Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MLD Flogger-K Version 2.2
For SimplePlanes
The MiG-23 Flogger was the first soviet aircraft to have variable geometry wings and was built with beyond-visual-range combat in mind. Although maneuverability was not the main design consideration, the MiG-23 was built to be light so that it could potentially dogfight. However, in US testing under the Constant Peg program, it was found that although the Flogger’s acceleration and speed were formidable, it could barely perform basic fighter maneuvers; pilots would often resort to hit and run tactics in what was nicknamed the “no circle fight.” The MiG-23MLD is the final and most advanced fighter-variant of the MiG-23 family, featuring improved avionics, radar, and maneuverability, thanks to an extra sweep position allowed by strengthened wing pivots.
The Soviet Air Force was the only operator of true MiG-23MLD’s, with a slightly downgraded variant being exported to Bulgaria and Syria. Read more...
Features
- Auto aileron trim (simulated pilot)
- G-limiter (+8.5, -3.5, simulated pilot)
- Variable geometry wings (manual, 4-position)
- Uses WBD V2.10.8
Specifications
Country of Origin: Soviet Union
Role: Fighter
Crew: 1
Powerplant: 1x Khachaturov R-35-300 (83.6 kN dry, 127.49 kN w/ afterburner)
Fuel: ~31 min w/ military power
Armament: 1x GSh-23L (200 rpg)
Livery: Std. VVS grey
Configurations
Def.Config Air superiority
2x R-24R Apex, 4x R-60M Aphid-B, 36x Chaff, 36x Flares
Alt.Config.1 CAS, Dumb bombs
4x FAB-500, 36x Chaff, 36x Flares
Clean Clean
36x Chaff, 36x Flares
Author’s Notes
- Controls included in craft instructions.
- When taking off, set the trim as per the craft instructions and do not pitch. Let the aircraft take off naturally.
- It is highly recommended to use quarter or half-sweep when maneuvering for increased stability and energy retention.
- When landing, take a shallow approach with low descent rate and low AOA.
XML Changelog
- 03/16/2024 V2.2: Updated to WBD V2.10.8.
- 12/22/2023 V2.1: Updated flight model; increased lift, increased roll deflection from 15 to 20 degrees, increased flap deflection to 35 to 45 degrees. Slight increase to roll rate, increased turn rate, reduced landing/takeoff speed. At full-sweep, elevator deflection is now halved, increasing stability and turn rate at full-sweep.
- 12/20/2023 V2.0: Initial Release
In-Game Name: [RD G4] MiG-23MLD
Specifications
General Characteristics
- Successors 3 airplane(s) +70 bonus
- Created On Windows
- Wingspan 46.0ft (14.0m)
- Length 56.6ft (17.3m)
- Height 16.6ft (5.1m)
- Empty Weight 5,347lbs (2,425kg)
- Loaded Weight 35,137lbs (15,938kg)
Performance
- Power/Weight Ratio 0.814
- Wing Loading 108.2lbs/ft2 (528.3kg/m2)
- Wing Area 324.7ft2 (30.2m2)
- Drag Points 986
Parts
- Number of Parts 424
- Control Surfaces 7
- Performance Cost 1,703
Probably last post before Christmas, so happy and safe holidays, guys!
@ReinMcDeer just a curious suggestion but since you made this MiG-23, maybe you could make its overpowered cousin, the MiG-27? Just a suggestion, no pressure! love the work as always!
@ReinMcDeer real
@SourDoughBread The landing gear had me crying ngl
You make complex sh too simple bro
@ReinMcDeer I can understand that. I took a small from the game too
@TwoTurboMan It's been going, I'm redoing the loadouts at the moment
I took a bit of a break over Christmas and New Years
@ ReinMcDeer how’s the progress on the updated F-4S?
@ReinMcDeer to think, they made the MiG-27 out of a '23. they only flattened the nose (giving it the nickname 'Crocodile Gena'), giving it a rotary cannon from a warship (the GSh-6-30) and classed it as a Ground Attack Aircraft. nice work though!
@ethanlikesrice Just regular fuselage blocks and some blueprints, nothing fancy.
yo how tf you make a nose like that?? i really need help with mine
@ReinMcDeer As I understand it, they removed a fuselage fuel tank and also changed up a lot of structural sections. They shaved off about 1,200kg from the preceding -23M, plus adding a new engine with more power.
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In terms of handling, I was looking at a DCS forum that seemed to have someone from the RAF commenting on doing some exercises with Czech MiG-23ML's or MLA's. He noted their tactics were mostly hit and run; scream in with high speed, dart away, turn around and come back in. Mostly wings swept and slashing attacks with no real "dogfighting" in the classic sense. Again, export MiG's tended to be downgraded in one way or another, but it sounds like even the ML series weren't well suited for BFM-type combat.
@EngieWeeb Ah that makes sense
I read up a bit more on the ML so I might work on the FM a bit more, didn't know how much the weight was reduced from the previous models
@ItapilotSP2023quit Oshkosh?
Let's GOOO baby
@ReinMcDeer Thanks!
Looks good
Is the updated f-4 gonna be uploaded next year or something?
@ReinMcDeer I believe the MiG-23's acquired by the US for Constant Peg came from Egypt, which would have been the downgraded MiG-23MS or MF export version - not at all comparable to the later ML/MLA/MLD.
@ReinMcDeer it is better but I think it could do a bit more, just my thoughts though.
@Th3Missil3 The aircraft is naturally pointed upwards on the ground, so it is likely the wings lifting the aircraft and reducing traction
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Make sure the elevators are deflected downwards while braking and you should be able to brake without worrying too much
@Ac3Zodiac @Kangy Made an update to the flight model, guess I took the Constant Peg pilots' criticisms a little too seriously :P (And I guess they didn't have MLD's)
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The poor turning at full-sweep was more due to excessive deflection of the elevators, so it now deflects less at full-sweep
@ReinMcDeer happy holidays to you too! and thank you for the amazing builds that you made this year! heres to another year (and hopefully a good one too)!
Flight model could use some work - literally no turn at all on full sweep
Looks good tho
@ReinMcDeer what's the next new project mr mcdeer??? (maybe an f-111?)