MiG 23P / 23-14

The MiG-23P was a MiG-23ML specially modified for PVO intercept missions. The aircraft was guided to the interception point by ground stations. This guidance system, relayed by the AFCS navigation com­puter, set the best flight path and showed the pilot when to light up the afterburner and when to fire his cannons or missiles. Facts about the military situation were continuously transmitted by the aircraft to the ground stations. The MiG-23P’s armament was identical to that of the M1G-23ML.

MiG 23MLD / 23-18

There were no MiG-23MLDs as variants with a separate existence: they were merely MiG-23MLs that, when returned to overhaul shops, had been fitted with a duplicated SOS-3-4 unit to replace the SOUA.

This was an automatic device that, according to the aircraft’s attitude, speed, and altitude, initiated the LE flaps’ actuation for a 33-degree wing sweep angle. Extension of the LE flaps reached 20 degrees under 900 km/h (486 kt) for AO As greater than 10 degrees. Beyond 900 km/h (486 kt) when the wing sweep angle was increased to 72 degrees, the LE flaps retracted and the device was neutralized.

The retrofit kit also included additional "spread wing" warnings beyond the 16-degree sweep, passive jamming system provided by chaff launchers, and radar warning receivers (for both ground and air­borne radar). The MiG-23MLD could also be equipped with an air com­bat simulator that enabled the pilot to train himself to fire and guide missiles without actually having to fire any—the first device of its kind for a fighter. The economic advantages of this are obvious. Externally, this version could be identified by its wing-edge root extension and by small vortex generators on the Pitot probe.