Fishbed interceptor

[tiopilotos 2,504]

Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig-21SMP - Soviet Air Defense Forces (PVO), 1971

 

Since the introduction of the Mig-23M along with the R-23 (AA-7 Apex) missile was about to take place around 1973-74, it was decided

in 1968 that a fighter with medium range missile capability and with performance comparable to Mig-21S, should enter service. Existing

PVO aircrafts such as Su-11, Su-15 or Yak-28P could carry R-98 (AA-3 Anab) missile but they were dedicated interceptors with poor 

maneuverability. PVO decided that a Mig-21 version with the ability to carry R-98 should be built. At the time, Mig-21S to Mig-21SM

upgrading process had already started. The main aspect of the whole project was the radar compatibility with the missile and Mig-21SM

was equipped with RP-22 (Sapfir-22) radar which could not cooperate with R-98. An improved radar was  in need and it was decided

that RP-22 should be upgraded to be compatible with the missile. When the first Mig-21SM aircrafts became operational in 1969,

it was decided that a number of Mig-21SMs will be further upgraded with the addition of the new radar. Work on radar began in

1969 using a Mig-21PFM as a testbed. The new radar was the RP-22P with maximum search range at 28 km and maximum track

range at 14 km against a fighter size target, performance which was considered good enough for PVO requirements. R-98 was much

heavier than the R-13 (AA-2 Atoll) and the Mig-21SMs that would carry the missile got back to the factory to strengthen their

underwing resistance. In 1971 the RP-22P was ready and fitted to Mig-21SM. The airframes which were fitted with the new radar

became known as Mig-21SMP. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 17, 2014 by tiopilotos

[Stratos 3,177]

Great background story!