MiG-23MS Flogger E

by Tom Cooper

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MiG-23MS Flogger-E

4477th Test & Evaluation Squadron, U.S. Air Force
Tonopah AFB, mid-’80s

by TOM COOPER

During the 1970s, the Foreign Technology Division USAF obtained a number of Soviet-built fighters from various sources, between them at least eight MiG-23s. First examples entered service with 4477th TES in November 1980, following their evaluation in course of Project HAVE PAD. This secret squadron was dedicated to exposing USAF, USN and USMC fighter pilots to enemy technology and tactics, and equipped with a number of MiG-23MS “Flogger-Es” and MiG-23BN "Flogger-Fs" in addition to other Soviet-built aircraft. Based on MiG-23M "Flogger-B" operated by the VVS in the early 1970s, the MiG-23MS had variable geometry wings and a less sophisticated Saphir RP-22SM radar, known to NATO as the "Jaybird", and a very basic avionics suite that severely limited its effectiveness. It was armed with a GSh-23L twin-barrelled 23mm cannon mounted on underside of the fuselage, and could carry R-3S (AA-2 Atoll) IR air-to-air missiles.

This artwork (TC-102) can be purchased through http://www.aviationgraphic.com

Image and Text Copyright © 2009 by Tom Cooper
Page Created 12 April, 2009
Last Updated 12 April, 2009

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