The MiG-23S was the first version of the new MiG fighter to see service with military units, although the type was more of an evaluation aircraft. The first serial MiG-23S took flight on 21st of May 1969, after its completion at the
Banner of Labour factory in Moscow. When it was discovered by NATO, the plane was given the reporting name 'Flogger-A'. Only around 60 examples of this variant of the Flogger were built, and it never saw combat. It had many key differences from the later MiG-23M 'Flogger-B', which became the first variant to see a major production run:
1. The distinctive conical radome housed the same RP-22SM radar used on the MiG-21bis; the intended RP-23 (and its weapons suite) was not yet ready.
2. The wings lacked the characteristic 'saw-tooth' on their leading edge. This was introduced on aircraft from 1971 onwards as a response to pilot feedback.
3. The R27F engine extended beyond the tail unlike later models.
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Aircraft Specifications and Performance
Length: 16.71m
Height: 4.5m
Wingspan, straight: 13.97m
Wingspan, fully swept: 6.84m
Wing Area at 16° sweep: 32.10 sq.m
Wing Area at 72° sweep: 32.60 sq.m
Empty Weight: 9790 kg
TO Weight: 14090 kg
MTOW: 14800 kg
Fuel Load: 3700 kg
Engine: R-27F2-300 turbojet (R-27F-300 for early versions)
Thrust, dry: 6940kgf
Thrust, wet: 10200kgf
Top Speed, Sea Level: 1350 kph
Top Speed, High Alt.: 2450 kph
Rate of Climb: 10500 m/min
Ceiling: 18000 m
Max. G: 5.55
Armament:
GSh-23L autocannon, 200 rounds
Up to four A2A missiles (R-3S, R-13M, R-3R)
Up to 2000kg of bombs from 50-500kg.
Either S-5 or S-24 rockets
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Topic: MiG-23S 'Flogger-A' (Read 1524 times)
