Is the MiG-23 still in service?

Is the MiG-23 still in service?

Production started in 1969 and reached large numbers with over 5,000 aircraft built, making it the most produced variable-sweep wing aircraft in history. Today the MiG-23 remains in limited service with some export customers.

Was the MiG-23 a failure?

The MiG-23 was not only notoriously difficult to operate, but suffered from numerous technical failures. Iraqi MiG-23 jet fighters also fared even more poorly against Iran during the Iran-Iraq War, reportedly suffering upwards of fifty losses against Iranian F-14s, F-5s, and F-4s.

Was the MiG-23 a good fighter?

On paper the MiG-23 had an impressive performance, and when in the hands of experienced pilots in the 1980s it could outperform Soviet fourth generation fighters in mock engagements.

How much does MiG-23 cost?

The asking price is $1.4 million. The MiG-23 was called the Flogger by NATO and recorded some significant developments in Soviet military aircraft development.

Was there a MiG-23 in Vietnam?

Thailand’s National Security Council chief says the Soviet Union has stationed 14 MIG-23 fighter-interceptors at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam, the first such advanced planes to be based in the region.

What countries used the MiG-23?

The aircraft is in widespread use in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The MiG-23/27 FLOGGER series of aircraft has been used extensively by the former Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies including Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, East Germany, Rumania, and Czechoslovakia.

Why is the MiG-23 so bad?

The variable sweep design is heavy, it greatly limits the number of available hardpoints and fuel. The later MiG-23ML and MiG-23MLD were far more advanced than earlier modifications. They were quite capable even against F-16 and F-15 which are next-generation fighters.

How good is MiG?

“The MiG-15 surprised the hell out of us,” says National Air and Space Museum curator Robert van der Linden. Compared to the North American F-86 Sabre, hastily introduced in combat after the MiGs showed up, “the MiG was faster, could outclimb it, and had more firepower,” he says. And Sabre pilots knew it.

Why was the MiG-23 such a poor aircraft?

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 (5,047) American “Red Eagle” pilots, tasked with determining the capabilities of Soviet aircraft, considered the Flogger a disaster waiting to happen. By design, engines burned out quickly, meaning that export customers who had fallen out of Soviet graces quickly lost the use of their fighters.

Why was the MiG 23 such a poor aircraft?

Why is MiG-15 so good?

The MiG-15 was one of the first successful jet fighters to incorporate swept wings to achieve high transonic speeds. In combat over Korea, it outclassed straight-winged jet day fighters, which were largely relegated to ground-attack roles, and quickly countered the similar American swept-wing North American F-86 Sabre.

When did Syria start using the MiG 23bn?

The MiG-23MF, MiG-23MS and MiG-23BN were employed in combat by Syria over the Lebanon between 1981 and 1985. Israel claims that during the period of 1982-1985 no Israeli aircraft was lost to enemy aircraft and that Israel only lost five aircraft shot down by Syrian SAM’s.

How many MiG-23s were used in the Persian Gulf War?

At the outbreak of the war, Iraq had 62 MiG-23s: 36 MiG-23BN (29th and 49th squadrons), 18 MiG-23MS (39th squadron) and 8 MiG-23UB (27th squadron). A total of 54 MiG-23BN, 18 MiG-23MS, 18 MiG-23MF, 54 MiG-23ML and a few dozen MiG-23UB were delivered. According to Western statements, the aircraft used chemical weapons.

What kind of aircraft was the MiG 23?

The MiG-23 was the Soviet Air Force’s “Top Gun”-equivalent aggressor aircraft from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. It proved a difficult opponent for early MiG-29 variants flown by inexperienced pilots.

Is there a MiG-23 in the Libyan Air Force?

On 28 February 2016, a MiG-23MLA serial 6453 was restored to flying status after several years, becoming the only MiG-23 in service with the Libyan Air Force as of March 2016, performing missions against enemy positions and vehicles since March 2016.