- USD 19.99
- -57%
- USD 19.99
- USD 8.49
- Sale Ends: December 3 2024 1:00 PM -05:00
- View more offers at FS Addon Compare
- Added: June 2, 2022
- Updated: April 18, 2024
The MiG-21 Bis (NATO reporting name: Fishbed) is a supersonic front-line jet fighter and interceptor aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union.
Development of what would become the MiG-21 began in the early 1950s from several prototypes (Ye-1 to Ye-4). First delta wings prototype (Ye-4) made its maiden flight on June 16, 1955 and its first public appearance during the Soviet Aviation Day display at Moscow's Tushino airfield in July 1956.
The MiG-21 was the first successful Soviet aircraft combining fighter and interceptor characteristics in a single aircraft. It was a lightweight fighter, achieving Mach 2 with a relatively low-powered afterburning turbojet.
The delta wing, while excellent for a fast-climbing interceptor, meant any form of turning combat led to a rapid loss of speed. However, the light loading of the aircraft could mean that a climb rate of 235 m/s (46,250 ft/min) was possible with a combat-loaded MiG-21bis not far short of the performance of the later F-16A.
Due to its simplicity of design, ease of mastering the piloting technique and excellent indicators of speed and maneuverability, the Mig 21 is widely used in the world.