The MiG-21, NATO codenamed Fishbed, has been widely used in the Soviet Air Force and exported to more than 34 nations including Iraq. Iraq also uses a Mig-21 variant manufactured in the Peoples Republic of China, where it is designated as the Chengdu J-7.

The first production model, the MiG-21F entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1959 as a clear weather, day-only fighter interceptor. In essence, the MiG-21 is a no-frills, highly maneuverable air-superiority fighter that can be adapted for the ground attack role. It is powered by one Tumansky R-13-300 turbo jet and the model seen most often in non-Soviet air forces is the MiG-21 bis. This version is far more powerful than the original Mig-21, and it carries a heavier weight of armament. A refinement of this version, NATO codenamed Fishbed-N, carries improved avionics and mounts two radar-homing AA-2C Atoll and two AA-8 Aphid air-to-air missiles.

The Mig-21 was originally designed to carry two 30 mm NR-30 cannons, but the left gun had to be removed to meet weight restrictions and to improve room for avionics.

Mig-21 Links ............

• The Mig-21 Page   - a dedicated site to one of the greatest aircraft ever built.

  
  
  

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This page was updated on Friday, 17 January 2003.