Brief history of MiG-23

MiG-23 was designed to replace the MiG-21 EDO "Mikoyan". Begin development dates back to 1961 it was decided to build the first aircraft on the basis of MiG-21, but crashed two prototypes OKB began manufacturing new aircraft. Most essential difference was the decision to use a variable geometry wing, which gave him an advantage over western fighters of the 2nd and 3rd pokolin.Krylo has three fixed-position: 16 °, 45 ° and 72 ° on the front spar. Also, innovation was the use of medium-range missiles (up to 23).
The plane was built for aerodynamic scheme "longitudinal tryplan." It has an adjustable air inlet pidfyuzelyazhnyy. First flight MiG Research held May 26, 1967. Then it began mass production at the Moscow plant "Banner of Labor." In May 1969 in air up the first MiG-23S.Chas was not in place, Western countries is not dormant, so had to constantly improve and upgrade. First plane was modified to Mig-23M. It was a new engine, equipment, hanging pidfyuzelyazhnyy fuel tank and wing with increased area. And in 1974 appeared Lite Edition fighter MiG-23 ml. The plane had improved equipment, more powerful engine. There was also modified glider - shortened forkil fyuzelyazh.Seriyno and produced from 1976 to 1981 he was On the basis of MiG-23ML was established air defense interceptor MiG-23P.
Already in the late 70's development was started last modification of this type of MiG-23MLD. Changes related primarily fuselage to improve the stability characteristics of the aircraft at high angles of attack. Radar MiG-23MLD was able to accompany up to 6 goals simultaneously. On the fixed parts of the wing have established block-containers with infrared traps to protect against man-portable air defense systems.
At the moment all the MiG-23 Ukrainian Air Force in storage. MiG-23 delivered to various modifications within the Union, Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Egypt, Libya, Hungary, Iraq, India, Korea, Ethiopia, South Yemen, Poland, Syria, Vietnam.