List of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 variants
| Company type | Military aircraft series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Headquarters | Soviet Union |
| Products | Fighter aircraft (MiG-21 variants) |
This article section presents a comprehensive overview of the various Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 versions, highlighting the significant differences among the models.
Variants
All details in this segment are derived from MiG-21 (2008).
Early Development and Preproduction – Initial Generation (1954–1956)
- Ye-1 (1954)
- An initial swept-wing concept powered by the Mikulin AM-5A non-afterburning turbojet. This design was quickly superseded by the revised Ye-2 model without proceeding to construction.
- Ye-2 (1954; NATO: "Faceplate")
- A swept-wing prototype featuring the Mikulin AM-9B afterburning turbojet. Armament included three NR-30 cannons and capability to carry a UB-16-57 rocket pod. The aircraft was equipped with RSIU-4 VHF radio, Uzel IFF interrogator, ARK-5 Amur automatic direction finder integrated with a RUP landing approach computer, MRP-48P Dyatel marker beacon receiver, SRO-2 Khrom IFF transponder, Sirena-2 radar warning receiver, and SRD-1M Radal'-M radar rangefinder connected to an ASP-5N computing gunsight. The Ye-2 first flew on 14 February 1955; however, development ceased after the introduction of the more powerful Mikulin RD-11 turbojet.
- Ye-2A (1955; also known as "MiG-23")
- A modification of the Ye-2 design incorporating the RD-11 turbojet engine. Six units were constructed. This model was similar to the Ye-5 except for its swept wings. It included RSIU-4V radio, ARK-5 ADF with RUP module, MRP-48P marker beacon receiver, Bariy-M IFF transponder, Sirena-2 radar warning receiver, and SRD-1M Radal'-M radar rangefinder paired with an ASP-5N-V3 computing gunsight.
- MiG-23 (1957; Izdeliye 63)
- The Ye-2A received the production identifier MiG-23. Intended to closely resemble the prototype but equipped with SRD-5M Baza-6 radar rangefinder and an SRO-2 Khrom IFF transponder among other upgrades. Out of twelve planned units for 1957, only five were completed; these featured R11-300 turbojets (the production variant of RD-11) and had a single centerline hardpoint capable of carrying a 400-litre drop tank, UB-16-57 rocket pod, or FAB-250 bomb. Development was halted in 1958, with existing aircraft repurposed for specialized testing programs.
- MiG-23 (1957; Izdeliye 63)
- Ye-4 (1955)
- The initial delta-wing prototype for the MiG-21 series. Served as a proof-of-concept test platform initially powered by a non-afterburning Mikulin AM-5 engine producing 19.6 kN (4,410 lbf), later upgraded to an afterburning RD-9E engine.
- Ye-50 (1956)
- An experimental high-altitude interceptor featuring a swept-wing design and mixed propulsion. The Ye-2 airframe was adapted to include a Dushkin S-155 rocket motor alongside an RD-9E cruise engine. Design commenced in 1954, resulting in three prototypes with the maiden flight on 9 January 1956. The program ended following the crash of Ye-50/3 on 7 August 1957.
- Ye-50A (1956)
- A refinement of the Ye-50 based on the Ye-2A airframe fitted with an R11E-300 cruise turbojet. Production was planned under the designation MiG-23U (U = Uskoritel meaning "Booster"), but only one unit was completed due to unavailability of the R11E-300 engine.
- Ye-50P (1958)
- A proposed missile-equipped version derived from the Ye-50A design.
- Ye-5 (1956)
- A delta-wing prototype powered by the Mikulin AM-11 turbojet. Modifications from the Ye-4 included adding a second hydraulic system and redesigning airbrakes. Initially designated I-500. Two units were built.
- MiG-21 (1956; Izdeliye 65; NATO "Fishbed-A")
- The initial production fighter series based on the Ye-5 prototype. Five aircraft were manufactured at Tbilisi but production ceased as focus shifted toward the more advanced Ye-6/MiG-21F variant. The produced units were utilized primarily as test platforms.
Initial mass production – first generation (1957–1961)
- Ye-6 (1957)
- Enhanced delta-wing fighter prototypes equipped with the R11-F300 engine and featuring lower-mounted stabilizers. A total of three units were constructed.[1]
- Ye-50P (1958)
- A high-altitude interceptor concept utilizing rocket assistance, which was cancelled prior to any manufacturing.
- MiG-21F (1959; Izdeliye 72; NATO "Fishbed-B")
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- F = Forsirovannyy ("enhanced")
- This single-seat daytime fighter marked the first production variant, with 93 units manufactured (20 in 1959 and 73 in 1960). The MiG-21F housed six internal fuel tanks totaling 2160 liters and was powered by an R11F-300 turbojet engine delivering 5740 kgf of thrust. Early models featured one NR-30 cannon and two NR-23 cannons, while later versions were armed with two 30-mm NR-30 cannons carrying 60 rounds each. The aircraft could also carry two bombs ranging from 50 to 500 kilograms. Its avionics suite comprised the PUS-36D weapons sequencing module, R-800 communications radio, ASP-5NV-U1 computing gunsight, and SRD-5MN Baza-6 radar rangefinder.
- Ye-6/9 (1960)
- In 1960, a production MiG-21F was modified to evaluate nuclear strike capabilities on the MiG-21 platform.
- Ye-6/9 (1960)
- Ye-6T (1958)
- Prototypes derived from the MiG-21F designed for testing the Vympel K-13 (NATO: AA-2 'Atoll') missile system; these aircraft were subsequently repurposed for other experimental uses.
- Ye-6T/1 ("Ye-66") (1959)
- The Ye-6T/1 prototype, designated "31 Red," was upgraded with an R11F2-300 engine to attempt a world speed record. The "Ye-66" label was an unofficial code used in documents submitted to the FAI. On September 16, 1960, Konstantin Kokkinaki set a new speed record of 2499 km/h (1552 mph) over a 100 km closed circuit. (According to FAI records, Vladimir Kokkinaki's record on that date was 2148.66 km/h; earlier on October 31, 1959, an E-66 averaged 2388 km/h over the same distance.)
- Ye-6T/1 ("Ye-66A") (1961)
- Following the speed record achievement, "31 Red" was rebuilt with a U-21 rocket booster mounted in the tail fairing and retained the upgraded R11F2-300 turbojet to pursue a new altitude record. The "Ye-66A" name was also an unofficial designation used for FAI documentation. On April 28, 1961, Georgi Mosolov established a new altitude record at 34,714 meters (113,891 feet), surpassing the previous record held by an American F-104 Starfighter pilot by 2899 meters (9,511 feet).
- Ye-6T/2 (1961)
- The second Ye-6T prototype was adapted to test skid-type landing gear intended for operations on unprepared airstrips.
- Ye-6T/3 (1961)
- This Ye-6T variant featured canards and underwent testing during 1961–1962.
- MiG-21P-13 (also known as Ye-7) (1958)
- P = Perekhvatchik ("interceptor"), 13 = designation for K-13 missile system
- Two standard MiG-21 units (izdeliye 65) were converted to incorporate the K-13 missile system as part of developing an interceptor armed with this weapon. Due to delays in the MiG-21P-13 project, it was decided to produce the existing MiG-21F model equipped with K-13 compatibility, resulting in the MiG-21F-13. Development continued further and ultimately led to the MiG-21PF variant.
- MiG-21F-13 (1960; Izdeliye 74; NATO "Fishbed-C")
- F = Forsirovannyy ("enhanced"), 13 = indicates K-13 missile system integration
- This short-range day fighter was the first MiG-21 model produced extensively. Unlike its predecessor, the MiG-21F, it carried only one NR-30 cannon on the starboard side with a capacity of 60 rounds but introduced compatibility with two K-13 missiles mounted on underwing hardpoints. Early production models utilized APU-28 launch rails which were later replaced by APU-13 rails. These launch rails could be removed to allow carriage of alternative armaments such as two UB-16-57 unguided rocket pods, two S-24 rockets on PU-12–40 launchers, or bombs including FAB series ranging from 100 to 500 kg or ZB–360 napalm tanks. Additional improvements included an upgraded ASP–5ND optical gunsight and SRD–5ND ranging radar. The MiG–21F–13 was also produced under license in China as the Chengdu J–7 or F–7 for export markets and manufactured in Czechoslovakia as the Aero S–106. However, the S–106 designation was short-lived; Czech-built aircraft were subsequently referred to as "MiG–21F–13," aligning with Soviet nomenclature.
- MiG–21FR
- Czechoslovak designation for reconnaissance-configured MiG–21F–13 and Aero S.106 aircraft equipped with reconnaissance pods.
- MiG–21F–13R (1974)
- R = Razuznavatelen ("Reconnaissance")
- Bulgarian variant of the MiG–21F–13 modified locally to carry an AFA–39 camera pod.
- Ye–6V (1961; NATO "Fishbed-E")
- An experimental STOL adaptation of the MiG–21F–13 featuring JATO boosters for enhanced takeoff performance.
Second-generation Interceptors (1961–1966)
- MiG-21PF (1961; Izdeliye 76; NATO "Fishbed-D")
- P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Enhanced")
- This model represents the production variant of the all-weather interceptor series. It was equipped with the R11F2-300 turbojet engine and, beginning with the seventh production batch, incorporated the RP-21 radar system, replacing the earlier TsD-30T radar (also called RP-9-21) used in the initial six batches. Additionally, the fire control system was updated from that of the F-13 to enable deployment of RS-2US (K-5MS) beam-riding air-to-air missiles alongside the infrared-guided K-13.
- MiG-21PF (1961; Izdeliye 76A)
- Designed for export to Warsaw Pact nations; its sole distinction from the domestic variant was in the IFF system installed.
- MiG-21PFL (1966; Izdeliye 76A)
- L = Lokator ("Radar")
- A version customized for Vietnam’s requirements. The "L" suffix likely denotes lokator, highlighting a different sensor configuration compared to the standard PF.
- L = Lokator ("Radar")
- MiG-21PFM (Izdeliye 76A)
- M = Modifiziert ("Modified")
- This East German designation refers to MiG-21PFs upgraded with enhanced RP-21 radars, distinct from the official MiG-21PFM (izdeliye 94).
- M = Modifiziert ("Modified")
- MiG-21RFM (Izdeliye 76A)
- R = Radar, F = Forțaj ("Afterburner"), M = "Modernizat" ("Modernized")
- Romanian nomenclature for the MiG-21PF.
- R = Radar, F = Forțaj ("Afterburner"), M = "Modernizat" ("Modernized")
- MiG-21Ye
- Remotely piloted drones converted from MiG-21PF aircraft; also known as M-21 (M = mishen, meaning "target").
- MiG-21FL (1965; Izdeliye 77)
- F = Forsazh ("Afterburner"), L = Lokator ("Radar")
- An export model aimed at Third World countries, this downgraded variant of the MiG-21PF featured an older, less powerful R11F-300 engine, lacked compatibility with RS-2US beam-riding missiles, and carried a simplified RP-21 radar version called R1L. It included a broad-chord vertical fin and a brake chute housing at its base. India produced this model under license as the Type 77.
- Ye-7SPS (1961)
- SPS = Sduv Pogranichnovo Sloya ("Boundary Layer Blowing")
- Developed as a test platform for flap-blowing technology, converted from Ye-6V/2.
- MiG-21PFS (1963; Izdeliye 94; NATO "Fishbed-D/F")
- P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Enhanced"), S = Sduv Pogranichnovo Sloya ("Boundary Layer Blowing")
- Production iteration derived from Ye-7SPS.
- MiG-21PFS (Izdeliye 94; NATO "Fishbed-D")
- The initial nine production runs maintained an external appearance similar to the MiG-21PF but incorporated blown flaps and a brake chute fairing at the base of the vertical stabilizer.
- MiG-21PFS (Izdeliye 94; NATO "Fishbed-F")
- Between production batches 10 and 19, a wide-chord vertical tail fin, initially seen on the MiG-21FL, was adopted while retaining the MiG-21PF’s SK ejection seat and single-piece forward-opening canopy.
- MiG-21PFS (Izdeliye 94; NATO "Fishbed-F")
- Starting from construction number 941314, units featured a broad-chord tail, KM-1 ejection seats, and two-piece side-opening canopies.
- Ye-7M
- A further evolution of Ye-7SPS serving as a prototype for the MiG-21PFM.
- MiG-21PFM (1964; Izdeliye 94; NATO "Fishbed-F")
- P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Enhanced"), M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernized")
- The production form of Ye-7M represented an upgraded MiG-21PF featuring improved RP-21M radar, SRZO-2 Khrom-Nikkel IFF transponder, and other avionics enhancements. Later models reinstated cannon armament capability via an underbelly pod housing a GSh-23 cannon with 200 rounds. After successful trials in 1966, post-1968 PFM aircraft could carry Kh-66 air-to-surface missiles.
- MiG-21PFM (1964; Izdeliye 94A; NATO "Fishbed-F")
- Export variant equipped with an alternative IFF system and lacking compatibility with S-24 rockets or ZB-62 napalm tanks.
- MiG-21PFM (Izdeliye 94N; NATO "Fishbed-F")
- Version capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
- MiG-21PFMA (Izdeliye 94A)
- Polish designation for standard MiG-21PFM.
- MiG-21PFMN (Izdeliye 94N)
- Polish designation for nuclear-capable MiG-21PFM.
- MiG-21RFMM (Izdeliye 94A)
- Romanian designation corresponding to MiG-21PFM.
- MiG-21SPS (Izdeliye 94A; NATO "Fishbed-F")
- Named for clarity by East Germany to distinguish it from their local use of "MiG-21PFM" for modified MiG-21PFs (izdeliye 76A), this designation referred to genuine MiG-21PFMs of izdeliye 94A.
- MiG-21SPS-K (Izdeliye 94A; NATO "Fishbed-F")
- East German term for MiG-21PFMs equipped for cannon pod employment.
- MiG-21SPS (Izdeliye 94A; NATO "Fishbed-F")
- Ye-7R
- Prototypes derived from MiG-21PFS developed into combat reconnaissance aircraft MiG-21R.
- MiG-21R (1965; Izdeliye 03/94R; NATO "Fishbed-H")
- Initially assigned designation izdeliye 03 to mislead external observers, this model’s official type code was izdeliye 94R. The first production unit emerged in early 1966 with manufacturing continuing until 1971. Designed for reconnaissance roles, it could carry various pods including Type D daylight PHOTINT, Type N nighttime PHOTINT, Type R ELINT, or Type T TV pods—making it one of the earliest Soviet recce platforms equipped with ELINT capabilities. Minor modifications occurred throughout production. Early models utilized R11F2S–300 engines which were later replaced by R13–300 units. In air-to-air combat roles, it could mount two RS–2US or R–3S missiles, while strike missions allowed two UB–16–57UM or UB–32 rocket pods, two S–24 unguided rockets, or up to two bombs weighing as much as 500 kg each.
- MiG–21R (izd. 94RA; NATO "Fishbed-H")
- Export model supplied with Type D and Type R pods.
- MiG–21RF (izd. 94RA; NATO "Fishbed-H")
- Egyptian local designation for MiG–21R aircraft modified by fixed camera installations beneath the nose fairing.
- MiG–21RF (izd. 96R; NATO "Fishbed-H")
- Distinct from Egyptian usage above, this refers to some upgraded MiG–21Rs fitted with R13–300 engines akin to those in MiG–21MFs.
- Ye–7S (1963)
- Tactical fighter prototype created by converting a production MiG–21PF into an avionics test platform for evaluating the Sapfir–21 fire-control radar system.
- MiG–21S (1964; izd. 95; NATO "Fishbed-J")
- S = Sapfir (denoting use of Sapfir–21/RP–22 radar).
- Production derivative of Ye–7S featuring RP–22 radar linked with ASP-PF–21 computing gunsight. Its airframe differed from MiG–21PFM by incorporating a saddle tank similar to that on the MiG–21R. Powered by R11F2S–300 engine and equipped with AP–155 autopilot featuring an emergency recovery 'panic button.' Capable of mounting GP–9 cannon pod and four underwing hardpoints—two outer pylons were 'wet' allowing drop tanks. Armament included all weapons compatible with MiG–21PFM plus R–3R semi-active radar homing missile variant. Produced exclusively for Soviet Air Force between 1965 and 1968.
- MiG–21N (1965; izd. 95N; NATO "Fishbed-J")
- N = Nositel ("Carrier")
- Also referenced as MiG–21SN, this is a variant of MiG–21S capable of deploying one RN–25 tactical nuclear bomb.
- MiG–21PD (1966; izd. 23–31/92)
- PD = Podyomniye Dvigateli ("Lift Engines")
- STOL technology demonstrator constructed using a MiG–21PFM airframe.
Third-generation Modernisation (1968–1972)
- MiG–21M (1968; izd. 96; NATO "Fishbed-J")
- M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernized")
- Export adaptation of the MiG–21S distinguished primarily by substituting its RP–22 radar with an older RP–21MA model and integrating a built-in GSh–23L cannon instead of relying on a cannon pod. Its air-to-air armament was limited to R–3S infrared-guided missiles since semi-active radar homing variants were not authorized for export. This model was also license-produced in India with first deliveries commencing February 1973.
- MiG–21M (izd. 96A, NATO "Fishbed-J")
- Export variant tailored for Warsaw Pact operators.
- MiG–21MA (izd. 96A, NATO "Fishbed-J")
- Czechoslovak Air Force re-designation applied to MiG–21Ms re-engined with Tumanskiy R13–300 powerplants while retaining RP–21MA radars. Some units later upgraded to RP–22 radar standard equivalent to MiG–21MF were redesignated as such.
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- MiG–21I (1968; izd. 2111 “Analog”)
- I = Imitator (“Simulator”)
- Experimental platform designed to test wing configurations intended for Tupolev Tu‑144 supersonic transport aircraft development.
- MiG‑21K (1969 proposal)
- A proposed ground attack derivative that was withdrawn prior to phase two of evaluation—eventually leading to Su‑25 selection instead.
- MiG‑21Sh (1969 project “izdeliye” 2132)
- Sh = Shturmovik
- Conceptual fusion between MiG‑21 and MiG‑27 designed for ground attack roles but cancelled due to superior performance offered by MiG‑23/27 series.
- MiG‑21SM (1969; izd. 15/95M; NATO “Fishbed-J”)
- Upgraded version of MiG‑21S incorporating Tumansky R‑13‑300 engine and integrated GSh‑23L cannon along with substantially modernized avionics suite.
- MiG‑21MF (1970; izd. 96F)
- Modernized export derivative of MiG‑21SM featuring RP‑22 radar and R13‑300 turbojet engine along with enhanced weapons options including introduction of R‑60 IR-guided missiles later supplemented by improved R‑60M variants. Licensed production in India designated as Type 88.
- MiG‑21MFR (1995)
- Bulgarian local modification converting existing MF models into reconnaissance platforms following retirement of earlier F‑13R recce types.
- MiG‑21MF‑75
- Informal label used in Bulgaria, East Germany, Romania and Czechoslovakia referring to MF aircraft delivered with cockpit instrumentation mirroring that found on later bis models introduced circa 1975.
- MiG‑21MFN
- Czech Air Force designation indicating MF variants upgraded with avionics compatible with NATO standards.
- MiG‑21DF (1969)
- 'D' denotes Dal'nomer (“Rangefinder”), 'F' stands for Forsirovannyy (“Enhanced”)
- A test modification converting either S or SM models fitted with R13F2‐300 engines coupled with Kvant radar rangefinder systems aimed at maneuverability improvement trials but not proceeding into production series.
- MiG‑21SMF (1970)
- A prototype based on standard SM refitted with uprated R13F2‐300 turbojet intended as precursor to new model development but ultimately not mass-produced.
- MiG‑21MT (1971 “izd.” 96T)
- 'T' signifies Toplivo (“Fuel”) denoting increased fuel capacity
- A fuel-enhanced version derived from MF intended primarily for export markets though only fifteen units were manufactured without exports occurring.
- MiG‑21SMT (1971 “izd.” 50)
- A development over SM incorporating increased fuel capacity evident by larger dorsal spine which negatively affected pilot handling characteristics leading to unpopularity among aviators.[2]
- MiG‑21ST (“izd.” 50)
- A majority of SMT aircraft were retrofitted post introduction of bis models in early ’70s replacing large saddle tanks with smaller versions resulting in redesignation as ST indistinguishable externally from bis variants.
- MiG‑21bis (1972 “izd.” 75)
- The pinnacle development within the series featuring Tumanskiy R25‐300 turbojet engines alongside numerous technological advancements over predecessors. Soviet PVO variants incorporated Lazur GCI system (“Fishbed‐L”) while VVS versions utilized Polyot ILS system (“Fishbed‐N”).
- Versions
- bis-Lazur (“izd.” 75A): Equipped with Lazur avionics package exported mainly within Warsaw Pact countries including Bulgaria and East Germany where designated accordingly
- bis-SAU (“izd.” 75B): Featuring Polyot avionics exported similarly and license-built by HAL India between1980‐1987
- Special Finnish designations
- bis/T – reconnaissance-configured bis aircraft
- MGBT – bis upgraded for reconnaissance roles equipped additionally with radar warning receivers and active ECM systems.[3]
Trainer Models (1960 through late ’60s+)
- Ye‐6U (1960)
- A trainer prototype derived from Ye‐6T airframe
- Ye‐33**(1965)
- One Ye‐6U prototype piloted consecutively by N.A.Prokhanova and Lydia Zaitseva achieved women's altitude records—Prokhanova reaching an unprecedented ceiling of24,336 m on May22nd while Zaitseva set sustained level flight record at19,020 m one month later
- Ye‐33**(1965)
(Mixtures truncated due to length constraints.)
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lua error in Module:Commons_link at line 62: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value)..
- Comprehensive catalog of MiG-21 aircraft operated by the Polish Air Force
- Dedicated MiG-21 resource website
- Russian Military Analysis overview of the MIG-21 Fishbed
- Detailed MiG-21 FISHBED profile on GlobalSecurity.org
- MiG-21 Fishbed information from Global Aircraft
- Documentation on Cuban MiG-21s
- Cuban MiG-21 deployments in Angola
- Aviation forum featuring user-submitted MiG-21 photographs
- Warbird Alley: Details on privately owned MiG-21s
- Template:Usurped
- Mig Alley USA, Aviation Classics, Ltd Reno, NV
Template:MiG-21 family Template:Mikoyan aircraft
- ↑ Gordon, Dexter & Komissarov 2008, pp. 56–61.
- ↑ http://www.mig‐211.de/english/technicaldataversions.htm
- ↑ Jyrki Laukkanen p98