Difference between revisions of "MiG-21SMT"

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{{About
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{{Specs-Card|code=mig-21_smt}}
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| about = Soviet jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
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| usage = other versions
 
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| link = MiG-21 (Family)
 
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}}
 
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{{Specs-Card
 
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|code=mig-21_smt
 
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
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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.'' -->
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During the early 1970s, the issue of low range in the MiG-21s was brought to attention of the higher ups in the Soviet Union and the Mikoyan design chain. The issue caused by high fuel consumption of the R-13 engine coupled with the small amount of fuel carried on board in this interceptor's small airframe. Two solutions were quickly devised, the first being a upgraded, more efficient engine, which would not be ready for a while. The other solution was to simply hammer in a larger fuel tank into the MiG-21's airframe. The resulting design for the second solution was the MiG-21SMT (''Sapfir Modernizirovannyy Toplivo,'' "Sapphire [Radar], Modernized, Fuel [Increased]"). This variant featured a plethora of upgrades, namely the updated model of the Sapfir radar and its respective fire control system, allowing the aircraft to use not only [[R-3R]] radar guided missiles, but the latest [[R-60]] and [[R-60M]] close range missiles. But the largest difference in this variant was the increased fuel load from the comically large saddle tank added, earning this variant the nickname "Hunchback" among its pilots, who strongly disliked flying it. The SMT also featured a strongly upgraded engine, to cope with the weight increase of the extra fuel and new avionics, but this was sadly not enough to appease the pilots, who found the SMT to be generally unfavourable to fly compared to the older, lighter, and more nimble Fishbeds. The "Hunchback" was so unpopular with Soviet pilots (who regularly complained to their higher ups about the SMT), that all MiG-21SMTs were rebuilt into the MiG-21ST variant starting from 1972, which was essentially just a MiG-21SMT with the smaller (and lighter) saddle tank from the [[MiG-21bis]].
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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+
{{Break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO Code: Fishbed-K) was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]]. Being the first Soviet fighter in the game with access to countermeasures, this aircraft opens many new doors to pilots of the Soviet tree. The SMT also brings with it many new weapons to the Soviet fighter line, such as the [[R-3R]] radar missile and the deadly [[R-60]] close range missile. In addition to the under-the-hood upgrades, the SMT also features a very strong engine, allowing for fast acceleration and great top speed, and also features a massive increase in fuel capacity, resulting in a steep weight increase. All of these changes from previous fighters require pilots of the MiG-21SMT to completely re-learn how they fly and engage enemy aircraft, as the SMT will very quickly bleed its speed during almost any manoeuvre, but on the other hand can easily gain it back if it disengages safely and flies straight using the powerful engine. Most importantly, this aircraft acts as a decisive criterion in the play style of the Soviet jets that follow it. Players who enjoy this aircraft for its flight performance and ability to dogfight most of its adversaries up close should move on to research the foldered [[MiG-21bis]], the ultimate Soviet MiG-21 model, while those that favour this aircraft's avionics and missile advantages over its opponents may wish to advance directly to the [[MiG-23M]] Flogger, a radically different design which relies much more on its strong missiles and avionics than its flight performance.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
−
{{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.'' -->
 
  
−
As an evolution of the previous [[MiG-21F-13]], the {{PAGENAME}} inherits some flight characteristics of its older sibling.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
 
 
−
Both of them can pull high angle-of-attack (AoA) which enables its pilot to easily get guns on target at the cost of extreme speed loss. Both of them are light aircraft which enables them to climb with ease. And both of them have high wing loading, which can hinder manoeuvrability, particularly at high altitudes where the atmosphere is thinner. However, that's where the similarities end, as the {{PAGENAME}} comes with upgrades, most notably removed armour which shaved 500 kg off its scale and an uprated engine, the R-13F-300, which outputs 5722 kgf, 700 more than R-11F-300 on MiG-21 F-13. In practice, this means that the {{PAGENAME}} is best in class when it comes to acceleration and climbing performance.
 
−
 
 
−
Manoeuvrability-wise, the SMT is extremely nimble at lower altitudes, where its high AoA can outweigh its high wing load, and high acceleration can mitigate speed loss, allowing it to pull hard turns, provided the pilot monitors the speed. At high altitudes, the story is different, as it proves to be very unresponsive, leaving the user vulnerable to attacks, particularly to missiles. One more characteristic any prospecting user should note is that the aircraft tends to break its wings beyond 11 G, and considering the {{PAGENAME}} will merrily pull over 12 G at high speed turns if the boosters modification is equipped, unequipping it may help if the pilot has trouble with wings ripping.
 
−
 
 
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When it comes to raw straight-line speed, the {{PAGENAME}} can get to its top speed much faster than its contemporary fighters at any altitude. In fact, speed should always be monitored, as it can easily reach its relatively high wing speed limit of ~1,300 km/h indicated airspeed (IAS), even at level flight. High acceleration and high top speed mean that the {{PAGENAME}} is more than able to intercept almost any target, the only exception being [[F-4C Phantom II|F-4C]] which is already sitting at its top speed. One more notable feature is that due to its low weight and high thrust, energy management is a breeze and the aircraft will quickly both lose and gain speed, which may prove useful when trying to stay on the target's back.
 
−
 
 
−
{| 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>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 2,164 || 2,126 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.8 || 37.8 || 136.9 || 128.0 || rowspan="2" | 750
+
| 2180 || 2152 || rowspan="2" | 16000 || 36.7 || 37.6 || 136.4 || 126.9 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 2,318 || 2,240 || 35.4 || 36.0 || 196.3 || 165.0
+
| 2318 || 2240 || 35.4 || 36.0 || 196.3 || 165.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
Line 53: Line 36:
 
! 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 || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
Line 68: Line 51:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 500 || 450 || ~11 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 550 || ___ || 450 || ~11 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 650 || < 600 || < 950 || N/A
+
| < 650 || < 600 || < 780 || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==== Engine performance ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Engine
+
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
−
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
+
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
−
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-13F-300 || 1
+
! Optimal altitude
−
| colspan="2" | 6,052 kg || colspan="3" | 379 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
+
| 0 m || 3,840 kgf || 5,722 kgf
−
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
−
|-
 
−
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
−
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 43m fuel
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1,140 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 
−
| 6,852 kg || 7,288 kg || 7,907 kg || 8,717 kg || 9,900 kg
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
−
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
−
|-
 
−
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 
−
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 43m fuel || MTOW
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Stationary'' || 3,917 kgf || 7,120 kgf
 
−
| 1.04 || 0.98 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.72
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Optimal'' || 3,917 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 7,935 kgf<br>(1,200 km/h)
 
−
| 1.16 || 1.09 || 1.00 || 0.91 || 0.80
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.'' -->
 
−
 
 
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The {{PAGENAME}} is a light fighter and its survivability reflects that. It lacks armour and the airframe is fragile. On top of it all, MiG-21, in general, has a very unstable airframe, which means that any changes to its aerodynamic properties may make it difficult to control. Exercise caution when flying it.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
 
−
|-
 
−
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
+
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
−
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
−
{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}
 
−
 
 
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
−
 
 
−
* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
 
−
 
 
−
The GSh-23L fires at a rate of 3,396 rounds per minute, which leaves the plane with a 3.53 second firing time.
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
+
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
−
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
−
 
 
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
|-
 
−
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
 
−
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-21bis.png]]</div>
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
 
−
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-54]] bombs
 
−
| || 1 || || 1 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
 
−
| || 1 || || 1 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[S-5K]] rockets
 
−
| 16 || 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || 16
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[S-24]] rockets
 
−
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[R-3R]] missiles
 
−
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[R-3S]] missiles
 
−
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[R-60]] missiles
 
−
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Countermeasures
 
−
| || || 64 || ||
 
−
|-
 
−
! 490 l drop tanks
 
−
| 1 || || 1 || || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 570 kg
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
+
=== Defensive armament ===
−
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
+
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
−
* 3 x 490 l drop tanks
 
−
* 64 x countermeasures + 2 x R-3S missiles
 
−
* 64 x countermeasures + 2 x R-3R missiles
 
−
* 4 x R-3S missiles
 
−
* 4 x R-3R missiles
 
−
* 4 x R-60 missiles
 
−
* 64 x S-5K rockets
 
−
* 64 x S-5K rockets
 
−
* 4 x S-24 rockets
 
−
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
−
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
−
* 2 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
 
−
{{Navigation-End}}
 
−
 
 
−
The {{PAGENAME}} can be armed with both anti-air missiles and ground strike ordnance on its four hard-point pylons under the wing. While most of the weapons can be seen on other aircraft, the unique weapon that this aircraft can carry is R-60 IR air-to-air missile. Compared to R-3S which can be found on most Soviet aircraft capable of launching missiles, R-60 has a much more sophisticated IR tracking system, allowing it to track targets up to 5 km away, and keep them on its sights at a much faster pace, which results in a reliable lock that not many targets can shake off. R-60 can also be fired in a wider range of situations, as the missile can track targets while on the pylon. This is critical to how the missile works which means that the missile has a much higher launch load factor and is able to intercept targets immediately after being launched. This is much different than the R-3S which tracks targets only half a second after launch and needs the platform to stay still in order to track the target, leaving the aircraft vulnerable to attacks. R-60 is a much smaller missile than R-3S, weighing at 44 kg instead of 77 kg that an R-3S weighs. Missile's explosive payload is also significantly smaller, weighing at 3.5 kg. Rocket motors on R-60 are much smaller than on R-3S and this means that R-60 is much slower than R-3S, and even though it can lock on targets at 5 km, it has a lower range than R-3S. In practice, R-60 is a reliable and potent anti-aircraft weapon that excels at taking out even nimble targets in dogfights at ranges from 300 m to 2 km but is unable to reach targets beyond 3 km due to its less powerful rocket motors. R-3S, however, can only be used reliably at targets which are not paying attention or are unable to react quickly to a missile launch, but they can also be used to intercept targets at much further ranges than R-60.
 
−
 
 
−
When it comes to dumb-fire rockets, {{PAGENAME}} can carry S-5K 55 mm rockets and S-24 240 mm rockets. S-5K have a small warhead that is able to penetrate 150 mm of armour at 0°. However, due to their small warhead, they need a direct hit on the target in order to do any damage and even if they do connect, the damage is minimal to any armoured target. S-24, though, is a 235 kg behemoth, capable of taking out most targets with a single hit.
 
  
 
== 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).'' -->
+
The MiG-21SMT carries on a number of characteristics of its predecessor MiG-21F-13 however it trades a few advantages mainly the immediate maneuverability pulling hard turns quickly, rear visibility from the cockpit is also reduced. However it gains greatly improved thrust, acceleration, rate of climb, energy retention and double the number of weapon hard points. Being primarily a fighter interceptor it easily maintains high speeds in a straight line. Improved thrust now allows the pilot to accelerate during a climb up to 30° from the deck at 1000 into 1100+ km/h. However steep vertical maneuvers as used in the MiG-19 are ill advised. The new radar allows pilots to pick up a distant target while climbing into medium-high altitudes. R-60 excels at intercepting aircraft where other missiles are incapable including those preforming high G maneuvers to evade or those who are relative to you in the side aspect. Enemy aircraft preforming steep vertical maneuvers or are low on energy will struggle to escape it.
−
 
 
−
Combining its ability to pull high angle-of-attack on demand, excellent acceleration, high top speed and powerful dogfighting weaponry, {{PAGENAME}} is a potent air superiority dogfighter/interceptor. It allows the pilot to intercept any target, quickly get on its back and stay there, while also giving the user a safety net in the shape of its acceleration that enables it to break from any engagement with ease. It is recommended to stay at low altitude and not use full elevator if not in a dogfight. For air-to-air combat, the 4 x R-60 setup is the most versatile, albeit the 2 x R-60 and 2 x R-3R setup will allow you to get the most out of head-on scenario. If going for the latter option, make sure to create a keybind to switch between the different missiles using the [[Weapons selector]] mechanic. Overall, the MiG-21SMT is a versatile plane adaptable to any playstyle.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Enemies worth noting'''
 
−
 
 
−
* [[F-8E]] - A common enemy, while it turns worse, it retains energy significantly better. It is capable of carrying AIM-9C SARH guided AAMs, which can be very dangerous at higher altitude if chaff is not carried.
 
−
* [[F-5C]] - One of if not your most common enemy. it retains energy better but struggles regaining speed when at low speed due to poor engine power.
 
−
* [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]] - The MiG-21MF is very similar to the MiG-21SMT, it carries R-60 missiles which are very hard to evade by manoeuvring alone, however it can be fooled by flares very easily.
 
−
* [[Mirage IIIE]] - Carries the Matra Magic I AAM that are nearly impossible to dodge without flares. However, when in a dogfight, the Mirage IIIE is inferior in almost every aspect.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Radars ===
 
−
<!--{{main|Sapphire-21}}-->
 
−
The MiG-21SMT is equipped with a Sapphire-21 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Detection Radar
 
−
|-
 
−
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
 
−
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
 
−
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth<br/>Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 
−
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation<br/>Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| 30,000 m<br />(theoretical) || 20,000 m || ±30° || -3°/+17°
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Tracking Radar
 
−
|-
 
−
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
 
−
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
 
−
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
 
−
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| 20,000 m || 300 m || ±30° || ±17°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== 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".''
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* High thrust-to-weight ratio
+
* Highest thrust of all MiG-21 variants
−
* High top speed
+
* excellent acceleration from 1000-1200 km/h
−
* Excellent acceleration from 1,000 - 1,200 km/h
+
* R-60 missile is second highest G loading missile in game (can lock on in some side aspect scenarios)
−
* Excellent rate of climb, can maintain mach 1+ at 30 degrees
+
* maintains speed in turns better than MiG-21F-13
−
* One of the many MiG-21 variants capable of using a radar missile, being the [[R-3R]]
+
* much higher rate of fire than earlier cannon armed soviet jets
−
* Maintains speed and energy in turns better than the [[MiG-21 F-13|MiG-21F-13]]
+
 
−
* Its RP-22SM radar has high tracking range
+
*
−
* Much higher rate of fire than earlier cannon-armed Soviet jets
 
−
* Can perform a cobra with full real controls
 
−
* Increased fuel load compared to other MiG-21 variants
 
−
* Access to RWR and countermeasures
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* GSh-23L cannon is mounted oddly and has poor ballistics
+
* belly mounted cannon can cause shots to go lower than expected
−
* Less agile than other MiG-21 variants
+
* less agile than other MiG-21 variants
−
* Using afterburner on the deck can overspeed the aircraft even in a slight climb; do not linger above redline at all if possible
+
* extra care on takeoff and landing must be taken to prevent the ventral fin from hitting the runway
−
* Radar has shorter detection range than most competitors
+
* using afterburner on the deck can cause the airframe to overspeed and rip near 1300 km/h
 +
* R-60 has less explosive mass than R-3S
 +
* Radar is of shorter range than most competitors  
 +
 
 +
*
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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<!-- ''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: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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''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: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
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The MiG-21 was a supersonic interceptor aircraft designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (Mikoyan OKB) located in the Soviet Union. The development of the aircraft began in early 1950's, when Mikoyan OKB finished their first design of the aircraft designated as Ye-1. However, the prototype was quickly determined to be too under-powered, and led to the a redesign of the aircraft, designated Ye-2. Both of these aircraft and the prototype to follow had swept back wings, such as those found on the MiG-15. The first prototype to have the signature delta wings of the MiG-21 was the Ye-4. The aircraft made it's maiden flight on June 16th, 1955, and made its first public appearance during the Soviet Aviation Display at Moscow's Tushino Airfield in July 1956. The MiG 21 became the Soviet Unions first successful fighter and interceptor aircraft, it was lightweight, and had a powerful afterburner, allowing it to reach speeds of up to Mach 2, and was comparable to the French Dassault Mirage III, and American Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter and Lockheed F-104 Starfighter at the time. However, the aircraft had a short range, which was worsened by the poor placement of its fuel tanks. Due to this, the development of the MiG-21 SMT began. The SMT variant of the MiG-21 contained more fuel tanks in the spine of the aircraft, which resulted in the aircraft being hard to fly as a result of the enlarged spine. The fuel tank however, did give the aircraft an increased range of up to 250 km (155 mi). The SMT variant also had an electronic countermeasures capability. The MiG-21 SMT is no longer in service.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
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;Skins
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== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig-21_smt Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
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{{Youtube-gallery|M1QGN0ge4C8|'''The Shooting Range #181''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|vhTZXYk6eao|'''Tank busters''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
 
  
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== See also ==
 
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<!-- ''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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
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;[[MiG-21 (Family)|Related development]]
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== External links ==
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* {{Specs-Link|mig-21_mf}}
 
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* [[MiG-21bis]]
 
  
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== External links ==
 
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
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* ''other literature.''
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479891-mig-21smt/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
  
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{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
 
 
{{USSR jet aircraft}}
 
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Revision as of 01:47, 23 December 2019

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
MiG-21SMT
mig-21_smt.png
MiG-21SMT
USSR flag.png USSR
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.0 10.3 10.7
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage MiG-21SMT.jpg


The MiG-21SMT is a rank VII Soviet jet fighter with a battle rating of 10.0 (AB), 10.3 (RB), and 10.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.95 "Northern Wind".

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 13,000 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2180 2152 16000 36.7 37.6 136.4 126.9 750
Upgraded 2318 2240 35.4 36.0 196.3 165.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
550 ___ 450 ~11 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 650 < 600 < 780 N/A
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
0 m 3,840 kgf 5,722 kgf

Survivability and 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.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.

Suspended armament

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.

Defensive armament

Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.

Usage in battles

The MiG-21SMT carries on a number of characteristics of its predecessor MiG-21F-13 however it trades a few advantages mainly the immediate maneuverability pulling hard turns quickly, rear visibility from the cockpit is also reduced. However it gains greatly improved thrust, acceleration, rate of climb, energy retention and double the number of weapon hard points. Being primarily a fighter interceptor it easily maintains high speeds in a straight line. Improved thrust now allows the pilot to accelerate during a climb up to 30° from the deck at 1000 into 1100+ km/h. However steep vertical maneuvers as used in the MiG-19 are ill advised. The new radar allows pilots to pick up a distant target while climbing into medium-high altitudes. R-60 excels at intercepting aircraft where other missiles are incapable including those preforming high G maneuvers to evade or those who are relative to you in the side aspect. Enemy aircraft preforming steep vertical maneuvers or are low on energy will struggle to escape it.

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".

Pros:

  • Highest thrust of all MiG-21 variants
  • excellent acceleration from 1000-1200 km/h
  • R-60 missile is second highest G loading missile in game (can lock on in some side aspect scenarios)
  • maintains speed in turns better than MiG-21F-13
  • much higher rate of fire than earlier cannon armed soviet jets

Cons:

  • belly mounted cannon can cause shots to go lower than expected
  • less agile than other MiG-21 variants
  • extra care on takeoff and landing must be taken to prevent the ventral fin from hitting the runway
  • using afterburner on the deck can cause the airframe to overspeed and rip near 1300 km/h
  • R-60 has less explosive mass than R-3S
  • Radar is of shorter range than most competitors

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

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

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;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


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-25 · Su-25BM · Su-25K · Su-25T · Su-25SM3 · Su-39
  Su-27
Ilyushin  IL-28 · IL-28Sh
Tupolev  Tu-14T

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