Aerospaceweb.org | Aircraft Museum

Data | Image Gallery | MiG-23 'Flogger' Merchandise

- -

MiG-23 Mikoyan Gurevich
MiG-23
ASCC codename: Flogger
Multi-Role Fighter

DESCRIPTION:
First demonstrated to the public during the Domodedovo airshow in 1967, the MiG-23 was a major advance in fighter design over the preceeding MiG-21. The aircraft uses variable-sweep wings that can be set at 16, 45, or 72 degrees of sweep to improve performance at both subsonic and supersonic speeds. The MiG-23 also employs variable inlets to improve engine efficiency and increase range.
Production of the MiG-23 was completed in 1985 after 4,278 single-seat and 769 trainers had been built. The MiG-23 is said to be easy to fly, popular with pilots, and very reliable. A simplified model was widely exported, especially to Middle Eastern nations, though success has been limited. Numerous MiG-23 fighters were shot down by Israeli F-15 aircraft during the 1982 Lebanon conflict, and Libyan examples were successfully engaged by US F-14 fighters during skirmishes in the mid-1980s. Though still in service with a number of nations, the MiG-23 and related MiG-27 were phased out of Russian service in 1994.
Data below for MiG-23ML 'Flogger-G'
Last modified 31 January 2008

HISTORY:

First Flight 10 June 1967

Service Entry

1973

CREW:

1 pilot

ESTIMATED COST:

unknown

AIRFOIL SECTIONS:

Wing Root TsAGI SR-12S (6.5%)

Wing Tip TsAGI SR-12S (5.5%)

DIMENSIONS:

Length 54.83 ft (16.71 m)

Wingspan unswept: 45.83 ft (13.965 m)
swept: 25.54 ft (7.779 m)

Height 15.79 ft (4.82 m)

Wing Area 293 ft² (27.3 m²)

Canard Area

not applicable

WEIGHTS:

Empty 22,485 lb (10,200 kg)

Typical Load 32,000 lb (14,515 kg) [fighter mission]

Max Takeoff 39,250 lb (17,800 kg)

Fuel Capacity internal: 10,300 lb (4,672 kg)
external: unknown

Max Payload

6,614 lb (3,000 kg)

PROPULSION:

Powerplant one Khachaturov R-35-300 afterburning turbojet

Thrust

28,660 lb (127.5 kN) with afterburner

PERFORMANCE:

Max Level Speed at altitude: 1,555 mph (2,500 km/h) at 36,000 ft (10,975 m), Mach 2.35
at sea level: 840 mph (1,350 km/h), Mach 1.1

Initial Climb Rate 50,000 ft (15,250 m) / min

Service Ceiling 60,700 ft (18,500 m)

Range typical: 970 nm (1,800 km)
ferry: 1,515 nm (2,800 km)

g-Limits +7.5

ARMAMENT:

Gun one 23-mm GSh-23L two-barrel cannon (260 rds)

Stations six external hardpoints

Air-to-Air Missile K-13/AA-2 Atoll, R-23/R-24/AA-7 Apex, R-60/AA-8 Aphid, R-73/AA-11 Archer, Magic 2

Air-to-Surface Missile Kh-66/Kh-23/AS-7 Kerry

Bomb 250/500 kg conventional, nuclear, and napalm bombs, cluster bombs

Other rocket pods, ECM pods

KNOWN VARIANTS:

Ye-231 Prototype

MiG-23S 'Flogger-A' Pre-production fighter used for evaluation

MiG-23SM 'Flogger-A' Pre-production version with four weapons pylons

MiG-23M 'Flogger-B' First production fighter

MiG-23MF 'Flogger-B' Improved MiG-23M with a new radar and an infrared sensor pod, major production model after 1978

MiG-23U 'Flogger-C' Two-seat combat-capable trainer based on the MiG-23MF

MiG-23UB/UM 'Flogger-C' Two-seat combat-capable trainers with a Tumanskii engine

MiG-23MF/MS 'Flogger-E' Export version of the MiG-23M series with downgraded avionics

MiG-23B/BN 'Flogger-F' Attack fighter with a Lyul'ka engine, revised forward fuselage, and the armor protection of the MiG-27 'Flogger-D'

MiG-23BM 'Flogger-F' unknown

MiG-23MF/ML 'Flogger-G' Lightweight fighter with an improved engine and upgraded avionics

MiG-23P 'Flogger-G' Fighter model with a digital autopilot that can be controlled from the ground

MiG-23BK 'Flogger-H' unknown

MiG-23BN 'Flogger-H' Similar to the MiG-23B/BN but with an uprated engine and a new avionics pods under the nose

MiG-23MLD 'Flogger-K' Upgraded MiG-23MF mutli-role tactical fighter with refined aerodynamics, an improved weapons control system, and other updated avionics

MiG-23MLDG Prototype fighter similar to the MiG-23MLD but equipped with a new ECM jammer

MiG-23I Proposal to upgrade MiG-23 export models with a new radar and the ability to carry R-27/AA-10 Alamo as well as R-77/AA-12 Adder air-to-air missiles

MiG-23-98 Proposal to upgrade MiG-23MF/MS/ML export fighter models with a choice of new radars, an upgraded cockpit, new mission computer, improved databus, and the ability to carry new weapons

MiG-23B-98 Proposal to upgrade MiG-23BN export attack models with a helmet-mounted sight for use with R-73/AA-10 Alamo missiles, a new radar, and compatibility with TV-guided air-to-surface weapons

MiG-23UB-99 Proposal to upgrade MiG-23UB export trainers

MiG-24 Export version

J-8 Much improved Chinese variant loosely based on the MiG-21 and MiG-23, license-built by Shenyang

KNOWN COMBAT RECORD: Lebanon (Syria, 1982)
Iran-Iraq War (Iraq, 1980-1988)
Gulf of Sidra - shot down by US F-14s (Libya, 1989)
Iraq - Operation Desert Storm (Iraq, 1991)
Iraq - Operation Desert Fox (Iraq, 1998)

KNOWN OPERATORS: Afghanistan (Afghan Air Force)
Algeria, Al Quwwat al Jawwawiya al Jaza'eriya (Algerian Air Force)
Angola, For�a A�rea Popular de Angola (Angolan People's Air Force)
Belarus, Voyenno Vozdushnyye Sily (Belarus Air Force)
Bulgaria, Bulgarski Voenno Vozdushni Sili (Bulgarian Air Defense Force Military Aviation)
Cuba, Defensa Antiaerea y Fuerza A�rea Revolucionaria (Anti-Aircraft Defense and Revolutionary Air Force)
Czechoslovakia, Ceskoslovenske Letectvo (Czechoslovak Air Force) - MiG-23MF/ML/BN/UB
Czech Republic, Cesk Letectvo a Protivzbusna Obrana (Czech Air Force and Air Defense)
East Germany, Luftstreitkr�fte/Luftverteidigung (Air Force/Air Defense Force) - MiG-23MF/ML/BN/UB)
Egypt, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya il Misriya (Egyptian Air Force) - MiG-23BN/MS/UB
Ethiopia, Ye Ityopya Ayer Hayl (Ethiopian Air Force)
Germany, Deutsche Luftwaffe (German Air Force)
Hungary, Magyar L�gier� (Hungarian Red Air Arm)
Hungary, Magyar Honvedseg Rep�l� Csapatai (Hungarian Air Defense Group)
India, Bharatiya Vayu Sena (Indian Air Force) - MiG-23BN/MF/UB
Iraq, Al Quwwat Al Jawwiya al Iraqiya (Iraqi Air Force)
Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan Air Force)
Libya, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jamahiriya al Arabia al Libyya (Libyan Air Force) - MiG-23BN/MS/UB
North Korea (Korean People's Army Air Force)
Poland, Sily Powietrzne Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej (Polish Air Force) - MiG-23MF/UB
Poland, Polska Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej (Polish Air Defense and Aviation Force)
Romania, Fortele Aeriene Rom�ne (Romanian Air Force)
Russia, Voyenno Vozdushniye Sili (Russian Air Force)
Russia, Aviatsiya Voyenno-Morskoyo Flota Sily Rossii (Russian Naval Aviation)
Sudan, Silakh al Jawwiya As'Sudaniya (Sudanese Air Force)
Syria, Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al Arabiya as-Souriya (Syrian Air Force)
Ukraine, Viys'kovo-Povitriani Syly Ukrayiny (Ukraine Military Air Forces)
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Voyenno Vozdushniye Sili (Soviet Air Force)
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Aviatsiya Voyenno-Morskoyo Flota (Soviet Naval Aviation)
Vietnam, Khong Quan Nhan Dan Viet Nam (Vietnam People's Army Air Force)
Yemen, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Yemeniya (Unified Yemen Air Force)

3-VIEW SCHEMATIC:

MiG-23

SOURCES:

Bishop, Chris, ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Weapons: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Weapon Systems from 1945 to the Present Day. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1999, p. 249, 274.

Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1997, p. 633, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 and MiG-27.

Donald, David and Lake, Jon, ed. The Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 2000, p. 296-300, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23S/M/MF/MS 'Flogger-A/B/E', Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23ML/P/MLD 'Flogger-G/K', Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23UB 'Flogger-C', Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23B/BK/BM/BN 'Flogger-F/H'.

FAS MiG-23 site

Gunston, Bill, ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Warplanes. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1995, p. 188-190, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 'Flogger-B', 'Flogger-E', 'Flogger-G' and 'Flogger-J'; Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23M 'Flogger-E' and MiG-23UB 'Flogger-C'; Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23B/BK/BM/BN 'Flogger-F/-H'.

Gunston, Bill, ed. The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 1995, p. 213-216, MiG-23S, MiG-23UB, MiG-23M/MF/MS, MiG-23ML, MiG-23P, MiG-23MLD, MiG-23B, MiG-23BN.

Gunston, Bill and Spick, Mike. Modern Air Combat: The Aircraft, Tactics and Weapons Employed in Aerial Combat Today. NY: Crescent Books, 1983, p. 130-131.

Isby, David C. Jane's Fighter Combat in the Jet Age. London: Harper Collins Publishers, 1997, p. 178.

Munro, Bob and Chant, Christopher. Jane's Combat Aircraft. Glasgow: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995, p. 164-165.

Paul Nann's Military Aviation Photo Gallery

Taylor, Michael. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1996/1997. London: Brassey's, 1996, p. 73-75, Mikoyan MiG-23 (NATO name Flogger).

Taylor, Michael J. H. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000. London: Brassey's, 1999, p. 55, Mikoyan MiG-23 (NATO name Flogger).

Aircraft | Design | Ask Us | Shop | Search

- -
	Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23 ASCC codename: Flogger Multi-Role Fighter

DESCRIPTION: First demonstrated to the public during the Domodedovo airshow in 1967, the MiG-23 was a major advance in fighter design over the preceeding MiG-21. The aircraft uses variable-sweep wings that can be set at 16, 45, or 72 degrees of sweep to improve performance at both subsonic and supersonic speeds. The MiG-23 also employs variable inlets to improve engine efficiency and increase range. Production of the MiG-23 was completed in 1985 after 4,278 single-seat and 769 trainers had been built. The MiG-23 is said to be easy to fly, popular with pilots, and very reliable. A simplified model was widely exported, especially to Middle Eastern nations, though success has been limited. Numerous MiG-23 fighters were shot down by Israeli F-15 aircraft during the 1982 Lebanon conflict, and Libyan examples were successfully engaged by US F-14 fighters during skirmishes in the mid-1980s. Though still in service with a number of nations, the MiG-23 and related MiG-27 were phased out of Russian service in 1994. Data below for MiG-23ML 'Flogger-G' Last modified 31 January 2008
HISTORY:
First Flight	10 June 1967
Service Entry	1973
CREW:	1 pilot
ESTIMATED COST:	unknown
AIRFOIL SECTIONS:
Wing Root	TsAGI SR-12S (6.5%)
Wing Tip	TsAGI SR-12S (5.5%)
DIMENSIONS:
Length	54.83 ft (16.71 m)
Wingspan	unswept: 45.83 ft (13.965 m) swept: 25.54 ft (7.779 m)
Height	15.79 ft (4.82 m)
Wing Area	293 ft² (27.3 m²)
Canard Area	not applicable
WEIGHTS:
Empty	22,485 lb (10,200 kg)
Typical Load	32,000 lb (14,515 kg) [fighter mission]
Max Takeoff	39,250 lb (17,800 kg)
Fuel Capacity	internal: 10,300 lb (4,672 kg) external: unknown
Max Payload	6,614 lb (3,000 kg)
PROPULSION:
Powerplant	one Khachaturov R-35-300 afterburning turbojet
Thrust	28,660 lb (127.5 kN) with afterburner
PERFORMANCE:
Max Level Speed	at altitude: 1,555 mph (2,500 km/h) at 36,000 ft (10,975 m), Mach 2.35 at sea level: 840 mph (1,350 km/h), Mach 1.1
Initial Climb Rate	50,000 ft (15,250 m) / min
Service Ceiling	60,700 ft (18,500 m)
Range	typical: 970 nm (1,800 km) ferry: 1,515 nm (2,800 km)
g-Limits	+7.5
ARMAMENT:
Gun	one 23-mm GSh-23L two-barrel cannon (260 rds)
Stations	six external hardpoints
Air-to-Air Missile	K-13/AA-2 Atoll, R-23/R-24/AA-7 Apex, R-60/AA-8 Aphid, R-73/AA-11 Archer, Magic 2
Air-to-Surface Missile	Kh-66/Kh-23/AS-7 Kerry
Bomb	250/500 kg conventional, nuclear, and napalm bombs, cluster bombs
Other	rocket pods, ECM pods
KNOWN VARIANTS:
Ye-231	Prototype
MiG-23S 'Flogger-A'	Pre-production fighter used for evaluation
MiG-23SM 'Flogger-A'	Pre-production version with four weapons pylons
MiG-23M 'Flogger-B'	First production fighter
MiG-23MF 'Flogger-B'	Improved MiG-23M with a new radar and an infrared sensor pod, major production model after 1978
MiG-23U 'Flogger-C'	Two-seat combat-capable trainer based on the MiG-23MF
MiG-23UB/UM 'Flogger-C'	Two-seat combat-capable trainers with a Tumanskii engine
MiG-23MF/MS 'Flogger-E'	Export version of the MiG-23M series with downgraded avionics
MiG-23B/BN 'Flogger-F'	Attack fighter with a Lyul'ka engine, revised forward fuselage, and the armor protection of the MiG-27 'Flogger-D'
MiG-23BM 'Flogger-F'	unknown
MiG-23MF/ML 'Flogger-G'	Lightweight fighter with an improved engine and upgraded avionics
MiG-23P 'Flogger-G'	Fighter model with a digital autopilot that can be controlled from the ground
MiG-23BK 'Flogger-H'	unknown
MiG-23BN 'Flogger-H'	Similar to the MiG-23B/BN but with an uprated engine and a new avionics pods under the nose
MiG-23MLD 'Flogger-K'	Upgraded MiG-23MF mutli-role tactical fighter with refined aerodynamics, an improved weapons control system, and other updated avionics
MiG-23MLDG	Prototype fighter similar to the MiG-23MLD but equipped with a new ECM jammer
MiG-23I	Proposal to upgrade MiG-23 export models with a new radar and the ability to carry R-27/AA-10 Alamo as well as R-77/AA-12 Adder air-to-air missiles
MiG-23-98	Proposal to upgrade MiG-23MF/MS/ML export fighter models with a choice of new radars, an upgraded cockpit, new mission computer, improved databus, and the ability to carry new weapons
MiG-23B-98	Proposal to upgrade MiG-23BN export attack models with a helmet-mounted sight for use with R-73/AA-10 Alamo missiles, a new radar, and compatibility with TV-guided air-to-surface weapons
MiG-23UB-99	Proposal to upgrade MiG-23UB export trainers
MiG-24	Export version
J-8	Much improved Chinese variant loosely based on the MiG-21 and MiG-23, license-built by Shenyang
KNOWN COMBAT RECORD:	Lebanon (Syria, 1982) Iran-Iraq War (Iraq, 1980-1988) Gulf of Sidra - shot down by US F-14s (Libya, 1989) Iraq - Operation Desert Storm (Iraq, 1991) Iraq - Operation Desert Fox (Iraq, 1998)
KNOWN OPERATORS:	Afghanistan (Afghan Air Force) Algeria, Al Quwwat al Jawwawiya al Jaza'eriya (Algerian Air Force) Angola, For�a A�rea Popular de Angola (Angolan People's Air Force) Belarus, Voyenno Vozdushnyye Sily (Belarus Air Force) Bulgaria, Bulgarski Voenno Vozdushni Sili (Bulgarian Air Defense Force Military Aviation) Cuba, Defensa Antiaerea y Fuerza A�rea Revolucionaria (Anti-Aircraft Defense and Revolutionary Air Force) Czechoslovakia, Ceskoslovenske Letectvo (Czechoslovak Air Force) - MiG-23MF/ML/BN/UB Czech Republic, Cesk Letectvo a Protivzbusna Obrana (Czech Air Force and Air Defense) East Germany, Luftstreitkr�fte/Luftverteidigung (Air Force/Air Defense Force) - MiG-23MF/ML/BN/UB) Egypt, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya il Misriya (Egyptian Air Force) - MiG-23BN/MS/UB Ethiopia, Ye Ityopya Ayer Hayl (Ethiopian Air Force) Germany, Deutsche Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Hungary, Magyar L�gier� (Hungarian Red Air Arm) Hungary, Magyar Honvedseg Rep�l� Csapatai (Hungarian Air Defense Group) India, Bharatiya Vayu Sena (Indian Air Force) - MiG-23BN/MF/UB Iraq, Al Quwwat Al Jawwiya al Iraqiya (Iraqi Air Force) Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan Air Force) Libya, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jamahiriya al Arabia al Libyya (Libyan Air Force) - MiG-23BN/MS/UB North Korea (Korean People's Army Air Force) Poland, Sily Powietrzne Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej (Polish Air Force) - MiG-23MF/UB Poland, Polska Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej (Polish Air Defense and Aviation Force) Romania, Fortele Aeriene Rom�ne (Romanian Air Force) Russia, Voyenno Vozdushniye Sili (Russian Air Force) Russia, Aviatsiya Voyenno-Morskoyo Flota Sily Rossii (Russian Naval Aviation) Sudan, Silakh al Jawwiya As'Sudaniya (Sudanese Air Force) Syria, Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al Arabiya as-Souriya (Syrian Air Force) Ukraine, Viys'kovo-Povitriani Syly Ukrayiny (Ukraine Military Air Forces) Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Voyenno Vozdushniye Sili (Soviet Air Force) Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Aviatsiya Voyenno-Morskoyo Flota (Soviet Naval Aviation) Vietnam, Khong Quan Nhan Dan Viet Nam (Vietnam People's Army Air Force) Yemen, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Yemeniya (Unified Yemen Air Force)
3-VIEW SCHEMATIC:
SOURCES: Bishop, Chris, ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Weapons: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Weapon Systems from 1945 to the Present Day. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1999, p. 249, 274. Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1997, p. 633, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 and MiG-27. Donald, David and Lake, Jon, ed. The Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 2000, p. 296-300, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23S/M/MF/MS 'Flogger-A/B/E', Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23ML/P/MLD 'Flogger-G/K', Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23UB 'Flogger-C', Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23B/BK/BM/BN 'Flogger-F/H'. FAS MiG-23 site Gunston, Bill, ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Warplanes. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1995, p. 188-190, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 'Flogger-B', 'Flogger-E', 'Flogger-G' and 'Flogger-J'; Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23M 'Flogger-E' and MiG-23UB 'Flogger-C'; Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23B/BK/BM/BN 'Flogger-F/-H'. Gunston, Bill, ed. The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 1995, p. 213-216, MiG-23S, MiG-23UB, MiG-23M/MF/MS, MiG-23ML, MiG-23P, MiG-23MLD, MiG-23B, MiG-23BN. Gunston, Bill and Spick, Mike. Modern Air Combat: The Aircraft, Tactics and Weapons Employed in Aerial Combat Today. NY: Crescent Books, 1983, p. 130-131. Isby, David C. Jane's Fighter Combat in the Jet Age. London: Harper Collins Publishers, 1997, p. 178. Munro, Bob and Chant, Christopher. Jane's Combat Aircraft. Glasgow: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995, p. 164-165. Paul Nann's Military Aviation Photo Gallery Taylor, Michael. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1996/1997. London: Brassey's, 1996, p. 73-75, Mikoyan MiG-23 (NATO name Flogger). Taylor, Michael J. H. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000. London: Brassey's, 1999, p. 55, Mikoyan MiG-23 (NATO name Flogger).