MiG-21FL
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1964 · fighter
The MiG-21FL (Fishbed-D) is an export variant of the MiG-21PF developed specifically for India and Egypt, featuring a simplified radar and avionics suite and produced under licence in India by HAL as a key element of the Indian Air Force's supersonic transformation.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Medium-sized centre-body/shock cone in nose intake |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- MiG-21 delta-wing tailed fighter with single circular nose intake
- Medium-sized centre-body/shock cone in nose intake
- SPS blown flaps evident as wider trailing-edge surfaces
Distinguished from later MiG-21 variants by the smaller, less prominent dorsal spine and the absence of the broader fin of the PFM. The circular intake with centrebody shock cone is standard for all nose-intake MiG-21s. SPS blown flaps are the most reliable differentiator from the earlier F-13 variants.
Specifications
- The MiG-21FL 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
India selected the MiG-21 in the early 1960s as its principal supersonic fighter and negotiated a licence-production agreement with the Soviet Union. The FL variant was tailored for export: it uses the R-2L radar (a simplified derivative of the Sapfir), omits some Soviet-classified systems, and retains the R-11F-300 engine. HAL at Nasik manufactured over 150 FL aircraft between 1966 and 1973. The type was the IAF's main fighter for a decade.
Variants
The FL sits in the MiG-21PF family alongside the PF, PFM (with broader fin), and PFMA. India subsequently received and licence-built the MiG-21M, MiG-21MF, and MiG-21bis, which superseded the FL in first-line service.
Where you'll see it
The IAF flew MiG-21FLs from the late 1960s through the 1970s and into the 1980s, seeing action during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War where they provided air defence and strike cover. Egyptian Air Force also received FL aircraft. India's last FLs were retired in the 1990s.
Related aircraft
- MiG-21PFM
- MiG-25
- MiG-25P
- MiG-25R
- Convair Model 48 Charger
- English Electric Lightning F.6
- Helwan HA-300
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25
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