MiG 21B / /#/у Э4В

The MiG-21R was a tactical reconnaissance aircraft derived at first from the MiG-21 PF, but the prototype did not have its broad-chord tail

The MiG-21 R’s first reconnaissance pods and the necessary wiring were tested on a MiG-21 PF airframe.

With 340 1 (90 US gallons) of fuel in the dorsal spine and broad-chord vertical tail sur­faces, the MiG-21 R was quite similar to the MiG-21S. In this photograph it carries the D-99 reconnaissance pod.

fin. All reconnaissance systems were gathered into a long streamlined pod under the center of the fuselage. The aircraft could also defend itself with two air-to-air missiles under its wing.

Powered by a R-l 1F2S-300 rated at 6,050 daN (6,175 kg st), the MiG – 21 R took advantage of the SPS system. The capacity of the fuel tanks in the dorsal fairing was raised to 340 1 (90 US gallons) to bring the total fuel capacity to 2,800 1 (740 US gallons). Because the aircraft could not cany a drop tank under the fuselage, the wing was equipped with the fuel pipes needed for two drop tanks holding 490 1 (129 US gallons) apiece The broad-chord tail fin was also retained. After all of these modifications, the aircraft looked veiy much like the MiG-2 IS.

Several types of pods were developed for this reconnaissance ver­sion: day and night reconnaissance photo equipment (forward-facing or oblique cameras), electronic intelligence (elint) sensors, as well as laser, infrared, and television detection systems. The aircraft’s wiring had to be modified accordingly. Among other significant changes, it is noteworthy that the KAP-2 autopilot (which provided only roll stabiliza­tion) was replaced by the three-axis AP-155. Moreover, the aircraft was equipped with the SPO-3 radar warning receiver. The airborne radar was the TsD-30, and underwing armament comprised two K-13T (R-3S) IR homing air-to-air missiles, and/or UB-16 and UB-32 rocket pods, S-24 rockets, and bombs. The GP-9 gun pod could also be added.

The MiG-21 R was mass-produced for the WS and for export in the Gorki factory between 1965 and 1971.

Specifications

Span, 7.154 m (23 ft 5.7 in); fuselage length (except cone), 12.285 m (40 ft 3.7 in); height, 4.125 m (13 ft 6.4 in); wheel track, 2.787 m (9 ft 1.7 in); wheel base, 4.71 m (15 ft 5.4 in); wing area, 23 m2 (247.6 sq ft); takeoff weight, 8,100 kg (17,850 lb); fuel, 2,320 kg (5,115 lb); wing load­ing, 321.2 kg/m2 (65.8 lb/sq ft); max operating limit load factor, 6.

Performance

Max speed, 1,700 km/h at 13,000 m (918 kt at 42,640 ft); max speed at sea level, 1,150 km/h (621 kt); climb rate at sea level (half internal fuel, full thrust) with reconnaisance pod and two R-3S missiles, 105 m/sec (20,670 ft/min); climb to 14,600 m (47,890 ft) in 8.5 min; ser­vice ceiling, 15,100 m (49,530 ft); landing speed, 250 km/h (135 kt); range, 1,130 km (700 mi); with two 490-1 (129-US gal) drop tanks, 1,600 km (995 mi); takeoff roll, 900 m (2,950 ft); landing roll with SPS and tail chute, 550 m (1,800 ft).