MiG-21R
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1965 · reconnaissance aircraft
The MiG-21R (Fishbed-H) is a dedicated tactical reconnaissance variant of the MiG-21PFM, carrying interchangeable centreline reconnaissance pods containing cameras and electronic intelligence sensors in place of the intercept radar.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | MiG-21 outline with centreline reconnaissance pod under fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- MiG-21 outline with centreline reconnaissance pod under fuselage
- Lack of radar in nose replaced by camera/sensor fit
- Broader fin of the PFM family with blown-flap system
The centreline reconnaissance pod is the key recognition feature, typically a cylindrical fairing of around 1.5 m length hanging below the fuselage centre section. Without the pod, the MiG-21R is externally indistinguishable from the MiG-21PFM. The broad fin base of the PFM family distinguishes both from earlier narrow-fin variants.
Specifications
- The MiG-21R 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
The VVS and allied air forces needed a supersonic tactical reconnaissance aircraft to complement the MiG-21 fighter fleet, and the R variant was developed from the PFM airframe. The nose retains a radar but adds a forward-oblique camera. The principal reconnaissance load is carried in a centreline pod which can be swapped for different sensor configurations: day-photo, night-photo (with photoflash), or ELINT. The MiG-21R entered service in the late 1960s.
Variants
The MiG-21R is based on the MiG-21PFM airframe. It is related to but distinct from the MiG-21RF, which was a further-refined reconnaissance variant. Several Warsaw Pact nations operated the R and RF variants.
Where you'll see it
VVS reconnaissance regiments and allied Warsaw Pact air forces operated the MiG-21R. Operators included East Germany, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. In Soviet service it complemented the Yak-28R and longer-range reconnaissance types. The type served into the 1980s in some inventories.
Related aircraft
- MiG-21S
- MiG-21FL
- MiG-21PFM
- MiG-25
- Lockheed D-21
- Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
- RC-135 Rivet Joint
- RC-135V Rivet Joint
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