Difference between revisions of "MiG-23ML"
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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 | + | The first generation [[MiG-23M]] (and its export variant, the [[MiG-23MF (Germany)|MF]]) had alot of shortcomings as was expected from a completely new and unique aircraft design. Over time, the severity of these 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 Saphir-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 now. |
| − | The | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a pack premium introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]] as the first Rank 7 premium aircraft of the Soviet tree at the time. In War Thunder, the MiG-23ML 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, coupled with the [[R-24R]] and [[R-24T]] missiles, provide a very lethal combination for engaging enemy aircraft at BVR. In addition to that, being a premium vehicle, you will earn twice as many Research Points and Silver Lions, helping you grind the tech tree more swiftly. |
| − | |||
| − | In War Thunder, the MiG-23ML is functionally identical to the [[MiG-23MLA (Germany)]] and is slightly different from the [[MiG-23MLD]]. | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
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{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}} | {{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}} | ||
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}} | {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}} | ||
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* 1 x 800 l drop tank | * 1 x 800 l drop tank | ||
* 12 x large calibre countermeasures | * 12 x large calibre countermeasures | ||
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;Skins | ;Skins | ||
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* [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.] | ||
Revision as of 01:14, 11 October 2023
| This page is about the premium Soviet jet fighter MiG-23ML. For other versions, see MiG-23 (Family). |
Contents
Description
The first generation MiG-23M (and its export variant, the MF) had alot of shortcomings as was expected from a completely new and unique aircraft design. Over time, the severity of these 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 Saphir-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 now.
The MiG-23ML is a pack premium introduced in Update "Apex Predators" as the first Rank 7 premium aircraft of the Soviet tree at the time. In War Thunder, the MiG-23ML is functionally identical to the 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, coupled with the R-24R and R-24T missiles, provide a very lethal combination for engaging enemy aircraft at BVR. In addition to that, being a premium vehicle, you will earn twice as many Research Points and Silver Lions, helping you grind the tech tree more swiftly.
General info
Flight performance
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 | 2,346 | 2,342 | 16000 | 33.6 | 33.9 | 196.1 | 190.6 | 750 |
| Upgraded | 2,371 | 2,358 | 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 | + | - | |||
| Min sweep | 892 | 630 | N/A | 508 | 473 | ~10 | ~4 |
| Max sweep | 1,470 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ~11 | ~4 | |
| 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-35-300 | 1 | 10,705 kg | 374 - 422 kg/m2 | ||||
| Engine characteristics | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) | Max Gross Weight | |||||
| Weight (each) | Type | 9m fuel | 20m fuel | 30m fuel | 31m fuel | ||
| 1,760 kg | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet | 11,815 kg | 13,020 kg | 14,178 kg | 14,405 kg | 16,086 kg | |
| Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP) | ||||||
| Condition | 100% | WEP | 9m fuel | 20m fuel | 30m fuel | 31m fuel | MGW |
| Stationary | 7,103 kgf | 10,305 kgf | 0.87 | 0.79 | 0.73 | 0.72 | 0.64 |
| Optimal | 8,368 kgf (1,400 km/h) |
15,787 kgf (1,400 km/h) |
1.34 | 1.21 | 1.11 | 1.10 | 0.98 |
Survivability and armour
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
2 × 100 / 320 / 600 % 2 × 250 / 250 / 250 % | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
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
| Ballistic Computer | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CCIP (Guns) | CCIP (Rockets) | CCIP (Bombs) | CCRP (Bombs) |
 |
|
 |
|
Offensive armament
The MiG-23ML is armed with:
- 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
- 60 x large calibre countermeasures
Suspended armament
The MiG-23ML can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | .png) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg) | 1 | 1 | ||||
| 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs | 4 | 4¶ | 4¶ | 4 | ||
| 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs | 1 | 1 | ||||
| ZB-500 incendiary bombs | 1 | 1 | ||||
| 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‡ | 1‡ | ||||
| R-23T missiles | 1† | 1† | ||||
| R-24R missiles | 1†‡ | 1†‡ | ||||
| R-24T missiles | 1†‡ | 1†‡ | ||||
| R-60M missiles | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Large calibre countermeasures | 12 | |||||
| Delta-NG targeting pod | 1* | |||||
| 800 l drop tanks | 1¶ | |||||
| * It is required to equip the Delta-NG targeting pod with the Kh-23M missiles † R-24R missiles cannot be equipped together with R-23T or R-24T missiles ‡ R-24T missiles cannot be equipped together with R-23R or R-24R missiles ¶ The drop tank cannot be equipped in conjunction with quad bombs on adjacent hardpoints | ||||||
| Default weapon presets | |
|---|---|
| |
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
| 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 |
| USSR jet aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Bereznyak-Isayev | BI |
| Yakovlev | Yak-15 · Yak-15P · Yak-17 · Yak-23 · Yak-28B · Yak-30D · Yak-38 · Yak-38M · Yak-141 |
| Mikoyan-Gurevich | MiG-9 · MiG-9 (l) · MiG-15 · MiG-15bis · MiG-15bis ISh · MiG-17 · MiG-17AS · 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 | |
| Lavochkin | La-174 · La-15 · La-200 |
| Sukhoi | Su-9 · Su-11 |
| Su-7B · Su-7BKL · Su-7BMK · Su-17M2 · Su-17M4 · Su-22M3 | |
| Su-24M | |
| Su-25 · Su-25BM · Su-25K · Su-25T · Su-25SM3 · Su-39 | |
| Su-27 · Su-27SM | |
| Su-34 | |
| Ilyushin | IL-28 · IL-28Sh |
| Tupolev | Tu-14T |
| 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 | |
| Eremin's Yak-3(e) · 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 |
| ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▂Hampden TB Mk I · ▂A-20G-30 · ▂B-25J-30 | |
