MiG-21SM
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1968 · fighter
The MiG-21SM (Fishbed-J) is the VVS-only equivalent of the export MiG-21MF, combining the RP-22 Sapfir-21 radar with the R-13-300 engine and integrating the GSh-23L cannon internally, and serving as the standard Soviet front-line fighter of the early 1970s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Integrated GSh-23L twin-barrel cannon in fuselage belly |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- MiG-21 tailed delta, VVS-standard large dorsal spine
- Integrated GSh-23L twin-barrel cannon in fuselage belly
- R-13-300 engine with wider exhaust nozzle than earlier marks
Externally very close to the MiG-21MF. The clean belly (no GP-9 gondola) is the most reliable distinguisher from the MiG-21M. The large dorsal spine and four pylons mark it as third-generation. The SMT's even larger spine is visible only on that specific variant.
Specifications
- The MiG-21SM has a length of 15.76 m (52 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.15 m (23 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2230 km/h (1386 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The MiG-21SM was developed to address the range and firepower shortfalls of earlier variants, incorporating the more powerful R-13-300 turbojet and the Sapfir-21 radar as standard. The internal GSh-23L cannon replaced the earlier detachable GP-9 gondola. It was produced exclusively for the VVS and was not exported, unlike the near-identical MiG-21MF.
Variants
The SM and the export MiG-21MF are functionally identical. The MiG-21SMT followed with an even larger dorsal spine for more fuel. All are considered part of the same third-generation family.
Where you'll see it
VVS regiments received the MiG-21SM from 1969 onward, and it served as the primary Soviet fighter until the MiG-23 became widely available. It served in the European and Far Eastern theatres. Many were later passed to client states or converted to training roles.
Related aircraft
- MiG-21M
- MiG-21MF
- MiG-23
- MiG-23U
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