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    Pub - Mig 21 Fishbed in Colour

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    Mig21

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    Pub - Mig 21 Fishbed in Colour

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    Mig21

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    COPYRIGHT ® 1989 SQUADRON/SIGNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. LIS CROWLEY DRIVE” CARROLLTON, TEXAS 75011-5010 Allrighs reserved Nopatof this publication nay be reproduced, storedina ‘ecealaytem or transmuted any formby any means cesta mechan ical orottervce without weten permission ofthe publisher. ISHN 0:89747.225-X ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My deepest thanks to everyone wha contributed material for this, book. A number of Eastern European and Soviet magazines pro- vided me with much of the information on the camouflage and markings of the MiG-21. Don Greer's excellent paintings were based on detail pictures of a MiG-21F-13 and a MiG-21PF taken in the Armeemuseum at Dresden as well a MiG-21F-13 at Budaors Air- field near Budapest, Hungary. Aspecial thanksto Nicholas J Waters Il for editing my English into “Americanese.” PHOTO CREDITS Dick Cole Urs Hamisch Walter Hodet Robert J. Ruffle Polish Air Force GRU, Pictures United States Air Force Nicholas J. Waters IIT Robert Bock Martin Kyburz Lech Zielaskowski Wojtek Luczak ‘This natural metal MiG-21R fs armed with two K-13A (AA-2 Atoll) ale-to- airmissiles. The MIG-21Rs basically aMIG-21MF Fishbed Jwithout the Under fuselage GSh-231 23.0 cannon, I you have any photographs ofthe aireraft, armor, soldiers or sips of any nation, particularly wartime snapshots, why not share them with us and help make Sguadron/Signal’s books all the more intresting and complete inthe future. Any photograph sent tous vill be copied and the original returned. The donor wil be flly credited for any photos used. Pease send them to: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc. 1115 Crowley Drive Carrlion, TX 75011-5010, [An East German Ar Force MIG-21PFM Fishbed F takes off trom the ‘grass fled at Magdeburg Air Base with the holp of SPRD-09 Rocket Assist Take Off (RATO) rockets at the World Aerobatic Championships uring 1968, ‘A Czoch-bull MIG-21F-13, Black 1114, has deployed all three air brakes. ‘and fs braking parachute to shorten its landing roll Czech built Fish bods alfored from the Soviet bullt variants In having a solld panel ‘The MiG-21M series was the first ofthe multi-role Fishbeds and featured a twin barrel Nudelman-Richter GSh-23L 23MM cannon semi-recessed in the underside ofthe fuselage, forward of the center line pylon, The MiG-21M was powered by the -300engine, while the MiG-21SM and MiG-21MF variants were upgraded with a 14550 Ihst Tumanskit R-13-300 power plant, Reconnaissance variants (MiG-21R and MiG-21RF) deleted the GSh-23L cannon, replacing it with a camera/ELINT pod carried on the centerline pylon. The aircraftalso had Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) anten: fhas on the wingtips. “The MiG-21SMT was the forerunner forthe fourth generation of the Fishbed family. The MiG OKB successfully reduced the weight of the MiG-21 by using titanium paris and refined the airframe to improve overall performance. The MiG-21SMT Fishbed Kalso car- red improved avionics, a larger dorsal spine housing avionics and inezeased fuel tankage, the internal fuel capacity now being some 766 gallons in seven tanks. The Soviets viewed the MiG-2ISMTT as, only an interim aiteraft pending availability of the 16,755 Ibst Tuman- skii R-25-300 engine. “This Czech bulltMIG-21F-13 rashedint a forested ares near Erstt/ CChiemgau in Bavaria, West Germany on 25 November 1968 while the pilot was attempting to make a forced landing. The plot was Klled. 7 M behind the cockpit in place of the extended clear canopy. This Fishbed Cisassignod oa training unit based t Prerov Air Basen the Slovakian region of Czechoslovakia. ‘The last variant of the MiG-2 family was a development of the ‘MiG-21SM which featured the R-25-300 engine and other refinements inavionies including a new navigational system) under the designation ‘MiG-21his. The MiG-2Ibis Fished L/N isthe lastof the series fo be builtin the Soviet Union; however, development ofthe basic MiG- 21 continues in both China and India. Parallel othe fighter variants, two seat trainers were also developed by the MiG OKB. The Ye-6U trainer prototype flew forthe first time inthe early Spring of 1960, withthe first production MiG-21U, given the NATO reportingname Mongol A leaving the assembly line dur- ing 1963. IniGally the two seat trainers were unarmed; however, some Mongol As had a 127MM machine gun installed on the star- board side of the nose, The MiG-21U Mongol A differed from the single seat MiG-21F-13 in having only a single air brake, with the forward air brakes deleted, Trainer variants equipped with the blown flaps of the MiG-21SPS and enlarged chord fin were designated the ‘MiG-21US Mongol B. The MiG-21UM series has the same avionics land equipment as the third generation MiG-21M series, although they also carry the Mongol B NATO name. ‘ed 807, Polish Air Force MIG-21F-13 Fishbed C, on finalapproach for landing with speed brakes and anding gear oxtonded. The MiG-21F-13 ‘entered service in Poland withthe 1st PLM (1st Fighter Group) on 12 ‘September 1963. The 1st PLM was formed in the USSR during the ‘Second World Wer, fying Yakovlev fighters. MiG-21 Camouflage and Markings The first MiG-21 Fishbeds let the assembly lines in an overall ‘natural metal finish which was standard forall Fishbed variants in Soviet and WARSAW Pact service. All Fishbed variants have a Gloss Dark Green air intake shock cone, as well as having the front portion of the ventral fin painted in this same color ‘A small number of early MiG-21F-13s and MiG-21PFs had the SOD transponder filter antenna area (atthe top of the vertical fin) painted in Gloss Dark Green, while the majority left the antenna area in natural metal. About half ofthe late production MiG-21 PFs and MiG-21PEMs had the SOD antenna area in natural metal ‘while the remainder had the antenna panel painted in Gloss Dark Green. Allthird and forth generation Fishbeds (MiG-21M through MIG-2Ibis) have the antenna panel in Gloss Dark Green, The heat resistant parts ofthe exhaust cone have a darker heat discolored metal color, while there isa variety of colors used in the landing gear bays of natural metal MiG-21s, Most had the internal bay left in natural metal; however, a number of aircraft had the bays ‘and insides of the landing gear doors painted with an anti-corrision Groen Chromate paint ‘The cockpit interior ofthis MIG-21PF ls Blue-Groen, withaBlack instru: ‘ment panel. The curved metal plate on top of the SK ejection seat arms. the seat when the canopy Is closed. The MIG-21PF differed trom the MiG-21F-73 In having ai Intercept radar equipment and a lack of slazed canopy section behind the cockpit. ‘pair ofPolish ArForce MiG-21PF Fishbed Ds are readied fora raining ‘mission. The centerbody shock cone on the MIG-21PFislarger than the MiG-21F-13 and housed the antenna forthe ar search radar. Both al craft aro armed with two K-13 (AA-2 Atal) air-to-air missiles. ‘The cockpitinterior and the instrument consoles are painted ina light Blue-Green color, while the instrument panel is usually in semi-gloss Black (although there are a number of MiG-21F-13s and MiG-21PFs with light Blue-Green panels). The filling material bet- ‘ween the cockpit frame and the glass was Black on the early MiG- 21F-13/PE/PEMSs. The material was changed on third and fourth generation MiG-21s and is now painted a Dark Yellow color. The inside of the cockpit framing isthe same colorasthe cockpit interior. ‘while the interior of the airbrakes is usually natural metal. Inside of the maintenance panels on the nose and fuselage can be either natural metal or Green Chromate. The braking parachutes were White on the early models, but during the mid-1970s a Red/White braking parachute was introduced on Soviet and WARSAW Pact Fishbeds. “Most Sovet and WARSAW Pact MIG-21PFa dd not cary national markings. ‘on the upper wing surfaces, a tradition adopted during the Second ‘World War. Later variants began carrying upperwing national markings beginning during the mid-1970s. a Early production MiG-21PF Fishbed Ds had the braking parachute housed on the port side ofthe lower fuselage near the tall. This East Gorman Air Force Fishbed is also equipped witha single K-13 missle simulator pod on the port underwing missile pyion. ‘This Soviet Air Force MIG-21bis Fishbed L/N, Blue 27s armed with Re '3R(AA-2-2 Advanced Atol missiles on the outboard pylonsand Type S- 24-240 mw unguided aircraft rockets on the inboard pyions. ‘This East Gorman MIG-21MF Fishbed Js armed with K-13A (AA-2)mis- siles on the outboard pylons, and pals of 3} missiles on the Inboard pylons. The AA-G APhidisa'shortrangemissleusedtorclosein fighting. During the mid-1970s, Soviet and WARSAW Pact forces began tocamouflage their tactical aircraft There was large number of dif ferent camouflage schemes used within the Soviet Air Force, unlike the USAF or NATO Forces where the aircraft are almost identically painted. ‘The Soviet requirement for eamoutlage simply states that, “The uppersurfaces are to be painted in different colors.” The colors used to camouflage a fighter depend on where the Fishbed is to be used. In the European part of the Soviet Union as well as in Russian regiments based in Eastern Europe, the Fishbeds are mainly pai ted in Dark Green, Earth Brown and Olive Drab on the uppersur- faces with Light Gray undersurfaces although a number of Fishbeds hhad Light Blue undersurfaces). Fishbeds based in the Asian part of the USSR were mainly ‘camouflaged in Olive Drab and Sand, with Red Brown, Green and Gray areas being added depending on tactical requirements. The Undersurfaces iwere either in Light Gray of Light Blue. Fishbeds have been seen painted in two, three, or four color schemes on the uppersurfaces. The camouflage patterns can sharply contrast feom ‘one MiG-21 fo another within the same Regiment, while the colors used are basically the same. Due to the lack ofan issued standard paint scheme, much work ing freedom is granted 0 the painters. The standard camouflage colors can also vary slightly, depending on where the paint was pro- dduced and the age ofthe paint before it was used. The paint used on “This camoutlaged MIG-21MF Fishbed J of the Afghanistan Air Force was used mainly inthe air-to-ground role against Afghan reedom fighters [and carries a camouflage of Sand, Medium Brown and Dark Green, Fishbeds is a semi-gloss, which usually weathers to a more gloss finish after a period of time. ‘On camouflaged MiG-2is, the insides ofthe landing gear wells andthe insidesof the main wheel doors, as well the insides ofthe a brakes, are the same color as the undersurface camoullage color (ue. Light Gray or Light Blue). Mostcamoutflaged Fishbeds havea Light Blue-Green cockpit interior, including the canopy framing. The insides of maintenance panelson the noseand the fuselage are Dark Yellow, although some are Gi Fishbeds, the exhaust a numberof WARSAW Pact countries have developed theirown, camouflage colors and patterns to suit their particular tactical needs. The Czech Air Force uses Earth Brown and Dark Green uppersut- face camouflage over Light Green undersurfaces. The East German, Air Force's standard camouflage scheme on its MiG-21PFs and MiG-21MFs consists of Earth Brown and Olive Green uppersur- faces and over Light Gray undersusfaces, During one period the Lupisreitkrate tested a camouflage of Light Brown and Medium Green and during early 1988 they began an evaluation of a new ‘camouflage scheme using two different Green colors on the upper- surfaces wth Light Blue undersurfaces. The Hungarians use a camou- Mlage of Light Brown and Olive Drab uppersurfaces over Light Blue undersurfaces. Air Superiority Gray During the mid-1970s, the Soviet Air Force and the WARSAW Pact forces hegan to paint their MiG-2IMFs and later variants assigned to the interceptor/air superiority role in an overall air superiority Light Gray finish, On almost all Fishbeds finished in the ait superiority Gray scheme, the ar intake shock cone, forward hall of the ventral fin and the SOD transponder antenna panel are pai ted Gloss Dark Green, The landing gear wells and insides of the landing gear doors are sometimes painted Light Gray, although ‘most re left natural metal, Although widely used. the air superiority finish was not standard and itis noc uncommon to find both ‘metal and Light Gray Fishbeds within the same fighter Late model air superiority Gray MiG-21s are in service with all WARSAW Pact countries and there is no difference in the color ‘within these countries. In common with the Soviets, a mix of Light Gray camouflaged and natural metal MiG-21s within fighter regiments iscommon. The East Germans have also repainted asmall number of their older MiG-21PFMs in air superiority Light Gray finish, the ‘only WARSAW Pact country todo so. A number of Polish Air Force MiG-21s assigned to regiments on the Baltic coast are painted inan overall White camouflage. [An Egyptian ar Force officer discusses an upcoming ight with the plot (Of a MIG-2 IMF Fishbed J at Cairo West Aifeld during the joint US/ Egyplan exercise, Bright Star 83. The faintly visible tactical number on the nose isn Black Arable numbers. (Dick Colo) East German Air Force alert pllots man thelr alr superiority Light Gray MiG-21MF Flehbed Js. All arraft are armed with two R‘3R (AA:2-2 ‘Advanced Atoll) radar guided missiles on the Inboard pylons and K-13 ‘migall simulator pods on the outboard wing pylons. q mt ‘Blue 66 is a ite production MIG-21PF Fishbed D which had the Braking ‘parachute housing moved tothe base ofthe vertical fin, The Fishbed D ‘also had the leading edge ofthe vertical fin changed from an angular legging edge toa straight leading edge. Service Markings Since its service introduction until the mid1970s, the Soviet Air Force and most WARSAW Pact forces applied their national markings ‘on the vertical fin and undersurfaces of both wings. Normally 10 national markings were carried on the wing uppersurfaces (with the exception of East Germany). The Red Soviet star was usually bor {dered in White with a thin Red outline on all Fishbeds. On the first MiG-21F-13staken into service, the White border was deleted lea ing the area between the star and Red outline in natural metal A number of Fishbeds used by the Polish Air Force also carried aan additional national insignia on the fuselage side behind the wing as well as the fin marking. This practice is also commen with non- WARSAW Pact countries using Fishbeds, such as India, Egypt and others. Many ofthese coutries use a fuselage roundel in conjunction with a national fin lash on the vertical fin, Duringthe mid-1970sthe Soviet Union and the WARSAW Pact progressively began to apply the national markings on the wing uppersurfaces, especially on ‘camouflaged aircraft. Soviet regiments and WARSAW Pact forves carry large tactical numbers on the nose of their Fishbeds. These tactical numbers were usually formed by using the las digits ofthe aircraft's serial number lod 6915, Polish AieForce MiG-21PFMFiahbed F,isbeing refueled by ‘afuoling crane from a fuel truck. The auxilary inet cover infront ofthe ‘wing roots is Red. This MIG-21PFM carries K-60 (AA-8 Aphid) missle falls Instead of the more common K-13 rail ‘Blue 27 is alate production MiG-21bis Fishbed L/N ands camouflaged Ina fourcolor pattern. Soviet national insignia have been applied tothe ‘wing uppersurfaces, a practice that did not start unt the mld-1870s, ‘The Blue tactical number has 8 thin White outline. Occasionally, the frstdigitsofthe number willbe used. Apart roma fewexceptions, the Soviet Air Force uses a two digit tactical number The colorof the tactical number denotes the aireralt'sregiment, with the most common colors being Red. Light Blue, Blue and Black. Early Soviet MiG-21F-I3s carried the tactical number without yy form of outlining: however, on later natural metal and air superiority Light Gray Fishbeds the tactical number usually has a thin Black outline, while on camouflaged aireraft the number usualy is outlined in White. Thercisa large varietyin the style ofthe tactical numbers with no apparent standard being established. ‘There is quite a difference in tactical numbers found on Fishbeds within the air forces of the WARSAW Pact and other countries, Bulgaria and Rumania use a three digit Red number. Czechoslovakia uses a four digit Black number with no outline. Polish MiG-21s usually curry a four digit non-outlined Red numiter. although some Fishbeds have been noted with thrce digit numbers and a very few have been scen with tho digit Red tactical numbers. On the Polish MiG-21U/UM trainers, a Red “U" follows the tax ner. The Hungarian Ai ed from a three Digit unoutlined Red number to a four digit ed number with a thin White outline ‘The East German Air Force uses unoutlined three digit numbers and for a time the Lufisreskrate was known to alter their tactical ‘This early MIG-21F-13 Fishbed C was demonstrated at Tushino Airaid ‘during the 1961 Aviation Day alr show. “This MIG-21F-12 Fishbed C was flown to Israel by a defecting Iraqi Air Force pilot and repaintedin Israeli Defense Force/Alr Force markings. “This Hungarian Air Force MIG-21F-13 Is parked on its hardstand with |AMIG-21F-12Fishbed ofthe Hungarian AirForce parkedonitsharde: the pilot's boarding ladder and nose gear tow boom nearby. The sir {and with the plot's boarding addorin lace. Tewing pylonsarefitted data sensor boom under the nose has the Red protective cover in plas ‘with K-13 (AR-2 Atal missile ral. to protect the Instrument sensor vanes from damage on the ground, Cockpit Canopies MiG-21PFM And Later Variants MiG-21F-13, MIG-21PF Rocket Pods UB-16 Sixteen Shot Rocket Pod cont) Stick 57MM Unguided Rocket ie UB-32 Thirty-two Shot Rocket Pod »- Throttle ») Quadrant MiG-21 PF/PM Landing Gear Main Landing Gear Speed Brakes MiG-21F-13 Forward Speed Brake a ‘A MIG-21F-13 of No 300 Wing, Indonesian Air Force. This alroraft Is Currently on alsplay at the Miltery Museum in Jakarta, Indonesia. ‘This U.S. Air Force MIG-21F-13 Fishbed C ls believed to be one of abe MiG-21s donated to the USAF by lsraol aftr they were captured from the Algerian Air Force during the Six Day War ‘Astho East Gorman AlrForce replaced its MNG-21F-128 ithlater variants, converted the Fishibed Cs fo the tactical reconnaissance role and ‘A Hungarian Air Force MiG-21PF Fishbed D parked on its hardstand Americanand Egyptian Al Force personnel discuss the mers ofa MIG- ‘waiting forts next mission, 2IMF Fishbed J at Cairo West Alrield during exercise Bright Star 83. ‘The tactical number on the nose is In Black Arable style numbers. (ick Cole) ‘The MIG-21PFY Fishbed Ds of the North Vietnamese Alr Force were ‘This natural metal Soviet Ar Force MIG-21PFM Fishbed F carries the Excellent Aircraft award on the nose In Red. AMIG-21PFMFishibod Fo the Fuerza Aeros Revolucionalra (Revolutionary ‘Air Force). Cuba has operated atleast six dfferentvarlants ofthe aA “4 — ‘A ground crewman assists the plot of an East German Air Force MIG- These Earth Brown and Medium Green camoutiaged East German MIG- 2IPFM Fished Fstrapin tothe cockpit Thealrcrat'struetacticalnum- 21PFFishbed Dsarearmed tor the air to-groundrole with UB-32rockst bor, Red 486. hasbeenalteredtorsecurilyreasonsby theaddtionotan pods on the wing pylons. The tactical numbers on both aircratt (951 ‘extra 1, common practice in the East German Air Force foreground and 989) have been altered with the adation ofa 1 In front ‘of the number |AMIG-21PFM Fished F of the North Korean Peoples Alt Force during the early 1970s. North Koreahas more than one hundred MIG-21PFand FMS in service, Red 252, a natural motal MIG-21PFM Fishbed F of an Afghanistani lr Force alt defense regiment. ‘camoutlage thelr MIG-21PFV Fishbed Fs to make them harder to spot by American reconnaissance aircraft NAF671, 2 Tan and Brown camouflaged MiG-21MF Fishbed ‘Nigerian Air Force. The Red tactical numberon thenose consists ofthe last two digits of the serial number. MiG-21 Armament NR-30 ‘30mm Cannon, (MiG-21F, MIG-21F-13 and Xian F-7) GP-9, 23mm Cannon Pod (MiG-21PF, MiG-21PFM) GSh-23, 23mm Cannon Pod (MiG-21MF and later variants) MiG-21R/RF Fishbed H Underfuselage Reconnaissance Pod MiG-21 130 Gallon Drop Tank (Outboard Wing Pylons ‘and Centerline Pyion) K-13 (AA-2 Atoll) missile rail and '$-240 rocket rail K-60 (AA-8 Aphid) single missile rail K-60 (AA-8 Aphid) ‘dual missile rail K-13 (Radar Atal) /, missile rail _/ K-13A (Radar Atoll) Bombs FAB 250 (550 Ibs) FAB 500 (1,100 Ibs) Fed 430, an East German Alr Force MIG-21MF, carries a K-60 missile This MIG-21MF Fishbed Jisarmedwith single K-13 (AA-2 Atoll missile launch rallon the inboard wing pyion and a fuel tank on the centertine on the outboard wing pylon and dual K-60 (AA-8 Aphid) misallesaunchers Dylon, fon the inboard wing pylon. ‘Acamouflaged Soviet Air Force MIG-21bis Fished L/N, Black 05,crosses An East German MIG-21MF Fishbed Js servicedinits parking spot ate the end of the runway on final approach to its Rome base. former Luftwatte Second World War air base. This aircraft carries 2 threa tone uppersurface camouflage of Earth Brovin, Dark and Medium Green. ‘This natural metal Soviet Air Force MIG-21S carries Red recognition stripes on the rear fuselage. The stripes ware used to dertity Soviet nes Units engaged In the Czech invasion of August 1966. Ss ‘A desert camouflaged MIG-21MF Fishbed J ofthe iraql lr Force. Mi 28, paired with low fying Mirage F-18, were responsible for sev ‘als against iranian F-148 during the Persian Gulf War. e ‘A.Chinese Xian F-78 Fishbed C of the Egyptian Alt Force. The F-78 ait fers rom the MiG-21F-13 inhavinga rer opening canopy and repostioned ‘drag chute housing. / f aza— r Mm [A MIG-21bis Fishbed LIN of the Finnish Air Force. The Black Lynx Insignia was also carried on natural metal MIG-21F-13s, the first MIG: 218 flown by the Finns. 18 ie Sovel i ors M21 carving te Aan our cobr upper: Ta Sole Ab Force M-2"bi carta the Aan fur 2} YODA coca ofan Egypte AF Fotca UG-IMF reve Blue-Greon ’ caorumn acamee iehace cosine asaieret wasn ope) Green over Light Gray undersurfaces. The sireraft nthe Background Sroa Mig-1SUM Midgot and an ir''2 Crate transport. dlring the Joint US/Eayptian exercise, right Star 83. (Dick Cole) ‘One of approximately eighty MIG-21MF Fishbed Js in service withthe Bulgarian Air Foree, “The Romanian Air Force's one ofthe smaliestin the WARSAW Pactand ‘operates the MIG-21MF Fishbed J in the air defense role ‘org 1095 Remae Stanjesron esr rg om oun 1) Anairsuperonty Light Gray MiG-2 MF Flehbed J of he East German Ar Force, the mic-31 Is currenty being replaced in ar defense unite wrt he 86-29 Fulcrum & <@\_S]=< 899 = 5. 19 MiG-21MF Cockpit | | | | Protective Covers Boundry Layer Exhaust Port Cover Air Intake Cover ‘The tall surfaces on this MiG-21 bya single piece cover that ‘al. fotally protected from the weather ‘both the vertical and ertzonts| ‘The fuselage auxiliary air init cover is normally painted in Red withthe raft tactical number painted on itn White. This cover, hower 1 there are three separate protective covers forthe nose, fhe acest nambor ie hack soe Yello heckennurea 198 andair data boom. The nose radome/intake cover has ‘cal number paintedon tin lack. Thecoversare secured The missile ral/wing pylon on this MIG-21 Is covered with protective inploce with clot stipe. covers taken from two different aircraft, numbers B68 and B62. 2 Ss ‘Syrian Air Force MIG-21MFs suffored severe losses tothe lsrnel Defense WE Force/Air Force F-15s and F-16s In combat over the Bekaa valley In ming Lobanon, ‘This desert camouflaged MIG-21MF Fishbed J of the Atghanistani Air Force served mainly in the alrto-ground role. Black 20, a MiG-21MF Fishbed J ota Soviet Frontal Aviation unit during ‘the ite 19708. ‘The MIG-21RF Fishbed H isthe standard tactical reconnaissance air Craft of Soviet Frontal aviation. ‘This natural metal MiG-21 SMT Fishbed K of a Soviet Frontal Aviation Unit earres the Excelent Aircraft award on the nose in ed. n ‘The inscription on this Soviet MiG-21bis Fishbed L/N indicates thatitis| 8 presentation aircraft from Komssomol, the Soviet Communist Youth Organization. KomcomonbcKes Fed C326, is a WiG-21MF Fishbed J of the Angolan Alr Force. Several ‘Angolan MiG-218 have been lost in combat with South Afican Mirage Fis. ‘This MIG-21U Mongol B was used.as an election seat test bed and car $ ties 9 Czech civ registration This camouflaged MIG-21MF Fishbed J of the Czech Alr Force carries ‘White exercise markings on the rear fuselage. (Camouflaged MiG-21SMT Fishbed Ks are used primarly in the al to ‘ground role by Soviet Frontal Aviation units, “Thase Polish Ar Force MIG-21PFM Fishbed Fa are armed for a ground attack mission with a centerline fuel tank and two UB-16 57am rocket pods on the underwing pylons. Bath aircraft cary fuselage national Insignia and Red tactical numbers. numbers on any aircraft that was to be photographed or appear in public, Normally "1" was added to the frontor rea ofthe rue tal number to confuse Western intelligence. In early 1985 Germans changed this security practice and began to overpaint the first digit of the tue tactical number. In East Germany. the color of | the tactical number identifies what type unit the aircraft to. Fishbeds carrying Red three digit tactical numbers are assigned tocombat units, while those carrying Black thrce digit numbers are assigned to training units, Without exception, all Lufsreitkrafie MiG-21U Mongol trainers carry Black tactical numbers The method of applying service markings on exported MiG-2Is, varies considerably and differs from country to country, dependent on the tactical requirements and traditions of that service. Forexam- ple, MiG-21MEsin Bangladesh carry asmall tactical number on the nose in Black. This number is made up of the last three digits of the serial number, which is repeated in full on the fin below the national fin flash. Natural metal Finnish MiG-21F-13 Fishbed Cs and camouflaged MiG-2Ibis Fishbed L/Ns both carried the Fi nish national insignia on hoth the lower and upper wing surfaces, MiG-21s in service with Middle Eastern nations usually have the tactical number on the nose in Black Arabic numerials, with the ‘number often repeated on the fin, under or over the national fin fash, {A Finnish Alr Force MIG-21F-13 takes off from its home base during {Apri of 1974. The Finns dittred from the Soviets and WARSAW Pact Countriesin applying thelr national insignia to both the lower and uppor wing surfaces. ‘etited. The national insignias Dark Green roundel with a Red center. ‘The aircraft serial number on the tals 7281 in Black. (Below) A Czech Al Force MIG-21M Fishbed J, Black 1114, takes off {romits base. The naturalmatalFishbod\s configuredfora mix ofal-10- alrmissiles, with K-60 (AA-B) alls on the outboard pylons and K-13.(AA 2} als on the Inboard pylons. (Below) An East German Alr Force MIG-21PFM Fishbed F lands at a small emergency landing strip during an exercise in August of 18 ‘This Flshbedcarris the badge onthe fuselage behind the Flugzoug der ‘ausgezoiehnelon Qualat tactical number. oselinRed. The third MiG-21PFMisequippedwith rearview mirror on the canopy. The tactical numbers are in Blue with a thin Black outtine. Special Markings The most common special marking applied to Soviet aireratt is the “Excellent Aircraft Award Badge.” This badge is carried on the nose of aircraft which have flown a certain number of trouble free flying hours and are in good mechanical condition, The award is given by agroup of base officers and political commissars based on the results of periodic inspections. Ifthe aireraft does not fulfil the requirements for the award on its next inspection, the badge is deleted. Natural metal and Light Gray Fishbeds carry the badge in Read (On few occasions a number of Fishbeds have been noted with inscriptions painted on them in connection with certain events celebrated in the USSR. Unit markings or squadron badges are rarely seen on Soviet or WARSAW Pact aircraft; however, this prac- tice is slowly changing, Recently Czech MiG-21s have been seen ‘with a unit insignia in the form of a crest painted on the nose, Polish ary the crest of the city at which they are based, on Is in service outside the WARSAW Pact carry variety of unit markings. Indian MiG-21s usually carry a squadron ‘markingon the aircraft either on the nose or on the fi, and squad: ron markings have always been displayed prominently on Finnish MiG- The only WARSAW Pact force having an equivalent to the Rus- sian “Excellent Aireraft Award Badge” is the East German Air Force. The Flugzeug der ausgezeichneton Quality aircraft in excellent ‘This MIG-21PF Fishbed D of the indian Ar Force has the arcraft serial C1128onthetininBlack. The!ncian AlrForcenas operstedianumber of liferent variants ofthe MiG-21 including the MIG-21F-13, MIG:21MF, MiG-21bis, and MiG-21U/UM Mongol A and B. ‘The East Germans replaced the Russian language maintenance and ‘emergency inscriptions with inscriptions in Gorman. This MIG-21UM, Black 228, has been awarded the German equivalent of the Soviet Excellent Alveraft award. condition) Badge is a winged "Q” applied behind the tactical num: ber. Similar to the Soviet award, its given after a ceriain number of trouble tee lying hours. the aircraft maintains these standards on the next inspection, a Yellow star is added to the "Q.” Three stats is the highest award possible for an East German aircraft or helicopter. Maintenance inscriptions are carried on the Fishbed in Red or Black and are painted on the aircraft atthe final assembly stage, In setvice the three o four digit tactical number is often painted on all parts which can be removed from the aircrait for service or overbl Bomb racks, pylons drop tanks and other equipment are also pain ted with the aircrafts tactieal number. Aircratt exported outside of the Soviet Union are often marked with servicing and emergency inscriptions in the language of the receiving country. In many cases the maintenance inscriptions will also be completely changed after the aircraft's first major overhaul into the receiving country’s language, This is necessary because ground erews are not trained in Russian, the aircraft ison the ground, the air intake, auxiliary nose inlet and exhaust pipe are usually covered by Red protective covers. These covers normally carry the tactical number of the aircraft ed, sometimes neatly sienciled, while others have been noted being crudely hand painted in either White or Black. The protective tarps that cover the aireraft and the pylons are mainly Brown or Dark Gray with the aircraft's tactical number earried on them in either Black or White, Finland displays the aircraft tactical number (MG-115) on the fuselage Side n Black, The MG code stands for MIG and was frst sed on the IMiG-21F-13 Fishbed Ce that entored service with Finland during 1963, Unit insignias have always boon displayed prominently on Finnish Air Black Lynx insignla ‘ofthe 31st Fighter Group. The Finns received ther frst MIG-21bis dur- Ing 1980. ‘This air superiority Light Gray Polish Alr Force MIG-21MF Fishbed Jis ‘Unusual in that it carries @ unit marking on the nose. Tho Poles have begun marking thelr MiG-21s with the crest ofthe city at which they are ‘Based. This aircraft has the crest of Malbork (Marenburg during WI) located near the Batic coast. Polish MiG-21$ and MIG-21MFs are readied for the day's training fights ‘ons foggy autumn morning. The tarp covering the acraftin the foreground has the aircraft tactical number stencied on to prevent UnaUTROri26d “porrowing” by other ground crews. ‘Aline up of Polish MIG-21 PFMs on Polish aifleld. The three digit tact- ‘calnumber on the second alrcraftis unusual since mostPolshMIG-215, ‘carrya four digit number. Red 750318 hitted with the Red intake cover, ‘a8 well a cloth pitt tube cover. The oirce in front of the nose wheel ‘doors fe the ARK-10 radio compass antenna ‘Ground crews change the KM ejection seat on a Polish Alr Force MIG 21PFM Fishbed F, Red 5312. Tho Fishbed Is carrying the alr intake ‘covering of another alreraft inthe squadron, 4012. The KM-1 ejection Seat has 8 NAZ-7 survival kit housed Inthe pilot's head rest. 4 (Below) A Polish MIG-21MF Fishbed J, Red 7910, is being preparod for (Above) This Polish lr Force MIG-21PFM Fishbed F, Red 4205, carries {owing to le hardstand, Red protective covers are in place over the anadtional national insignia on the fuselage side andhes K-60 (aA) ‘take, exhaust and auxllaryarintakeontop ofthe gun blast shields on alrto-al missile raison the underwing pyione, the fuselage sides. The inboard missile pylons have K-60 (aA-8) mille ‘all, while the outboard pylons have ralls for K-13 (AA-2 Atl) missiles, SS Pushed (Above) This formation of wo Polish AlrForce MiG-21 PFMs donot carry rea base. the additional national insignia onthe fuselage aide. Red 7903 has the. ready been covered and there.recoversfor tipofthe parachute housing innaturalmetal, whileRted 7810has thetip Painted in Dark Green, No national markings are carried on the Upper wing surfaces. (Above) This East German Air Force MIG-21PFM Fishbed F, Red 492, is, iperioity Light Gray camouflage. The braking this East German Air Force MiG-21MF Fishbed J at the Unterof- sndtherelsaWhiteK-1amisalle simulator poden fziersachula Marry Kuhn schoolat Bad Daben. This school has no hard ‘surfaced runway and the MiG:-71MFs had been trucked to the school. (Above) An East German ground crewman reloads @ fresh braking (Below) A palr of East German MIG-21MFs perform a section takeott parachute pack Into the tai housing of a MIG-21MF, using the plot's _fromDrewitz ArBase during September of 1879.Bth aircraft are inthe boarding ladder as a work stand. fair superionty Light Gray camouflage and carry centerline drop tanks {and K-13 missile simulator pods on the outboard wing pylons. Those Craftare assigned to the Jogdfiogergeschwader 7, Wioim Pack, which is to be disbanded during late 1989. | \} {Polish Fishbed Hon fnalapproach to aPolish Air Force base, The MiG- 1 221RF usually carries two drop tanks on the outboard wing pylons and Alr-tora missiles on the inboard pylons for self-defense. Ground.erewmen ofthe East German Alr Force Jagalegergeschwader 8, Hermann Matern based ot Marxwalde, overhaul MiG 21 MF Fahioed ‘J while other personnel work on a MiG-21UM Mongol 8 (background) {during early May of 1987. The engine exhaust cone has been removed ‘along with other access panels on the tail and nose. ed 2111 is aPolish Air Force MIG-21RF FishbedH with Radar Warning Receiver antennas on the wingtips. The reconnaissance camera/Elint Pod inthe foreground is cartied on the centerine of the Fished Hin lace of the normal centerine pylon and drop tank. Young East German soldlors recolve instruction on MiG-21MF main- tenance at the Unteroffiziersschule Harry Kuhn mechanic school at Bad ben during Apr'ot 1984, The aircrafts actual tactical number le Red ‘519, The extra 1 had been added for security reasons. ‘This Polish Air Force MIG-21MF, Rod 9113, takes offon an air-to-ground Sortie armed win UB-16 rocket pods on the inboard pyions and FAB 250 bombs on the outboard pylons. The MIG-2iMF ts Classified as @ ‘multhrole fighter capable of air-to-air and alt-io-ground missions. ‘Allah Alr Force MIG-21MF Fishbed J Is readied for a mission. This ‘atural metal Fishbed carries an adlional national insignia on the fuselage. The missle ral tec to the pyions can accommodate elther the K-13anaW'3A (AA-2-2 Advanced Atoll arto-ar missiles or an ECM Jammer pod. {A ground crewman pertorms a pre-flight check on a Czech Al Force ‘WiG.2 1M, Black 1114, while another crewman refuel the Fishbed. The Redpitot tube coverhas not been fully removedand theairintake cover ‘and the ausllary ai intake blowin door cover aro sill on the aircraft. ‘Anunarmed Polish Air Force MIG-21MF Fishbed J, Red 8011, taxes out fora training mission. Alot the MIG-21MF parked inthe background fare fitted with ai intake and auxiliary ar intake blowin door covers. ‘This MIG-21M plots wearing the old style anti-G pressure sult used by Soviet and WARSAW Pact interceptor pilots. Red 1708 carrying three

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