MiG-21bis (Sweden)

This page is about the jet fighter MiG-21bis (Sweden). For other versions, see MiG-21 (Family).

▄MiG-21bis

J34

▄MiG-21bis

J34

Sweden

VII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
11.0	11.0	11.0

Class:

Fighter

Jet fighter

Research:300 000

Purchase:830 000

Show in game

Description

In 1963, after rejecting a deal of MiG-19s in search for a new frontline fighter, Finland became the first country outside the Warsaw Pact to purchase the MiG-21, starting with MiG-21F-13s and building their long and prosperous relationship in purchasing Soviet aircraft. Their long service of the Fishbed would culminate in 1977, when Finland acquired 26 examples of the MiG-21bis airframe, specifically the Fishbed-N variant with the Polyot-OI guidance system instead of the Lazur system. These aircraft would remain in Finnish service until 1998, when they were replaced by the F/A-18C Hornet after the end of the Cold War.

The ▄MiG-21bis (NATO Code: Fishbed-N) was introduced in Update "Fire and Ice". This aircraft is completely identical to the MiG-21bis found in the Soviet tech tree, and as such, plays exactly the same. The only differences are cosmetic, such as the camouflage and the names used on its missiles (i.e it has the export R-60MK instead of the R-60M, which is the exact same missile with a different name). The same tips and cautions should be exercised when flying this aircraft; chief of which being the incredible AoA/instantaneous turn and engine acceleration power to utilize, while being cautious of the weak energy retention and subpar missiles compared to many of your adversaries at this battle rating.

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 time37 s

Max altitude16 000 m

EngineTumansky R-25-300

Type

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight10 t

The MiG-21bis has absolutely phenomenal acceleration and high-speed performance making it one of the highest-performing aircraft in the game. Firstly, the aircraft is quite fast, being able to reach 1,365 km/h IAS on the deck (at low altitudes) before its wings rip - this means that it is usually capable of outrunning most enemies at its rank, such as Phantoms and the Mirage, with the exception of the F-104 Starfighters which can outrun the MiG-21bis by a small margin. Secondly, the aircraft has the fastest overall acceleration of any aircraft in the game, meaning that it can reach its top speed quickly. However, like all other MiG-21s, the MiG-21bis cannot turn well and tends to bleed speed at an alarming rate during turns. Extended dogfights should therefore be avoided, as the MiG-21bis will often end up on the losing side.

The MiG-21bis has a strong set of control surfaces including an all-moving tail, which keeps the aircraft responsive up to high speeds (>1,300 km/h). However, be aware that the aircraft has two limiting structural factors: the wings' rip speed and structural G limit. Wings will rip at 1,365 km/h IAS, a speed the plane can reach relatively quickly given its phenomenal acceleration. The structural limit of 13G means stronger turns should thus be avoided as there is a risk that they will rip the aircraft's wings.

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	2,177	2,142	16000	37.8	38.8	191.0	179.8	750
Upgraded	2,305	2,240		36.4	37.0	262.7	225.0

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	500	450	~12	~6

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 650	< 600	< 950	N/A

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
Tumansky R-25-300		1	6,132 kg		371 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)				Max Takeoff Weight
Weight (each)	Type		10m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	34m fuel
1,140 kg	Afterburning axial-flow turbojet		6,852 kg	7,532 kg	8,232 kg	8,532 kg	10,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition	100%	WEP	10m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	34m fuel	MTOW
Stationary	4,040 kgf	7,344 kgf	1.07	0.98	0.89	0.86	0.73
Optimal	4,040 kgf (0 km/h)	9,068 kgf (1,200 km/h)	1.32	1.20	1.10	1.06	0.91

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

• 60 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
• 10 mm steel - bulkhead behind pilot
• Engine and fuel tanks take up most of the fuselage area behind the cockpit

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB2 838 → 4 092

RB8 121 → 11 710

SB8 295 → 11 961

Total cost of modifications260 000

404 000

Talisman cost2 900

Crew training240 000

Experts830 000

Aces3 000

Research Aces1 140 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

110 / 310 / 600 %

238 / 238 / 238 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Fuselage repair Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 420 Compressor Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 420 New boosters Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 480 Wings repair Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 510 G-suit Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 450 Engine Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 450	Airframe Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 480 Cover Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 450 EFS Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 450	Flares/Chaff Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 420 R-3S Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 420 UB-16 Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 480 R-3R Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 480 ns23_belt_pack Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 510 UB-32 Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 510 R-13M Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 510 ns23_new_gun Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 450 R-60MK Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 450

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns)	CCIP (Rockets)	CCIP (Bombs)	CCRP (Bombs)

Offensive armament

The MiG-21bis (Sweden) is armed with:

• 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (250 rpg)
• 64 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The MiG-21bis (Sweden) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5
S-5K rockets	16	16, 32		16, 32	16
R-3R missiles	1	1		1	1
R-3S missiles	1	1		1	1
R-13M1 missiles	1	1		1	1
R-60MK missiles	1, 2	1		1	1, 2
820 l drop tanks			1

Default weapon presets
1 x 820 l drop tank 1 x 820 l drop tank + 2 x R-60MK missiles 1 x 820 l drop tank + 2 x R-3S missiles 4 x R-3R missiles 4 x R-13M1 missiles 4 x R-60MK missiles 6 x R-60MK missiles 64 x S-5K rockets (4 x 16-rocket pods) 64 x S-5K rockets (2 x 32-rocket pods)

Usage in battles

The MiG-21bis is fairly manoeuvrable at high speeds and since it accelerates quickly and climbs extremely well, it works well as an interceptor (take off, reach around 1,000 km/h, burst climb at a 20-25 degree angle up to 6,000 or 7,000 m and fire on anything that can be sighted) but this method has some risks.

First, the MiG-21bis is prone being hit by a SARH (Semi-Active Radar-Homing) missile such as the AIM-7F or R-24R that can easily shoot the MiG-21bis down since the plane becomes a brick at higher altitudes. And sometimes, even if the MiG-21bis succeeds in its interception objective, some enemies will fly in a different path, so they'll easily sneak up behind the MiG-21bis and take it down with missiles if it is high and slow enough.

The second way to play this plane is to fly at lower altitudes (below 2,000 m) and engage any targets that are encountered, the risk here is that the MiG-21bis is left vulnerable to high-flying enemies that, again, can easily sneak up and take the MiG-21bis down, so pay attention to the surroundings and avoid getting an IR missile shot up into the engine.

The third, and probably safest, way to play the MiG-21bis is to flank around the main fighting area. Side-climb up to around 4-5 kilometres in the air, making sure to avoid the frequented flight paths so the MiG-21bis does not appear on their radar (additionally, turn off the MiG-21bis' radar during this climb so that the enemies' radar-warning receiver does not pick up the MiG-21's radar as well). Idle around the sides until the main body of the enemy team is spotted and then begin turning towards the battlefield to begin engaging targets. As the MiG-21bis returns, keep an eye for any enemy planes that have a similar idea of flanking around. This scenario usually compose of only one enemy fighter climbing up, which a skilled MiG-21bis pilot can begin engaging in their favour if they have a height advantage. However, if two fighters appears, it is best to break off and move towards the vicinity of allies to help engage.

A more risky but rewarding playstyle is to use 2 x R-13M-1 and 4 x R-60MK, or 4 x R-13M-1, and take advantage of MiG-21's 225 m/s climb rate, which in theory, is superior to even the Phantom FG.1 and FGR.2. Radars on most jets can scan ~15 degrees above the horizontal, and by climbing at Mach 0.90-0.95, it is possible to "fly above the radar" and remain undetected at BVR ranges. At high altitudes, the R-13 can be launched at 3 km in a chase and even farther in a dive against lower targets. Although the MiG-21 has a substantial advantage in transonic manoeuvrability, the MiG-21's delta wings cause significant energy bleed in turns as mentioned above. Making high-speed diving attacks is certainly a valid tactic, and fighting from high altitude downwards makes situational awareness easier as most enemies will be at lower altitudes rather than in all directions. This playstyle is most suitable for principled Phantom pilots who are accustomed to maintaining a high energy state.

Enemies worth noting:

• F-4 Phantoms, particularly those with PD radars: these should be the MiG-21bis' priority targets, F-4s are well-known for being extremely versatile and dangerous. These planes accelerate quickly and wield dangerous AIM-7 SARH missiles that can shut down the MiG-21's climbing efforts. While the F-4E variant can be relatively easily countered with chaff to interfere the radar, the ones with PD radars like the F-4J and F-4S can easily track and destroy the MiG-21, requiring notching to break off the radar lock. These planes also have a large number of countermeasures, so the MiG-21's effort to attack them with IR missiles can be easily thwarted. At closer ranges, the fight is more even, as the F-4's Sidewinder missiles can be diverted with countermeasures (though beware if it is a F-4 equipped with the all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder missile) However, the dogfight can still be tough if the F-4 has the right pilot playing to its strengths, so be wary and don't assume the MiG-21 has control of the dogfight until the MiG-21's nose is pointed right at the target's six o' clock.
• F-14A Early: The F-14 can be a very dangerous opponent as it has access to the AIM-54 Phoenix and the AIM-7F Sparrow missiles. Multiple F-14s will be able to effectively shut down higher altitudes at the start of the game by launching AIM-54 missiles. Thankfully, the MiG-21 Bis is fitted with a RWR to alert you of any potential incoming treats. Whenever you notice a possible incoming SARH missile at high altitude, the best thing to do is to immediately start to notch the enemy radar (Going 90 degrees in relation to the enemy radar) and release chaff. In a dogfight, the F-14 will gain the upper hand in just a few turns due to the poor energy retention of the MIG-21. However the MiG-21 will have the better turn radius in the first 1-2 turns if the fight starts at high speed.
• The F-16A and MiG-29: Hopefully, the MiG-21bis does not encounter either of these due to the BR differences, but in the case that it does, both of these planes feature advanced radar and highly dangerous SARH missiles. (AIM-7F and R-27ER respectively) However these can still be countered by notching the enemy radar. Both of these planes will have the advantage in a dogfight, the MiG-29 will be able to out-turn you at most speeds while the F-16 is much more agile at lower speed and can easily put you into an energy trap.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Impressive climb rate of 225 m/s, making this plane the second-best top-rank climber behind the F-104S and above the Phantom FGR.2 and FG.1
• Huge thrust to weight ratio and increased flight performance compared to earlier MiG-21s thanks to an improved engine
• Can wield six potent all-aspect R-60M air-to-air missiles
• Has access to flares that are fired downwards, which means that missiles can be more easily evaded
• Excels against both aerial and ground targets

Cons:

• Bleeds excessive amounts of energy during turns, making it very tricky to retain energy in dogfights
• Pretty bad low speed manoeuvrability
• Vicious rudder lock at speeds above 700 km/h, can be frustrating when trying to get guns on target
• Doesn't respond well to wing damage - if a wingtip is lost, landing this plane will be very difficult, and if a wing is lost, the plane should be considered as lost

History

By the late 1960s, the Soviet high command sought to increase the effectiveness of the MiG-21 jet fighter, especially at lower altitudes, while at the same time knowing that this could only be achieved by developing a more powerful engine for it. As a result, in 1971, the order to develop what would essentially become the MiG-21bis was issued by the Soviet high command.

As both the power plant manufacturer - Tumansky - as well as the MiG aircraft design bureau were already working on improvements, this order only officially recognized their work, and as a result, by 1972 the MiG-21bis was ready.

Unlike preceding variants, the MiG-21bis managed to strike a balance between performance and endurance. Additionally, the aircraft was fitted with an improved radar and a systems monitor, which made maintenance substantially easier. Furthermore, the maximum number of missiles the aircraft could carry was increased to six while it also received the option to carry the new R-13M air-to-air missile with increased range, higher G-loading and better seeker tracking over the preceding R-3S. Very manoeuvrable R-60 missiles can be carried as well.

The first MiG-21bis was constructed in 1972 and was adopted into service in the same year. Well over 2,200 units of the MiG-21bis would be manufactured, including licence-built versions. The MiG-21bis was one of the most widely produced variants of the aircraft and saw widespread use with numerous operators around the globe. In fact, some modernized modifications are still in combat use today.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the MiG-21bis (Sweden) from live.warthunder.com.

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.

Sweden jet aircraft
Fighters	J21RA
	J29A · A29B · J29D · J29F
	J32B
	J34
	J35A · J35D
	JA37C · JA37D · JA37DI · JA37DI F21
	JAS39A · JAS39C
Strike aircraft	A21RB
	A32A · A32A Röd Adam
	A28B
	AJ37 · AJS37
	SK60B · SAAB-105G
Export	SAAB-105OE
Finland	▄Vampire FB 52A · ▄MiG-21bis · Saab J35XS