Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis "Fishbed"
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1971 · fighter
The MiG-21bis is the definitive and most capable production variant of the Fishbed, with a more powerful engine, updated avionics and a larger dorsal spine housing additional fuel and electronics.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 15.76 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Enlarged and raised dorsal spine running from cockpit to fin, much broader than the slim early F-13 spine
- Four underwing pylons standard versus two on the original F-13, giving a noticeably busier wing underside
- Uprated R-25 engine produces a larger afterburner nozzle diameter, visible from the rear
Tell the bis from the early F-13 by the clearly broader and taller dorsal spine running the full length of the spine from cockpit to fin root, the four-pylon wing, and the larger engine nozzle at the tail.
Specifications
- The MiG-21bis has a length of 15.76 m (52 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.15 m (23 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2175 km/h (1351 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering service in 1972, the bis (Russian for 'encore') introduced the Tumansky R-25 turbojet for better performance at altitude and the Sapfir-21 radar for improved intercept capability. Larger internal fuel cells and revised avionics made it significantly more capable than the original F-13. Over 2,000 were built, many under licence in India and Czechoslovakia.
Variants
The bis was produced in two sub-variants: the MiG-21bis (izdeliye 75) and the slightly improved Lazur-equipped MiG-21bis-SAU. India's HAL licence-built version was known as the Type 96.
Where you'll see it
The bis equipped Warsaw Pact, Indian, Vietnamese and numerous other air forces throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It remains in limited operational service in some countries. India's MiG-21 Bisons — upgraded bis airframes — served until 2025.
Related aircraft
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