Mikoyan MiG-23
The Mikoyan MiG-23 introduced variable-sweep wings to a Soviet frontline fighter, allowing good low-speed handling for takeoff while sweeping back for high-speed flight. It was built in enormous numbers and exported around the world, serving in conflicts from the Middle East to Africa. Its large side intakes and moving wing gloves make it visually distinct from the lighter MiG-21. The type was designed as an interceptor but later variants also became capable strike aircraft.
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Did you know?
The MiG-23 introduced variable-sweep wings to Soviet frontline fighters, swept forward for takeoff and back for speed, with wing-mounted intakes unlike the smaller MiG-21.
Specifications
| Length | 16.7 m (55 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 14 m (46 ft) |
| Height | 4.8 m (16 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 18.9 t |
| Range | 1,500 NM (2,778 km) |
| Maximum speed | 1,350 kt (2,500 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 61,000 ft (18,593 m) |
| Rate of climb | 47,250 ft/min (240 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 500 m (1,640 ft) |
| Landing distance | 750 m (2,461 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 4,600 l |
| Engines | 1x Khatchaturov R-29B-300 |
| Units built | 5,047 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Mikoyan MiG-23 starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Mikoyan, the MiG-23 family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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