MiG-23BN
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1972 · fighter
The MiG-23BN ('Flogger-H') is the export ground-attack derivative of the MiG-23B, combining the variable-sweep wing of the Flogger family with a completely redesigned drooped nose optimised for low-level strike.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, variable |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.72 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Export ground-attack MiG-23 with a drooped, redesigned nose housing a laser rangefinder
- Lower cockpit position than the interceptor variants for improved forward visibility
- Variable-sweep wing with six underwing pylons for heavy ordnance loads
Drooped nose with a distinctly different profile from interceptor Floggers. Lower cockpit position. Variable-sweep wing with multiple pylons. The angled nose instantly separates it from MiG-23M/ML.
Specifications
- The MiG-23BN has a length of 16.72 m (55 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.97 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1350 km/h (839 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Warsaw Pact and Soviet client states needed a capable strike aircraft that could also defend itself in the air. The MiG-23BN was designed to fill this role, taking the MiG-23B's redesigned fuselage forward section — with a longer, lowered nose — and marrying it to the MiG-23M's airframe and avionics. It was widely exported and saw combat in multiple conflicts including the Iran-Iraq War and various African wars.
Variants
MiG-23B (Soviet service, initial), MiG-23BN (export/Warsaw Pact derivative), MiG-27 (further developed dedicated attack variant with fixed intakes and six-barrel gun).
Where you'll see it
East Germany, Czechoslovakia, India, Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Cuba, Syria, Iraq. Saw heavy combat use in the Iran-Iraq War with Iraqi forces.
Related aircraft
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