MiG-23P

Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1977 · fighter

The MiG-23P is a specialised variant of the MiG-23 built exclusively for the Soviet PVO (air defence) to conduct ground-controlled automatic interceptions of high-altitude targets.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, variable
E — Engines	1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	16.7 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

PVO home-defence interceptor variant of the MiG-23 optimised for ground-controlled interception
Enhanced datalink for automatic GCI approach; externally near-identical to MiG-23M
Variable-sweep wing and large side intakes standard to the family

Externally indistinguishable from MiG-23M/ML without close inspection of antenna fits. Variable-sweep wing and side intakes place it firmly in the Flogger family.

Specifications

The MiG-23P has a length of 16.7 m (55 ft).
It has a wingspan of 13.97 m (46 ft).
Its maximum speed is 2500 km/h (1553 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The PVO needed an interceptor that could be automatically guided to the target by ground radar with minimal pilot workload, freeing the pilot for the terminal attack phase. The MiG-23P incorporated enhanced datalink avionics, automatic throttle, and automatic approach to the firing solution. It served only with Soviet PVO units and was never exported.

Variants

MiG-23P (sole variant); related to MiG-23ML but with different avionics optimised for automated interception. Not to be confused with export-simplified MiG-23MS.

Where you'll see it

Soviet PVO interceptor regiments from the late 1970s through to early 1990s. Never exported. Retired with the dissolution of the PVO.

Related aircraft

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