MiG-21bis

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VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
This page is about the Soviet jet fighter MiG-21bis. For other versions, see MiG-21 (Family).
MiG-21bis
mig-21_bis.png
GarageImage MiG-21bis.jpg
MiG-21bis
AB RB SB
10.7 11.0 11.0
Research:150 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The MiG-21bis is a rank VII Soviet jet fighter with a battle rating of 10.7 (AB) and 11.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "New Power".

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 1365 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 (>1300 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 1365 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 Sl icon.png
RB8 121 → 11 710 Sl icon.png
SB8 295 → 11 961 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications264 000 Rp icon.png
413 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
ZB-500
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-3S
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-250
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
UB-16
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-3R
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-500
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
UB-32
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-13M
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ns23_new_gun
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
S-24
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-60M
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Offensive armament

Main article: GSh-23L (23 mm)

The MiG-21bis is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (250 rpg)
    • 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 64 x countermeasures

The 23 mm GSh-23L are adequate cannons, firing at a high rate of fire. However, the individual rounds from the cannons have a low stopping power, necessitating many hits on target to destroy them.

Suspended armament

Main articles: R-3R, R-3S, R-13M1, R-60

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

  • Without load
  • 2 x R-13M1 missiles
  • 64 x S-5K rockets
  • 96 x S-5K rockets
  • 4 x S-24B rockets
  • 4 x R-3S missiles
  • 4 x R-13M1 missiles
  • 4 x R-3R missiles
  • 2 x R-3R missiles + 2 x R-3S missiles
  • 2 x R-3R missiles + 2 x R-13M1 missiles
  • 4 x R-60 missiles
  • 4 x R-60 missiles + 2 x R-3S missiles
  • 64 x S-5K rockets + 2 x R-3S missiles
  • 64 x S-5K rockets + 2 x R-13M1 missiles
  • 64 x S-5K rockets + 2 x R-3R missiles
  • 64 x S-5K rockets + 4 x R-60 missiles
  • 2 x S-24B rockets + 2 x R-3S missiles
  • 2 x S-24B rockets + 2 x R-13M1 missiles
  • 2 x S-24B rockets + 2 x R-3R missiles
  • 2 x S-24B rockets + 4 x R-60 missiles
  • 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-3S missiles (800 kg total)
  • 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-3R missiles (800 kg total)
  • 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-13M1 missiles (800 kg total)
  • 4 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-60 missiles (400 kg total)
  • 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-3S missiles (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-13M1 missiles (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-3R missiles (500 kg total)
  • 4 x R-60 missiles + 4 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (400 kg total)
  • 4 x R-60 missiles + 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 4 x R-60 missiles + 2 x R-3R missiles
  • 4 x R-60 missiles + 2 x R-13M1 missiles
  • 6 x R-60 missiles

Usage in battles

This plane 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 1000 km/h, burst climb at a 20-25 degree angle up to 6,000-7,000 metres and fire on anything that can be sighted) but this method has some risks.

First the MiG-21bis is prone being hit by a Matra R530E or the infamous AIM-7 SARHMs (Semi Active Radar Homing Missiles) 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 favor 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 (2xR-13M-1 and 4xR-60) or (4xR-13M-1) and take advantage of MiG-21's 225m/s climb rate, which in theory, is superior to even the F-4K and F-4M (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 3km in a chase and even farther in a dive against lower targets. Although the MiG-21 has a substantial advantage in transonic maneuverability, 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 to beware of:

  • Phantoms, particularly F-4E and EJ models: these should be the MiG-21bis' priority targets, F-4Es and F-4EJs are well-known for being extremely versatile and dangerous (even sometimes referred to as the best top tier jets in the game). These planes accelerate quickly, can wield the dangerous AIM-9J AAMs that are able to pull 20 Gs of overload and can hit targets up to 3 km of range, have access to a large amount of flares and have responsive flight controls. However, a lot of Phantom pilots are overconfident into their planes and will often jump into a dogfight with the MiG-21bis, which is a terrible idea for Phantom pilots. The motto "a slow jet is a dead jet" rings true for most situations, but the MiG-21bis has an ace up its sleeve against Phantoms: better low and high speed manoeuvrability that can sometimes match the Phantom's turn rate! So if a Phantom attempts to dogfight the MiG-21bis, take up the challenge as it'll most likely end up with the Phantom pilots losing. However, only do so if there are allies nearby or if there aren't any enemies nearby or the MiG-21bis may end up getting taken out unexpectedly.
  • The Mirage IIIC and the J35D Draken: These planes are also serious foes since they out turn everything at their BR (keep in mind that the J35D Draken is more manoeuvrable than the Mirage) so dogfighting them is a death sentence. They're also able to wield deadly missiles, the Draken wields the Swedish license built AIM-9P3s known as RB24Js and the Mirage has access to the extremely effective Matra R550 Magic 1 that pulls 30 Gs and has a higher top speed than other IR guided missiles. The best thing to do against these planes is to do a zoom-climb to bleed their speed since they have a lower thrust-to-weight ratio than the MiG-21bis and then do oblique turns since they both bleed a ton of speed when turning and have a lower acceleration than the MiG-21bis does. And if they try to fire a missile at the MiG-21bis? Don't worry, pop flares, turn off afterburner, and pull hard.

Radars

The MiG-21bis is equipped with a Sapphire-21 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

Sapphire-21 - Target Detection Radar
Maximum
Detection
Range
Guaranteed
Detection
Range
Max Azimuth
Scan Angle
Max Elevation
Scan Angle
30,000 m
(theoretical)
20,000 m ±30° -3°/+17°
Sapphire-21 - Target Tracking Radar
Maximum
Tracking
Range
Minimum
Tracking
Range
Azimuth Tracking
Angle
Elevation Tracking
Angle
20,000 m 300 m ±30° ±17°

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
  • Increased flight performance compared to earlier MiG-21s
  • Excels against both aerial and ground targets
  • Has access to flares that are fired downwards, which means that missiles can be more easily evaded
  • Stunning acceleration
  • Excellent energy retention
  • Can wield six R-60s
  • Huge thrust to weight ratio

Cons:

  • As all MiG-21s, it tends to bleed speed in turns, though not as much, thanks to the improved engine
  • Vicious rudder lock at speeds above 700 km/h, can be frustrating when trying to get guns on target
  • Pretty bad low speed manoeuvrability
  • 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

Devblog

By the late 1960's, 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
Images
Videos

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