Wings repair" and "New 23 mm cannons". Therefore if you want to reach the R-60s in the shortest time possible you should research "New 23 mm cannons" as your first modification. This will then unlock tier two modifications where you can research "R-3S" and your choice of "New boosters" or "Airframe"; it is up to you in which order you unlock these, it may be appealing to unlock missiles first to help with the grind but you should keep in mind that the R-3S missiles are nearly useless (they are slightly worse than the [[AIM-9B]] and can only be fired when pulling less than 2G, which means they cannot be fired in even a gentle turn). Once tier three modifications are amiable unlock "Wings repair" and "New 23 mm cannons" in whichever order you want, then go for the R-60s. Once the R-60s are unlocked you can unlock the remaining modifications in whatever order you see fit.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 129: Line 129:
 
{{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-250-270 (250 kg)|S-24|S-5K|R-3S|R-60}}
+
{{main|OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|R-3S|R-60|S-5K|S-24}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
Line 143: Line 143:
 
* 2 x S-24 rockets + 2 x R-3S missiles
 
* 2 x S-24 rockets + 2 x R-3S missiles
 
* 2 x S-24 rockets + 2 x R-60 missiles
 
* 2 x S-24 rockets + 2 x R-60 missiles
−
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs (1,000 kg total)
+
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
−
* 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs + 2 x R-3S missiles (500 kg total)
+
* 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs + 2 x R-3S missiles (500 kg total)
−
* 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs + 2 x R-60 missiles (500 kg total)
+
* 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs + 2 x R-60 missiles (500 kg total)
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
−
Combining an ability to pull high angle-of-attack turns on demand, excellent acceleration, high top speed, and powerful dog-fighting weaponry, the MiG-21MF is a potent air superiority fighter. Good maneuverability allows the pilot to easily establish a tailing flight path on most enemies, and from there, it is very hard for the enemy to shake the MiG-21MF off of their tail. The MiG, for its part, can then utilize its powerful R-60 missiles or 23 mm cannons to destroy the enemy with ease.
+
Combining an ability to pull high angle-of-attack turns on demand, excellent acceleration, high top speed, and powerful dog-fighting weaponry, the MiG-21MF is a potent air superiority fighter. Good manoeuvrability allows the pilot to easily establish a tailing flight path on most enemies, and from there, it is very hard for the enemy to shake the MiG-21MF off of their tail. The MiG, for its part, can then utilize its powerful R-60 missiles or 23 mm cannons to destroy the enemy with ease.
  
 
Note that when using the Mig-21MF's air-to-air missiles, it is best to fire them at around 1-2 km of range. Any less than that, and the missile might not have enough time to manoeuvre and successfully track the enemy. At ranges above 2 km, the missile may not be able to catch a fast-moving target. As for the 23 mm offensive cannons, be careful to practice trigger discipline. A high rate of fire and a low ammo count means that it is only possible to fire the cannons for a few seconds before they need to be reloaded at the airfield.
 
Note that when using the Mig-21MF's air-to-air missiles, it is best to fire them at around 1-2 km of range. Any less than that, and the missile might not have enough time to manoeuvre and successfully track the enemy. At ranges above 2 km, the missile may not be able to catch a fast-moving target. As for the 23 mm offensive cannons, be careful to practice trigger discipline. A high rate of fire and a low ammo count means that it is only possible to fire the cannons for a few seconds before they need to be reloaded at the airfield.
  
−
As a dogfighter, the MiG-21MF excels due to its powerful weaponry, great acceleration, and a good turn rate. It can easily turn with [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantoms]], although the [[J35D]] and [[Mirage IIIC]] both turn better. Against these two planes, it is best to avoid extended turn fights. Instead, gradually bleed their speed - they both have poor maneuvering energy retention. At high altitudes, this plane is not as responsive, due to its high wing load and the low air pressure. This makes it much harder to dodge incoming missiles, so it is especially important to keep a high speed when at high altitude.
+
As a dogfighter, the MiG-21MF excels due to its powerful weaponry, great acceleration, and a good turn rate. It can easily turn with [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantoms]], although the [[J35D]] and [[Mirage IIIC]] both turn better. Against these two planes, it is best to avoid extended turn fights. Instead, gradually bleed their speed - they both have poor manoeuvring energy retention. At high altitudes, this plane is not as responsive, due to its high wing load and the low air pressure. This makes it much harder to dodge incoming missiles, so it is especially important to keep a high speed when at high altitude.
  
 
The MiG-21MF can also easily engage ground targets. Its cannons can destroy lightly armoured vehicles, and its 4 x S-24 rockets are extremely capable at dealing with even the most advanced MBTs. What's more, this plane has access to a ballistic computer which calculates the impact point of cannon shells, rockets, and bombs, making aiming against ground targets a breeze.
 
The MiG-21MF can also easily engage ground targets. Its cannons can destroy lightly armoured vehicles, and its 4 x S-24 rockets are extremely capable at dealing with even the most advanced MBTs. What's more, this plane has access to a ballistic computer which calculates the impact point of cannon shells, rockets, and bombs, making aiming against ground targets a breeze.
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 23 mm
 
−
| FAB-250
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| New boosters
 
−
|
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
| UB-16
 
−
| R-3S
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
| New 23 mm cannons
 
−
| UB-32
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| G-suit
 
−
| Engine
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
| C-24
 
−
| R-60
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
Your main priority is to get to the R-60s as soon as possible, this will require you to unlock two tier three modifications. Unless you particularly want to research the ground attack ordinance  you will be wanting to unlock "Wings repair" and "New 23 mm cannons". Therefore if you want to reach the R-60s in the shortest time possible you should research "New 23 mm cannons" as your first modification. This will then unlock tier two modifications where you can research "R-3S" and your choice of "New boosters" or "Airframe"; it is up to you in which order you unlock these, it may be appealing to unlock missiles first to help with the grind but you should keep in mind that the R-3S missiles are nearly useless (they are slightly worse than the [[AIM-9B]] and can only be fired when pulling less than 2G, which means they cannot be fired in even a gentle turn). Once tier three modifications are amiable unlock "Wings repair" and "New 23 mm cannons" in whichever order you want, then go for the R-60s. Once the R-60s are unlocked you can unlock the remaining modifications in whatever order you see fit.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===

Revision as of 20:11, 27 December 2020

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
◊MiG-21MF
mig-21_mf.png
GarageImage MiG-21MF (Germany).jpg
◊MiG-21MF
Germany flag.png Germany
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 10.7 10.7
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ◊MiG-21MF is a rank VII German jet fighter with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB) and 10.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.95 "Northern Wind".

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 240 km/h
Turn time33 s
Max altitude16 000 m
EngineTumansky R-13-300
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight10 t

The ◊MiG-21MF has good acceleration and, in terms of manoeuvrability, is second only to the J35 Draken. Keep in mind, however, that constant manoeuvring will cause it to bleed a lot of speed. Its wings will not rip off from manoeuvres. The acceleration is good at speeds under Mach, and once it hits Mach 1, the MiG-21MF can out accelerate everything except for the MiG-21SMT and the British Phantoms. It is also very easy to overspeed and rip in a dive so players should keep an eye on their speed.

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 2,196 2,178 16000 34.0 35.1 139.6 131.0 750
Upgraded 2,295 2,240 32.3 33.0 192.8 165.0

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 + -
1365 700 N/A 550 450 ~11 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 650 < 600 < 850 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Tumansky R-13-300 1 5,860 kg 355 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel
1,135 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 6,505 kg 7,455 kg 8,168 kg 9,900 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel MTOW
Stationary 3,825 kgf 6,483 kgf 1.00 0.87 0.79 0.65
Optimal 3,825 kgf
(0 kph) 		6,977 kgf
(1,200 kph) 		1.07 0.94 0.85 0.70

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 365 km/h
Gear700 km/h

The MiG-21MF lacks armor plating. There is none around the nose of the aircraft, making head-ons a death sentence. (Though at top rank, they're a bad idea with the 23 mm guns the plane has). The plane also has poor survivability like most jets at 10.3. Two fuel tanks in each wing allows even a stray cannon round to set you ablaze, though the main body of the plane is occasionally able to take a round or two. The wings are susceptible to being sheered off by incoming rounds. In short; getting hit is not something you want to do when playing the MiG-21MF.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 942 → 4 277 Sl icon.png
RB9 320 → 13 551 Sl icon.png
SB8 131 → 11 822 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications222 500 Rp icon.png
347 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 340 / 600 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
680 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
680 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
UB-16
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
UB-32
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-3S
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-250
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
ns23_new_gun
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
S-24
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-3R
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
680 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-60
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
680 Ge icon.png

Your main priority is to get to the R-60s as soon as possible, this will require you to unlock two tier three modifications. Unless you particularly want to research the ground attack ordinance you will be wanting to unlock "Wings repair" and "New 23 mm cannons". Therefore if you want to reach the R-60s in the shortest time possible you should research "New 23 mm cannons" as your first modification. This will then unlock tier two modifications where you can research "R-3S" and your choice of "New boosters" or "Airframe"; it is up to you in which order you unlock these, it may be appealing to unlock missiles first to help with the grind but you should keep in mind that the R-3S missiles are nearly useless (they are slightly worse than the AIM-9B and can only be fired when pulling less than 2G, which means they cannot be fired in even a gentle turn). Once tier three modifications are amiable unlock "Wings repair" and "New 23 mm cannons" in whichever order you want, then go for the R-60s. Once the R-60s are unlocked you can unlock the remaining modifications in whatever order you see fit.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: GSh-23L (23 mm)

The MiG-21MF (Germany) is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

Main articles: OFAB-250sv (250 kg), R-3S, R-60, S-5K, S-24

The MiG-21MF (Germany) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 64 x S-5K rockets
  • 96 x S-5K rockets
  • 4 x S-24 rockets
  • 4 x R-3S missiles
  • 4 x R-60 missiles
  • 64 x S-5K rockets + 2 x R-3S missiles
  • 64 x S-5K rockets + 2 x R-60 missiles
  • 2 x S-24 rockets + 2 x R-3S missiles
  • 2 x S-24 rockets + 2 x R-60 missiles
  • 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs + 2 x R-3S missiles (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs + 2 x R-60 missiles (500 kg total)

Usage in battles

Combining an ability to pull high angle-of-attack turns on demand, excellent acceleration, high top speed, and powerful dog-fighting weaponry, the MiG-21MF is a potent air superiority fighter. Good manoeuvrability allows the pilot to easily establish a tailing flight path on most enemies, and from there, it is very hard for the enemy to shake the MiG-21MF off of their tail. The MiG, for its part, can then utilize its powerful R-60 missiles or 23 mm cannons to destroy the enemy with ease.

Note that when using the Mig-21MF's air-to-air missiles, it is best to fire them at around 1-2 km of range. Any less than that, and the missile might not have enough time to manoeuvre and successfully track the enemy. At ranges above 2 km, the missile may not be able to catch a fast-moving target. As for the 23 mm offensive cannons, be careful to practice trigger discipline. A high rate of fire and a low ammo count means that it is only possible to fire the cannons for a few seconds before they need to be reloaded at the airfield.

As a dogfighter, the MiG-21MF excels due to its powerful weaponry, great acceleration, and a good turn rate. It can easily turn with F-4 Phantoms, although the J35D and Mirage IIIC both turn better. Against these two planes, it is best to avoid extended turn fights. Instead, gradually bleed their speed - they both have poor manoeuvring energy retention. At high altitudes, this plane is not as responsive, due to its high wing load and the low air pressure. This makes it much harder to dodge incoming missiles, so it is especially important to keep a high speed when at high altitude.

The MiG-21MF can also easily engage ground targets. Its cannons can destroy lightly armoured vehicles, and its 4 x S-24 rockets are extremely capable at dealing with even the most advanced MBTs. What's more, this plane has access to a ballistic computer which calculates the impact point of cannon shells, rockets, and bombs, making aiming against ground targets a breeze.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • R-60 missiles have very good tracking and G-tolerance
  • More agile than many high-tier jets
  • Cannons with a high rate of fire
  • Good ground attack loadouts
  • A small profile which is harder to hit

Cons:

  • Low ammunition count
  • Poor energy retention in extended turning engagements
  • Flaps rip easily
  • Poor manoeuvrability at low speeds

History

The MiG-21MF (Germany) is a second-generation variant of the popular MiG-21 'Fishbed'. Operated by the East German Air Force (Luftstreitkräfte der Nationalen Volksarmee; LSK) between 1972 and 1990, the aircraft was an export variant of the MiG-21SM, and is highly similar to its counterpart, the MiG-21SMT. Designated the 'Fishbed-J', the aircraft formed the bulk of the LSK in the late stages of the Cold War. All German MiG-21 aircraft were retired following the German Reunification, though some survive as museum aircraft to this day.[1][2]

Design and procurement

The East German Air Force received many MiG-21 variants due to their ties with the Soviet Bloc. 76 MiG-21F-13 aircraft had been delivered to the East German Air Force in the early 1960s, and they later received 50 MiG-21PF 'Fishbed-D' planes, which were known as the MiG-21PFM in East German service.[1] This generated considerable confusion as the German MiG-21PFs had inadvertently been given the same name as the later, Soviet-made, MiG-21PFM 'Fishbed-F'.[1] However, in the early 1970s, the LSK received its first 3rd-generation MiG-21s, the MiG-21MF. This aircraft was essentially an export variant of the Soviet MiG-21SM. 50 MiG-21MFs were delivered to the LSK between 1972 and 1974.[1]

The MiG-21MF differs from the standard MiG-21SM by having a less powerful engine and simplified radar system, meaning that it accelerates slightly slower than its Soviet counterpart. It could reach a maximum speed of 2,230 km/h, and was flown by a single pilot.[2] As an interceptor, it carried a 23 mm dual-barreled cannon with 200 rounds in a ventral pack, and was also capable of fitting a variety of munitions including bombs, rockets and missiles.[1]

Service history

The MiG-21MF enjoyed a fairly uneventful service history with the LSK. The aircraft served with Jagdgeschwader (JG, fighter group) 8 and JG 9. It complemented the earlier MiG-21PFM and MiG-21F-13 aircraft in German service. Later on, it was complemented by the MiG-21bis, the final MiG-21 variant to serve with the German Air Force. At the time of the German reunification, many MiG-21s remained in German service.[1][2] As the new combined Luftwaffe had no plans to continue using the Soviet-era interceptor, all MiG-21 aircraft were retired in late 1990 following the German reunification. Many of those aircraft were reserved as museum pieces, and several survive to this day in museums across the globe.[2]

Media

Skins
Images
MiG-21MF.jpg
Videos
Tank busters discusses the MiG-21MF (Germany) at 4:19 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Aviata. (2020)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Museum, D. (2020)

Works Cited

  • Aviata. (2020). German MiG-21. Retrieved November 23, 2020, from https://aviatia.net/german-mig-21/
  • Museum, D. (2020). Mikojan-Gurewitsch MiG-21 MF. Retrieved November 23, 2020, from https://www.deutsches-museum.de/en/flugwerft/collections/jet-aircraft/mig-21/


Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (Микоя́н и Гуре́вич Опытное конструкторское бюро)
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