Finland's Final Flogger

[Spinners]

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MLX 'Flogger-K' - HävLLv31, Ilmavoimat, 1989

 

Whilst generally considered to be the ultimate fighter variant of the MiG-23 the MiG-23MLD "Flogger-K" was mainly a conversion programme of existing Soviet 'ML' and 'MLA' aircraft to 'MLD' standard for the VVS. However, an export version using new-build aircraft was produced with 16 aircraft for Bulgaria, 50 aircraft for Syria and finally an order for 60 'MLX' aircraft for the Finnish Air Force. Featuring the improved Sapfir-23MLA-II look-down/shoot-down radar and powered by an uprated Tumansky R-35 turbojet rated at 30,000lbs of thrust these were the final single-seat MiG-23's to produced with the last examples rolling off the production line in May 1985 and entering Ilmavoimat service with Fighter Squadron 31 in 1986.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think this new skin by bazillius really suits Finnish markings.

[ignacioc91]

Nice colours!!!

[R102Delphinus]

Should probably have the same color as the WW2 B-239 :P