MiG-21 (fighter)

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	To oppose or discuss a nomination, please go to CZ:Proposed for deletion and follow the instructions. For the monthly nomination lists, see Category:Articles for deletion. 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