MiG-21 (fighter): Difference between revisions

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One of the most successful and widely exported Soviet designs, the '''MiG-21''' (NATO reporting name FISHBED) is a lightweight [[fighter aircraft]], optimized as a short-range [[interceptor]]. It had a limited ground attack capability, but usually was used in air defense, carrying two [[air-to-air missile]]s and droppable fuel tanks. As with the [[F-4 Phantom II]], the original version did not have an internal gun, but later models had a 23mm cannon.
One of the most successful and widely exported Soviet designs, the '''MiG-21''' (NATO reporting name FISHBED) is a lightweight fighter aircraft]], optimized as a short-range interceptor]]. It had a limited ground attack capability, but usually was used in air defense, carrying two air-to-air missile]]s and droppable fuel tanks. As with the F-4 Phantom II]], the original version did not have an internal gun, but later models had a 23mm cannon.


A copy, with independent improvements, was made by the [[PRC]], as the Chengdu [[J-7 (fighter)]]. J-7G aircraft are still in combat roles for the [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]] (PLAAF), where they do ground attack as welll as point air defense.  
A copy, with independent improvements, was made by the PRC]], as the Chengdu J-7 (fighter)]]. J-7G aircraft are still in combat roles for the People's Liberation Army Air Force]] (PLAAF), where they do ground attack as welll as point air defense.  


During the [[Vietnam War]], it was first encountered in combat by U.S. fighters, it became evident that American training did not adequately address air-to-air combat. U.S. programs, including [[Top Gun]], soon included instructors flying aircraft with comparable agility such as the [[A-4 Skyhawk]] and [[F-5 Tiger]].  The instructors followed MiG-21 tactics.   
During the Vietnam War]], it was first encountered in combat by U.S. fighters, it became evident that American training did not adequately address air-to-air combat. U.S. programs, including Top Gun]], soon included instructors flying aircraft with comparable agility such as the A-4 Skyhawk]] and F-5 Tiger]].  The instructors followed MiG-21 tactics.   


The aircraft has been exported to many countries, where it is still operated, sometimes as a second-tier fighter if the opponent has more advanced aircraft. Still, it can be a capable aircraft when flown by a good pilot.
The aircraft has been exported to many countries, where it is still operated, sometimes as a second-tier fighter if the opponent has more advanced aircraft. Still, it can be a capable aircraft when flown by a good pilot.

Revision as of 16:19, 30 March 2024

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One of the most successful and widely exported Soviet designs, the MiG-21 (NATO reporting name FISHBED) is a lightweight fighter aircraft]], optimized as a short-range interceptor]]. It had a limited ground attack capability, but usually was used in air defense, carrying two air-to-air missile]]s and droppable fuel tanks. As with the F-4 Phantom II]], the original version did not have an internal gun, but later models had a 23mm cannon.

A copy, with independent improvements, was made by the PRC]], as the Chengdu J-7 (fighter)]]. J-7G aircraft are still in combat roles for the People's Liberation Army Air Force]] (PLAAF), where they do ground attack as welll as point air defense.

During the Vietnam War]], it was first encountered in combat by U.S. fighters, it became evident that American training did not adequately address air-to-air combat. U.S. programs, including Top Gun]], soon included instructors flying aircraft with comparable agility such as the A-4 Skyhawk]] and F-5 Tiger]]. The instructors followed MiG-21 tactics.

The aircraft has been exported to many countries, where it is still operated, sometimes as a second-tier fighter if the opponent has more advanced aircraft. Still, it can be a capable aircraft when flown by a good pilot.

References