MiG-21U
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1960 · fighter
The MiG-21U (Mongol-A) is the initial two-seat trainer variant of the MiG-21, incorporating a second cockpit ahead of the standard position and used to convert pilots to the delta-wing fighter from the late 1950s onward.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Broader, taller fuselage cross-section than single-seat variants |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem two-seat cockpit with separate canopies on MiG-21 airframe
- Broader, taller fuselage cross-section than single-seat variants
- No nose radar; gun removed; limited external stores capability
The two separate canopies (rather than a continuous canopy) are the primary recognition feature distinguishing the U from the later US and UM, which have a broader continuous trainer canopy. The wider fuselage spine compared to single-seat variants is visible in head-on or three-quarter views.
Specifications
- The MiG-21U has a length of 15.49 m (51 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.15 m (23 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1970 km/h (1224 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Recognising that the MiG-21 demanded careful pilot conversion, Mikoyan developed the U trainer using the early F-13 standard airframe with an additional forward cockpit inserted and the fuselage cross-section widened slightly to accommodate it. The U has separate individual canopies for each occupant rather than a continuous trainer canopy. It entered service in the early 1960s alongside the first MiG-21F-13s.
Variants
The MiG-21U (early canopy variant) was succeeded by the MiG-21US (with blown flaps matching the PFM standard) and the MiG-21UM (the definitive trainer with more modern avionics). All share the same basic tandem-seat arrangement.
Where you'll see it
The MiG-21U served with every major MiG-21 operator as the primary conversion trainer. Soviet Frontal Aviation, Warsaw Pact air forces, and export customers all used the U alongside combat variants. It gradually gave way to the UM in later production.
Related aircraft
- MiG-21F-13
- MiG-21PF
- Mikoyan-Gurevich Ye-150
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F
- Canadair CT-114 Tutor
- Dassault Mirage IIIC
- Grumman A-6 Intruder
- Hawker Siddeley P.1127
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