Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23ML Flogger

@ Madrid, Spain

May 2014

The Soviet-built MiG-23 “Flogger”, seen here at the Museo del Aire in Madrid, was designed to replace the widely-used MiG-21. The MiG-23’s advanced radar and fire control system could fire missiles at targets beyond visual range. Variable swing-wing geometry and robust landing gear allowed the MiG-23 to operate from short, remote runways.  Early production aircraft suffered fuselage cracks during their service career, along with criticism of maneuverability. A considerable redesign of the airframe was performed, resulting in the MiG-23ML.  Production started in 1970 with over 5,000 aircraft built. Today ...