Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MLD

[PremiumFuelOnly 1,604]

Aircraft: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MLD [NATO Designation: Flogger-K]

 

Classification: all-weather fighter/interceptor jet with variable wing sweep geometry

 

Visuals: 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description: The final version of the MiG-23 lineage, the MiG-23MLD represented 500 MiG-23ML, MiG-23MLA, and MiG-23P aircraft that were brought up to the new VVS specification for the type between 1982 and 1985.

 

The MiG-23MLD introduced several improvements as standard, including Type 4 wings that offered mid-range sweepback to be used in close combat maneuvers. The sweep was reduced from 45° down to 36°, where the wings could withstand an 8.5G load and the leading edges of the wing were cut back at the junction with the fuselage, essentially producing a second dogtooth edge for better handling. In addition, vortex generator plates were positioned on the pitot tube from the point where it emerged from the nose cone. In conjunction with the wing glove cutback, these plates generated strong vortices at high AoA, thus reducing the yaw tendency of the aircraft’s nose.  In addition to the wing modifications, a SOUA angle-of-attack limiter was replaced by the SOS-3-4 which automatically deployed leading edge flaps to 20° once AoA reached 10° at speeds lower than 900 kph. The system also automatically reduced the flap angle progressively as the wings swept back to their maximum sweep or 72°. 

 

Other changes made to the airframe included rearrangement of the access doors and hatches in the fuselage behind the canopy to better facilitate ease of maintenance. The dielectric fairing of folding ventral strake was also strengthened to eliminate the need for constant replacement.

 

In addition to airframe modifications, the MiG-23MLD’s weapons systems and avionics were brought up to the MiG-23MLA standard by installing the Sapfeer-23MLA-2 radar and A321 digital tactical navigation system among several other avionics upgrades. The -23MLD’s arsenal was also expanded to include the use of highly potent, agile R-73A AAMs.

 

As is typical for many Soviet aircraft, the MiG-23MLD saw the introduction of upgrades both during and after production. Most notably were a series of packages born out of the ‘MiG-23-98’ upgrade projects, which enhanced the avionics and weapons suites further to improve capability in the modern age.

 

MiG-23MLDs principally saw Soviet service, though a slightly cut-down type was offered as an export to several markets. 

 

Despite the emergence of newer fighters such as the MiG-29, the MiG-23MLD was considered an advanced interceptor with high capability, even if it couldn't quite measure up to the latest opposition from the West. Many pilots preferred the MiG-23MLD over the MiG-29 due to its reliability and proven capabilities which had most of the aircraft systems’ kinks ironed out by the time of introduction.

 

Fuel and Oil Data:

Internal Fuel Capacity: ? liters (? imp. gals)

Oil Capacity: ? liters (? gallons)

Fuel Grade: Kerosene T-1 or TS-1 or RT jet fuel

Full Fuel Weight: 3370 kg (8160 lbs)*

*Note: Internal fuel weight figure for the MiG-23ML, as the MiG-23MLD did not increase or decrease internal fuel tank capacity.

 

Engine Data:

Manufacturer: Khachaturov

Designation: R35-300

Type: axial-flow afterburning turbojet           

Compressor Stages: 2-spool, 5-stage LP / 6-stage HP

Combustors: Annular

Turbine: 1-stage HP / 1-stage LP

 

Power Data:

Afterburner Power: 13000 kgf (28665 lbf) ? RPM 

Dry Max Power: 8550 kgf (18850 lbf) @ ? RPM

 

*Dimensional Data: 

Length: 16.71 m (54.82 ft)

Height: ? m (? ft) 

Wing Span @ 16º Sweep: 13.97 m (45.83 ft)  

Wing Span @ 72º Sweep: 7.78 m (25.83 ft)  

Wing Area @ 16º Sweep: 32.27 sq meters (347.35 sq. ft)

Wing Area @ 72º Sweep: 34.16 sq meters (367.70 sq. ft)

Wing Loading: 409.84 kg/sq.m (83.95 lbs/sq.ft) @ normal takeoff weight w/ 72º degree wing sweep

*Note: Dimensions are from the MiG-23ML as MiG-23MLD specific dimensions were not provided. However, sources indicate that the MiG-23MLD’s Type 4 wings and revised airframe did not change any of these figures, just the functionality and operation.

 

Weight Data:

Empty Weight: ? kg (? lbs)

Takeoff Weight: 14000 kg (30870 lbs)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 20100 kg (44320 lbs)

 

General Performance Data:

Maximum Speed: 2500 kph (1550 mph)

Acceleration from 600 - 1000 kph @ 1000 m: 19.8 seconds

Maximum Rate of Climb:  225 m/s (44290 ft/min)

Power-off, flaps-up Stall Speed: ? kph (? knots)*

Takeoff Distance @ SL: ? m (? ft)*

Service Ceiling: 18600 m (61000 ft) 

Landing Speed: ? kph (? mph)*

*Note: Due to its similarity to the older, slightly heavier MiG-21MLA [14000 kg (-23MLD) vs. 14700 kg (-23MLA)] we can assume that the MiG-23MLD's takeoff distance and landing speed are broadly similar. The MiG-23MLA's takeoff run is 500m and it's landing speed is 240 kph.

 

Maximum Combat Load Factor:

Positive G-load: +8.5G

 

Maximum Speeds:

At SL: 1400 kph (839 mph)

At ‘high altitude’: 2500 kph (1550 mph)

 

Rate of Climb:

Peak Sustained: 225 m/s (44290 ft/min)

 

Armament: 

Guns: 1x Gsh-23 twin barrel 23mm cannon (200 rds)

Maximum Warload Weight: 2000 kg (4410 lbs) in overload conditions

Additional Ordnance: (spoilered below)*

 *Note: in addition to the below spoilered external stores which are for the MiG-23ML, the MiG-23MLD can also carry  R-73As, R-24Rs, and R-24Ts as per MiG-23MLA standard.

Spoiler

 

 

Avionics & Electronic Systems (select examples):

Radar:

• Polyot-2L-23 flight navigation system

• Sapfir-23MLA-2 radar

Electronic Countermeasures Equipment: 

• SPS-141 Siren-Fsh active radar jamming system
• SB-1 Bar’yer enemy radar signal masking emitter
• SPO-15L Beryoza-L passive RHAWS
• KDS-23 chaff/flare dispensers 
• BVP-50-60 overwing chaff/flare launchers

 

Sources:

[1] MiG-23/27 Flogger Soviet Swing-Wing Fighter/Strike Aircraft by Yefim Gordon and Keith Dexter, Aerofax, Midland Publishing, 2005, ISBN: 1 85780 211 X

[2] MiG-23/27 Flogger in action, Aircraft Number 101 squadron/signal publications, 1990, ISBN: 0-89747-244-6

[3] MiG-23/27 Flogger by Bill Gunston, Combat Aircraft Series, Osprey Publishing, London, 1986, ISBN: 0-85045-718-1

 

Edited April 6, 2020 by Aquilachrysaetos

[Miki_Hoshii 2,449]

Open for discussion.

[TyphoonCro 6,833]

49 minutes ago, Aquilachrysaetos said:

Sapfeer-23 radar

 

"Sapfir-23"

And MiG-23 is coming to game at some point, question of time now..

Edited April 5, 2020 by TyphoonCro

[PremiumFuelOnly 1,604]

30 minutes ago, TyphoonCro said:

 

"Sapfir-23"

And MiG-23 is coming to game at some point, question of time now..

 

Seems like a difference in translation: 

 

 

 

MiG-23 will certainly come to the game, the question is largely what variant. MiG-23S and MiG-23M would be rather different in the meta than the MiG-23MLD here, and I imagine this variant is further away than those.

[TyphoonCro 6,833]

6 minutes ago, Aquilachrysaetos said:

 

Seems like a difference in translation: 

 

 

 

MiG-23 will certainly come to the game, the question is largely what variant. MiG-23S and MiG-23M would be rather different in the meta than the MiG-23MLD here, and I imagine this variant is further away than those.

 

I can tell you with certainty that it is named "Sapfir" (Sapphire)

[lambsauce 150]

5 hours ago, TyphoonCro said:

 

I can tell you with certainty that it is named "Sapfir" (Sapphire)

Semantics, both spellings are acceptable.

[MonkeyBussiness 1,228]

i want it that's for sure but i'm not sure about those R-73 , they are better than the AIM-9M but inferior to the AIM-9X wich mean it might broke the balance in a dogfight (especially if we consider the helmet system as a new mecanic in game)

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

I support this but it would be in the position of the theoretical tier 7 

Edited April 5, 2020 by EpicBlitzkrieg87

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

Takeoff and landing rolls could be approximately (since there are differences in weight, the MLD being lighter) the same as the MLA's 

 

 

Quote

 

Takeoff Measurements:

Speed: 240 km/h (149 mph, 129.6 kts)

Distance: 500 m (1,640 ft)

Landing Measurements:

Speed: 280 km/h (174 mp, 151 kts)

Distance: 750 m (2,460 ft)

 

 

 

Maximum mach number should also be the same (mach 2.35) since the airframe is very similar if not identical

 

Hope they're helpful. Thanks for writing this. 

[Milocat 4,857]

Eventual +1.

[RanchSauce39 397]

Not that it will matter for game given that everyone has the same generic RWR interface,  but just to fix one thing in OP the MIg23MLD had the SPO15 RWR not the SPO10 that  certain Mig21's  and earlier Mig23M/ML/MLA's had.

 

SPO10

 

 

 

SPO15

 

 

 

 

Mig23MLD cockpit

 

 

Edited April 5, 2020 by RanchSauce39

[PremiumFuelOnly 1,604]

2 hours ago, RanchSauce39 said:

Not that it will matter for game given that everyone has the same generic RWR interface,  but just to fix one thing in OP the MIg23MLD had the SPO15 RWR not the SPO10 that  certain Mig21's  and earlier Mig23M/ML/MLA's had.

 

Ah yes, you're correct and this was an oversight on my part:

 

 

 

I'll amend the post, thanks.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Aquilachrysaetos

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

I figured you want a source for the max operating number so here's one from me:

 

Spoiler

 

 

It's the same across most MiG-23 variants if not all. 

 

Could also be worthy to note (for more detailed accuracy) that the radar's name is "Sapfir-23MLA-II". Calling it Sapfire / Sapfeer / Saphire / - 23MLA alone refers to the MiG-23MLA's radar. 

 

Spoiler

Edited April 6, 2020 by EpicBlitzkrieg87

[PremiumFuelOnly 1,604]

1 hour ago, EpicBlitzkrieg87 said:

I figured you want a source for the max operating number so here's one from me:

 

  Hide contents

 

 

It's the same across most MiG-23 variants if not all. 

 

Could also be worthy to note (for more detailed accuracy) that the radar's name is "Sapfir-23MLA-II". Calling it Sapfire / Sapfeer / Saphire / - 23MLA alone refers to the MiG-23MLA's radar. 

 

 

  Hide contents

 

 

I'll amend the post with these.

[MonkeyBussiness 1,228]

R-27 and R-77 were only use on the Mig-23-98 ?

[PremiumFuelOnly 1,604]

1 hour ago, MonkeyBussiness said:

R-27 and R-77 were only use on the Mig-23-98 ?

 

They weren't used operationally on a MiG-23MLD or any other earlier MiG-23 variant. 

 

A MiG-23 testbed ('123 Blue') was used to test the K-27 initially, and then in 1999 a MiG-23ML was used to fire the R-73 and R-77 missiles. The MiG-23-98-1 upgrade project was the first "version" of the MiG-23 to use these missiles since it focused on overhauling the type's capabilities for modern combat.

[Borotovas 4,500]

+1

[LeMemeAesthetic 266]

+1

[Ein79 5,752]

Strongly support, needed ASAP (next update)

[spacenavy90 1,402]

Posting before this gets moved to implemented suggestions soon.

 

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

))))

[MonkeyBussiness 1,228]

waiting for a fully meta Mig-23 like :

[leroyonly 4,311]

As the MiG-23MLD has been implemented with update 2.11 Ground Breaking,

 

Moved to Implemented Suggestions.