Planelopnik: MiG-21 at 62

"Viggen" (viggen37) 02/15/2017 at 11:53 • Filed to: Aviation, Planelopnik, Mikoyan, MiG-21

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Romanian Air Force MiG-21 Lancer-C, considered one of the most capable MiG-21s

I completely missed that yesterday was the sixty second anniversary of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21's first flight. On February 14, 1955, the most produced supersonic aircraft took its first flight, starting the beginning of a career that continues today.

A very attractive MiG-21UMD of the Croatian Air Force

Over ten thousand MiG-21s were produced, the majority in the Soviet Union, while several hundred were built in Czechoslovakia and India. Another 2,400 were produced in China as the reverse engineered Chengdu J-7. The aircraft served as the East’s chief rival to the West’s McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and Dassault Mirage III, with the types seeing combat against each other over the skies of Vietnam and Israel, respectively. The aircraft received the NATO designation of “Fishbed”.

An Indian MiG-21 Bison

Although outclassed by the 1980s, the MiG-21 continues to serve in respectable numbers in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Some countries, such as Romania and India put their Fishbeds through modernization programs, allowing the aircraft smart weapons capabilities and usage of newer air to air missile types. Although most operators intend to replace their MiG-21s by 2025, could we see the type continue to fly beyond then? I’d say so. For some countries, the simple fast mover serves as all that’s needed.

A Romanian MiG-21 Lancer-C taxied back, drogue chute in tow, at the end of a flight.

Chariotoflove > Viggen 02/15/2017 at 11:57

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It’s just got that great retro “jet” look. It’s especially snazzy in the blue Romanian livery.

Would daily.

ttyymmnn > Viggen 02/15/2017 at 11:59

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Now that my schedule has calmed down a bit, I’m seriously considering restarting This Date in Aviation History. I’ve missed some important birthdays and events. I’ve always like the -21. It’s got such a brutally industrial look to it. It may just be the most “Soviet-looking” aircraft of all time.

HammerheadFistpunch > Viggen 02/15/2017 at 12:00

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and I’m having trouble finding spare parts for my 23 year old car. Yeesh

Viggen > ttyymmnn 02/15/2017 at 12:01

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Agreed. The MiG-21 just has a certain look to it. Call it ugly or attractive, it sure stands out. And it’d be great to see you start that up again. I didn’t want to steal your thunder, but so figured the MiG-21 deserves a chance in the Oppo spotlight.

Spaceball-Two > ttyymmnn 02/15/2017 at 12:02

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YES! DO IT!

Viggen > Chariotoflove 02/15/2017 at 12:04

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I really like the Romanian MiGs. I’ve seen plenty of MiG-21s in museums but the Romanian MiG-21s are the only active ones I’ve seen. Guess that makes them a little more special to me.

ttyymmnn > Viggen 02/15/2017 at 12:04

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I have no monopoly on aviation posts here. Please, post anything you like, and more of it. There are too damned many cars on Oppo.

Viggen > HammerheadFistpunch 02/15/2017 at 12:06

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You should see what the USAF did during the Cold War to get spare parts for “acquired” MiGs. For example they needed new brake pads for a MiG-23, so they took the worn brake pads to an manufacturer and had them produce new worn brake pads!

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > Viggen 02/15/2017 at 12:14

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It seems like some countries (e.g Syria) use them as fast bomb trucks

Viggen > In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you 02/15/2017 at 12:27

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While it’s primary role was air to air, the MiG-21 performs acceptably as a ground attacker.

facw > Viggen 02/15/2017 at 12:37

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DanimalHouse > ttyymmnn 02/15/2017 at 12:41

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More than the Mig-25???

It look lahk Amehhrickan knockoff withz mighty Soviet power!!

DanimalHouse > facw 02/15/2017 at 12:43

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You know what makes this plane sexy?

ttyymmnn > DanimalHouse 02/15/2017 at 12:43

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Yeah, afraid so. The -21 looks more Cold War 1950s instead of Cold War 1970s. I’ve always been intrigued by the distinct lack of rearward visibility in so many Russian aircraft.

Viggen > ttyymmnn 02/15/2017 at 12:53

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Mirrors and periscopes for days!

Viggen > facw 02/15/2017 at 12:54

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HAVE DOUGHNUT

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > ttyymmnn 02/15/2017 at 12:57

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I love the MIG-21 because it looks like THE FUTURE, circa 1950. It’s very Buck Rogerski, especially the early models with the tiny shock cones.

ttyymmnn > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 02/15/2017 at 13:07

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it looks like THE FUTURE, circa 1950

Nail. Head. You hit it.

Viggen > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 02/15/2017 at 13:50

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Especially if it’s still just shiny aluminum. Honestly I’d throw the F-86, F-86D, and F-104 in the same boat. “The future, today!”

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > Viggen 02/16/2017 at 11:20

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The whole Century series was very FUTURE .

Viggen > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 02/16/2017 at 14:42

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To a degree. But I’d say the Starfighter’s appearance is the most “future” of the group. Even more so than the Convair Deltas.

Viggen > ttyymmnn 02/16/2017 at 21:30

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Found an interesting picture you’d enjoy:

ttyymmnn > Viggen 02/16/2017 at 21:54

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That’s cool. Here’s the American one.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/yf-110-1459413893

Viggen > ttyymmnn 02/16/2017 at 22:05

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Hi, HAVE DOUGHNUT