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| MiGs-The Mainstay of IAF |
| MiGs are the mainstay of the IAF and have been so for three decades. The IAF has different types of MiGs — the MiG-21, MiG-23BN, MiG-23MF, MiG 25, MiG-27 and MiG-29.
MiG-21 has 21 variants of which 10 have served in the IAF. These are the Type 74, Type 76, Type 77, Type 96B, Type 96, Type 75, the Bison (upgraded MiG-21), and the two-seater Type 66, Type 69 and the Type 69B. All these types were inducted into service in 1969-1976. Each one is a modified improvement of the earlier variant, with the last of the aircraft being manufactured in 1989. Three different types of engines equip these fighters and trainers. Every sub-system and component of the aircraft, including its engine and airframe, has a design life after which it is replaced. The aircraft and its systems are subject to scheduled maintenance ranging from pre-flight to between flights, daily and weekly inspections, and overhaul at defined intervals. The criteria for airworthiness are the serviceability of the aircraft and its systems within its design life-cycle. There is no arbitrary concept of ‘‘age’’. The basic truth is an aircraft is either serviceable or it is not, irrespective of age. No air force in the world phases out its aircraft merely because of age. They are periodically refurbished and upgraded. In most cases, phasing out is done either because technologically the aircraft is markedly inferior to its potential challenger, or because it has completed its design life. The IAF does not fly unserviceable, unfit or non-airworthy aircraft. The MiG-21 fleet comprises 47 per cent of the total fighter inventory of the IAF and yet accounts for nearly 70 per cent of total sorties flown by the IAF’s fighter fleet. In the absence of an advanced jet trainer, the IAF is compelled to use the MiG-21 as an operational trainer. One has to look at MiG-21 accidents in perspective………… |
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| We are a generation awakened and share the same sentiment of patriotism towards our motherland. May be we did'nt know a thing about army or MiGs but certainly we would not want more Abhijit's to be crusaded and above all WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT AILS MiG's???? |
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