Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21S izdeliye 95 "Fishbed-J" - The Intermediary of Generations

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

Welcome to the suggestion of the MiG-21S! 

 

You are probably wondering what model this is. 

 

As you're well aware of what the MiG-21F-13, MiG-21PFM, MiG-21SMT and MiG-21bis are since they're in the game, I will explain to you the MiG-21S this way:

 

The MiG-21S is the aircraft which started kicking off the "late" generation of MiG-21s (technically that would be the MiG-21R, but it would be practically irrelevant in the game).

 

If the MiG-21PFM was to be placed in the regular tree, the MiG-21S would be between the MiG-21PFM and MiG-21SMT in the line.

 

However since the PFM is being added as an event vehicle, I am suggesting the MiG-21S as a replacement to fill the void between early and late MiG-21s, since right now you jump from the MiG-21F-13 to a completely different aircraft, the MiG-21SMT. 

 

I find this important to smooth out progression! Besides, if this is added, the game will possess a variant (or two) for each MiG-21 generation (MiG-21F-13 and PFM representing the early Fishbeds, the MiG-21S representing the mid ones, the SMT and the bis representing late) and it will feel complete.

 

In a simpler and more organized manner of explaining, the MiG-21S was developed from the MiG-21R recon variant, which is from the MiG-21PFM.

 

The MiG-21S is also the model which paved the way to the MiG-21SM, which was upgraded with more fuel and a much better engine later on (MiG-21SMT). 

 

Basically, take the MiG-21PFM and give it four pylons, R-3R and R-13M missiles and the better RP-22 better, but no R-60 missiles. It is of like a hybrid between the MiG-21PFM and MiG-21SM/SMT.

 

Pros:

• RP-21M radar replaced with the RP-22S; 30 km of search range and 15 km of tracking range (as opposed to 20 km and 10 km on the older radar)
• Increase to four pylons from two
• R-3R missiles now included in inventory thanks to the RP-22 radar
• R-13M missiles now included in inventory
• Lightweight; maneuverable
• Retained the 23mm GSh-23L in a GP-9 gunpod like the MiG-21PFM
• Fast

 

Cons:

• Efficient and good engine, but the same as the MiG-21PFM
• No R-60 AAMs 
• Top missile loadout of 4 x R-13M is not competitive at 10.7
• Did not have heat-seekers that could be slaved to its radar
• The 23mm was in a gunpod; for the MiG-21S to load in flares using SPS-141 it had to remove the cannon
• The R-3R is the worst SARH missile in the game with pathetic maneuverability and the range of early heat-seekers

 

In-game Counterparts: F-4C Phantom, F-104S, Mirage IIIC w/o Magics

 

Now that you're familiarized with the plane, I'll begin the post. 

 

 

Quick overview:

 

(Uncoded fresh out of the factory MiG-21S with GP-9 cannonpod and four UB-16-57UM rocketpods)

 

Spoiler

 

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21S (factory designation: izdeliye 95) (NATO codename: "Fishbed-J") was a 1960s early interceptor, which served to succeed the MiG-21PFM in its role. 

 

It introduced a number of important changes, such as the pylon count increased to four instead of two, the new and better RP-22 radar which allowed the R-3R missile to be used, an RWR and so on. 

 

In 1974, the R-13M air-to-air missile, developed from the R-3S was officially accepted into its inventory but would not see service until its production commenced in 1976. 

 

Production of the MiG-21S lasted from 1965 till 1968, with 145 examples completed. 

 

(Production MiG-21S, 02 Red, undergoing state acceptance trials at GNIKI, carrying two R-3S and two R-3R (all inert) missiles)

 

 

 

History, design and development:

 

(Codenamed "Red-92", the second prototype of the MiG-21S (Ye-7S prototype designation) during test trials equipped with inert R-3UR missiles)

 

Spoiler

 

On the 21st of September, 1963, a single MiG-21PF codenamed Type 77 was experimented with the newer RP-22 radar, developed by OKB-339 under the supervision of Chief Designer Fyodor F. Volkov. This radar offered improved performance comapred to its predecessor, the RP-21M; maximum search range was increased from 20 km to 30 km, and the maximum tracking range was boosted from 10 km to 15 km. In addition, the purpose of the testing was to experiment with the R-3R, a new air-to-air missile derived from the R-3S with a semi-active radar-homing seeker head, as it was nearing clearance for official production.

In 1964, two MiG-21PFMs were converted to the Ye-7S, what would eventually serve as the prototypes of the production MiG-21S. The first Ye-7S prototype served as a testbed for verifying various radar and avionics systems, while the second prototype (codenamed Red-92) was used for testing the possibility of carrying four air-to-air missiles instead of two. This prototype's codename was changed to Red-93 later on and was donated to the aviation museum located in Monino. 

 

Backing up by two years, in 1962, the Council of Ministers ordered Vympel OKB to develop a new and more advanced infrared-homing missile based on the existing R-3S for use by newer MiG-21s, the first one being the MiG-21S. 

 

Moreover, the avionics suite was also thoroughly updated. The new RP-22S radar worked in conjunction with the ASP-PF-21 computing sight, which allowed manual target range input to accurately fire unguided rockets at ground and air targets alike.  The standard saddle which tappered off towards the middle that was used on the MiG-21PF and MiG-21PFM was replaced by a new saddle borrowed from the MiG-21R izdeliye 94R (the reconnaissance variant which preceeded it chronologically). 

 

It had a KM-1 ejection seat, an AP-155 autopilot and a PT-5282-62 brake parachute at the base of the rudder. The AP-155 autopilot, unlike the older KAP-2 which it had replaced, not only had autostabilization for all three axis but also a panic button feature, allowing the pilot to return to straight and level flight from any altitude while holding heading and height. In case the need arose for more thrust during takeoff, such as short runway scenarios, the MiG-21S was fitted with two SPRD-99 JATO boosters, one on each side of the rear starboard. During takeoff, these boosters generated up to 2,500 kgf (5,510 lbf) of thrust. Other important improvements to its avionics include the new ARLS Lazour-M GCI command-link system, the SRZO-2 IFF transponder and the awaited addition of RWR; the SPO-10 Sirena-3M RHAWS system marked its first introduction on the MiG-21S. A new PVD-7 main pitot was also introduced along with additional pitch and yaw vanes on the port side and underside of the nose, except on early production examples.

 

Structural changes were also practiced. The nose landing gear unit was reinforced, longer-stroke main gear oleos, perimeter seals on access panels, dirt seals on certain joints and so on. 

 

Furthermore, the MiG-21S was powered by the R-11FS-200 afterburning turbojet with up to 6,175 kgf of thrust on afterburner, the same powerplant which the MiG-21PFM also utilized with the same BLC system. 

 

As for its weapon systems, the MiG-21S did not attain an internal gun or cannon. However, much like the MiG-21PFM; its predecessor in development, it retained the GP-9 cannonpod which housed a 23mm GSh-23L cannon with an unchanged value of 200 rounds.  Now thanks to the pylon count increase to four, the MiG-21 could now load up to four missiles. 

 

 

Speaking of missiles, the addition of the new RP-22S radar allowed the MiG-21 to utilize the R-3R SARH air-to-air missile which had entered service during the year the MiG-21S was holding its test trials. This new missile was derived from the R-3S, featuring a semi-active radar-homing head which allowed all-aspect engagements and wide firing envelopes. Despite this, the R-3R had limited characteristics; since it's derived from the first production Soviet missile, it lacked maneuverabiltiy and range. Its G loads were similar to those of the R-3S, and the range was only slightly better: effective up to 1.5 km at low altitude and 7 - 9 km at high altitude, which is underwhelming for a missile of its guidance type. 

 

Moreover, it was only compatible with the RP-22 and its derivatives. This is problematic, because only six aircraft had possessed this radar it didn't see wide service, but more importantly the radar it's only compatible to lacked look-down/shoot-down capabilities. It was virtually blind if terrain was in front of it, thus low altitude engagements utilizing the R-3R were not possible. 

 

 

As it was one of the aircraft which tested the prototypes of the R-13M missile, the missile was officially introduced to the MiG-21S in 1974 first, but did not see service until 1976 when the missile's production commenced. A total of twenty one R-13Ms were fired during initial tests, by one MiG-21S, two MiG-21SM/SMT and three MiG-23s. 

 

It also retained the ordnance list of the MiG-21PFM, but was adapted into four pylons. For example, where the MiG-21PFM could only carry two rocketpods, the MiG-21S could carry four and so on. 

 

 

The MiG-21S remained in production at plant No.21 from 1965 till 1968, and was provided solely to the Soviet Air Force. 

 

 

 

 

Cockpit:

 

Spoiler

 

 

Camouflages:

 

 

 

Specifications

 

(MiG-21S, codenamed "Red-16" during the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia)

 

Spoiler

 

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21S izdeliye 95 "Fishbed-J"

 

 

General Characteristics

 

First flight: 1964

Number built: 145

Role: All-weather fighter and interceptor

Status: Production, canceled (1965 - 1968 @ Gorky Plant No.21)

Crew: 1

Length: 15 m (49.2 ft)

Wingspan: 7.154 m (23.5 ft)

Wing area: 23 m² (247.5 ft²)

Height: 4.125 m (13.53 ft)

Empty weight: N/A

Loaded weight: 8,150 kg (17,970 lbs)

Max. takeoff weight: N/A

Powerplant:  1 x Tumansky R-11F2S-300 afterburning turbojet

• without afterburner: 3,950 kgf (38.73 kN, 8,708 lbf)
• with afterburner: 6,175 kgf (60.55 kN, 13,614 lbf)

 

Performance

 

Maximum speed: 

• At sea level: 1,180 km/h (733 mph, 637 kts) (without afterburner), 1,300 km/h (808 mph, 702 kts) (with afterburner)
• At 12,500 m (41,101 ft): 2,230 km/h (1,385.6 mph, 1,204 kts) (with afterburner, full power)

 

Never-exceed speed (=M): 2.05M

Never-exceed speed (=IAS): 1,300 km/h (808 mph, 702 kts)

 

Rate of climb:  204 m/s (669.3 ft/s)

Time to 10,000 m (32,808 ft):  8 min (w/o afterburner)

Service ceiling:  18,000 m (59,055 ft)

Range: 1,240 km (770 mi, 670 nmi) (internal fuel)

Takeoff run: 900 m (2,950 ft)

Landing run: 550 m (1,800 ft)

G limits: 

• Positive: +8G
• Negative: -2G

Wing loading:

• Empty weight: N/A
• Loaded weight: 354.347826 kg/m² (72.58 lb/ft²)
• Max. takeoff weight: N/A

Thrust/weight (without afterburner):

• Empty weight: N/A
• Loaded weight: 0.48
• Max. takeoff weight: N/A

Thrust/weight (with afterburner):

• Empty weight: N/A
• Loaded weight: 0.75
• Max. takeoff weight: N/A

 

Armament

 

Note: This is not the complete list of loadouts. The MiG-21S, much like the MiG-21SMT and bis, could mix missiles with rockets, bombs and all the other possible combinations by later MiG-21s with four pylons.

 

Guns:  N/A

Missiles: 

• 4 x R-3S infrared-homing / heat-seeking air-to-air missiles

or

• 4 x R-3R semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missiles

or

• 4 x R-13M infrared-homing / heat-seeking air-to-air missiles

or

• 2 x R-3S infrared-homing / heat-seeking air-to-air missiles + 2 x R-3R semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missiles

or

• 2 x R-13M infrared-homing / heat-seeking air-to-air missiles + 2 x R-3R semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missiles

or

• 4 x R-13MK infrared-homing / heat-seeking + semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missiles

or

• 2 x R-13MK infrared-homing / heat-seeking + semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missiles + 2 x R-3R semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missiles

or

• 2 x Kh-66 beam-riding air-to-ground missiles

Bombs:

 

• 2 x FAB-100 (2 x 100 kg/2 x 220 lbs)

or

• 2 x FAB-250 (2 x 250 kg/2 x 500 lbs)

or

• 2 x FAB-500 (2 x 500 kg/2 x 1,000 lbs)

Rockets:

 

• 64 x 57mm S-5K unguided rockets in 4 x UB-16-57UM rocketpods (16 rockets each)

or

• 64 x 57mm S-5K unguided rockets in 2 x UB-32-57 rocketpods (32 rockets each)

or

• 4 x S-24 unguided rockets

Other (Optional):

• 1 x GP-9 gunpod housing a 23mm GSh-23L double-barreled autocannon (200 rds)
• 2 x SPRD-99 JATO boosters, one on each rear starboard (2,500 kgf, 5,510 lbf)

Electronics:

• Sapfir RP-22S search & track radar (30 km search, 15 km track) 
• SPO-10 Sirena-3M RHAWS (Radar-Homing Advanced Warning System) / RWR (Radar-Warning-Receiver) (222.2 km range)
• SRZO-2 IFF transponder
• ARLS Lasour-M GCI command link system
• PVD-7 main pitot
• PT-5282-62 brake parachute
• AP-155 autopilot
• ASP-PF-21 computing sight
• KM-1 ejection seat

 

 

 

 

Sources/References:

 

 

Spoiler

 

• Gordon, Yefim; Dexter, Keith; Kommisarov, Dmitriy. Mikoyan MiG-21. Midland Publishing, Hinckley 2008. ISBN 978-1-85780-257-3.
• Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21: Famous Russian Aircraft (Yefim Gordon)
• Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21: The World's Most Widely Used Supersonic Fighter (Yefim Gordon)
• Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (Alexander Mladenov)
• Soviet Cold War Fighters

 

 

Edited May 3, 2021 by EpicBlitzkrieg87

[Princess_Pinch 5,625]

Open for discussion. o7

[Milocat 4,857]

+1 for sure in the regular tree to fill the void of the MiG-21PFM being an event vehicle.

[Goyardi-@psn 76]

It’s nice but I’d love to see a suggestion for the Mig 21 93 or whichever modernized one that had the mig 29 engine 

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

6 hours ago, Goyardi-@psn said:

It’s nice but I’d love to see a suggestion for the Mig 21 93 or whichever modernized one that had the mig 29 engine 

 

It's on my to-do list, not a priority because it would be tier 7 but I'll post it sometime, probably after I finish the Yak-36 suggestion

[Ein79 5,752]

Big YES from my side - 4x R-13M, no R-60, BR 10...that's the Mig im looking for!

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

22 hours ago, Einherjer1979 said:

Big YES from my side - 4x R-13M, no R-60, BR 10...that's the Mig im looking for!

 

Yes exactly!

[CMDR_Atkinson 1,326]

What we should have gotten instead of the PFM. +1

Edited December 22, 2020 by CMDR_Atkinson

[idiot400 664]

+1

[somebody_Else 776]

Aren't we all a bit bored of more MiG-21's though?

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

On 15/01/2021 at 03:10, EventAnyDamage said:

Aren't we all a bit bored of more MiG-21's though?

 

I wouldn't mind a MiG-21 that's very different from the ones we have. 

[dog_ping 47]

Its a nice suggestion and all, but 4 mig 21s in a row is enough of a pain already to bear, each costing 1m sl and 390k rp, too much grinding for people in the future who want higher up jets like mig23/25 when they come.

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

On 21/01/2021 at 12:08, Ping_God said:

Its a nice suggestion and all, but 4 mig 21s in a row is enough of a pain already to bear, each costing 1m sl and 390k rp, too much grinding for people in the future who want higher up jets like mig23/25 when they come.

 

You know foldering is a thing

[dog_ping 47]

4 hours ago, EpicBlitzkrieg87 said:

 

You know foldering is a thing

Of course, funny thing is gaijin never does that even after my years of begging :/

 

[AxemenA12 47]

It would suffer tremendously like the rest of the soviet garbage at 10.0\9.7 so why even add it?

On 17/12/2020 at 07:45, EpicBlitzkrieg87 said:

• RP-21M radar replaced with the RP-22S; 30 km of search range and 15 km of tracking range (as opposed to 20 km and 10 km on the older radar)
• Increase to four pylons from two
• R-3R missiles now included in inventory thanks to the RP-22 radar
• R-13M missiles now included in inventory
• Lightweight; maneuverable
• Retained the 23mm GSh-23L in a GP-9 gunpod like the MiG-21PFM
• Fast

the PFM is still hot garbage so is the f13, like I get y'all are helping but I think wt is for harrier and phantom fans not for people that like migs

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

On 14/02/2021 at 09:37, AxemenA12 said:

It would suffer tremendously like the rest of the soviet garbage at 10.0\9.7 so why even add it?

 

What hot garbage?

 

On 14/02/2021 at 09:37, AxemenA12 said:

the PFM is still hot garbage so is the f13, like I get y'all are helping but I think wt is for harrier and phantom fans not for people that like migs

 

No comment  aside from you're obviously telling me you don't know how to fly them good. 

[AxemenA12 47]

On 15/02/2021 at 14:35, EpicBlitzkrieg87 said:

 

No comment  aside from you're obviously telling me you don't know how to fly them good.

ok mr mediocre kd

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,350]

On 17/02/2021 at 07:25, AxemenA12 said:

ok mr mediocre kd

 

@AxemenA12 Mediocre? Haha okay. And I apologize but it's ironic when someone comments that and they don't even have positive KDs for most of their planes. I don't understand why you would say that given the irony. 

 

Btw @Einherjer1979 I read in a Russian book called "Equipment and Armament" from 2005 by Angelsky, the first part which talks about domestic AAMs, apparently the MiG-21S had a very unique modification of the R-13M called the R-13MK which had a combined seeker (IR and SARH at the same time) that it had tested in 1975 

[Ein79 5,752]

21 hours ago, EpicBlitzkrieg87 said:

Btw @Einherjer1979 I read in a Russian book called "Equipment and Armament" from 2005 by Angelsky, the first part which talks about domestic AAMs, apparently the MiG-21S had a very unique modification of the R-13M called the R-13MK which had a combined seeker (IR and SARH at the same time) that it had tested in 1975 

Sounds really interesting. But even with nothing but standard R-13M I would be very happy with Mig-21S.

[csla1972 849]

[leroyonly 4,311]

As the MiG-21S has been implemented with update 2.13 Winged Lions,

 

Moved to Implemented Suggestions.