In the early 1960s, work began in the USSR on a variable-geometry wing aircraft intended to supplement and eventually replace the MiG-21 in service. In May 1969, the first production MiG-23S made its maiden flight. The aircraft was powered by the R-27F-300 engine. Development of the RP-23 “Sapfir 23” radar fire control system was delayed, and therefore the simpler RP-22 radar sight (used on the MiG-21) was temporarily employed. This did not allow full utilisation of the weapons system, and the capabilities of the new aircraft were comparable to the MiG-21.
The next version of the MiG-23 was the briefly produced fighter unofficially called “MiG-23 model 1971” with a new wing with simplified high-lift devices.
In 1972, the improved aircraft designated MiG-23M finally appeared. It was equipped with the R-29 engine with greater thrust; the movable wing section had an increased area and full high-lift devices as envisaged in the design (the slats from the MiG-23S were replaced by a leading-edge flap); and the vertical stabiliser was moved to the rear of the fuselage. The refined detection and targeting system was installed, comprising the RP-23 “Sapfir 23” radar sight
and the TP-23 infrared search and track sensor (facilitating tracking of airborne targets based on their heat signature).
The armament, in addition to the previously used twin-barrel GSh-23L cannon and short-range guided missiles (R-3S, R-3R, R-13M, later supplemented by R-60), included medium-range guided missiles (R-23R and R-23T) for engaging airborne targets. Additional armament for ground targets included guided missiles (Kh-66, Kh-23), bombs with a total weight of 2000 kg, and unguided rockets. Effective use of bomb armament on the MiG-23 was extremely difficult due to the lack of a proper aiming system (bombing was done “by eye”). In 1973, the first export version called MiG-23MS appeared, with simplified equipment and armament analogous to the MiG-23S. The second export variant, called MiG-23MF, introduced into production in 1977, differed little from the basic MiG-23M. It was intended for Warsaw Pact states.
The Polish Air Force purchased 36 MiG-23MF aircraft. Deliveries were made in 1979, 1981, and 1982. Six MiG-23UB training variants of the MiG-23MF were also purchased, with deliveries made concurrently with the MiG-23MF. Both versions were withdrawn from service in 1999.
| Wingspan | (max. wing sweep) 7.78 m |
| Length | 17.18 m |
| Takeoff weight | 15400 kg |
| Maximum speed | 2500 km/h |
| Ceiling | 17500 m |
| Range | 1600 km |
| Armament | described in text |
| Engine | R-29-300 with (afterburning) thrust of 12500 kG |
