The MiG-21F-13

I actually wanted to make a somewhat later version of the ’21, but decided on this one for the challenge… early versions of the MiG-21 are considered 2nd generation fighters, but later models are decidedly 3rd generation. The MiG-21F-13 (NATO: Fishbed-C), introduced in 1960, was the first MiG-21 model to be produced in large numbers with 513 built in Russia and another 194 built under licence in Czechoslovakia.
What’s to tell about the MiG-21? The plane is so well-known it needs little introduction. The MiG-21 was the first succesful Soviet aircraft combining fighter and interceptor characteristics, achieving Mach-2 with a relatively low-power afterburning turboject in a lightweight package.

Although a hugely succesful design, the plane does have its drawbacks. Like many interceptors, the MiG-21F-13 had a very limited range. Its delta wing, which is fine for a fast-climbing interceptor, meant a rapid loss of speed in dogfights and not-so-great (well, non-existent) manoeuvrability at low speed. Still –in the hands of a capable pilot, the MiG could easily outperform most of its contemporaries; it was all a matter of tactics, and using the MiG’s power, speed and high-G ability advantages to the maximum.
To emphasize its success: variants of the MiG-21 are still in use in some 20 countries around the world, although many will probably be retired this decade. Not bad at all, for a design from the fifties.

The build

Not the best or coolest looking MiG-21 on SP, and it doesn’t have the most special features. What it does have;
• Realistic weight & fuel -no idea about the actual handling, since obviously I don’t really have a MiG-21 in my backyard
• Custom landing gear and air brakes (AG1). Like on the real ’21, the rear air brake is locked when carrying an external fuel tank on the centerline hardpoint
• Movable nose cone, in 3 positions like on the early MiG-21’s
• Pitot probe folds when parked
• Automatic additional intake vents at the nose
• MiG-ish half-cockpit -more to have a nice cockpit viewpoint rather than for actual functionality. It’s far from complete, and the dials & gauges are certainly not in the right place. Still, it helps to give the plane a better look and feel
• Too many useless details
• Typical Soviet (lack of a) paintjob
• External PTB-490 fuel tank (can be dropped with AG2) to make the plane’s range just a bit less terrible
• Automatic changeover (speed-related) from nosewheel steering to rudder
• Auto-afterburner @ 95% throttle. Don’t use it too much though, or you’ll run out of fuel in a matter of minutes.

Controls

The MiG-21F-13 is from an age when jets weren’t too complicated. AG1 for air brakes, AG2 to drop the external fuel tank, AG8 to toggle lights. All other controls are standard. The below explanation of cockpit instruments may help -although I seriously doubt it ;)

Armament

The standard weapon of the MiG-21F-13 is a single Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30 autocannon. The NR-30 is a single-barrel, short recoil operated cannon –essentially an enlarged version of the older NR-23. It fires massive projectiles of 400g each at a muzzle velocity of 800 m/s, but the plane carries a very limited ammo supply. A single hit is usually enough to cripple or destroy an opponent, but with only 60 shells it’s no weapon for triggerhappy pilots. Short, controlled bursts are the key. Like the plane itself, the cannon isn’t intended for extensive dogfighting.

The MiG-21F-13 was also able to carry 2 of the the new Vympel K-13 (NATO: AA-2 “Atoll”) short-range, infrared homing air-to-air missiles. The K-13 is basically a reverse-engineered AIM-9; in fact it was copied so well that AIM-9 and K-13 parts were interchangeable, and either combination would still work. The K-13, therefore, has exactly the same specs as its AIM-9 counterpart -in this case, borrowed from WarHawk95
This build has the standard NR-30 cannon and two “Atoll” missiles. Although the MiG-21 could also be equipped with weapons for ground attack (e.g. standard FAB-100/250/500 bombs, HVAR’s etc.), I focused on the interceptor/fighter version; the ’21 is simply not much good as an attacker. For that, best download my Su-17 “Fitter” instead.

HAVE FUN…