michael82

Draft copy of the exercise Cope India report says: While the superb performances of IAF Sukhoi-30s were somewhat anticipated, the performance of MiG-21Bison came as a major “unpleasant surprise” to the USAF officials. It also validates the claim of the Russian officials that they are capable of successfully converting “second generation” late-model MiG-21bis fighters to “fourth generation combat platforms”. Inherently the significant positive attributes enjoyed by MiG-21s were their dog fighting ability in WVR (Within Visual Range) combat. Even the earlier models had a low corner velocity of 556 kilometers per hour and at Mach 0.5 had an instantaneous turn rate of 11.1 degrees per second. The MiG-21Bison with more powerful R-25 engines not only considerably bettered this performance but it may also be credited with “jackrabbit” acceleration, a very critical attribute in WVR combat. Something in-line to: http://www.amazon.com/Fighter-Performance-Practice-Unexploited-maneuverability/dp/8660210174/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356439329&sr=1-1 Among many fourth generations attributes added to the IAF MiG-21Bison design, the incorporation of HMS (Helmet Mounted Sight) and high-off-boresight R-73RDM2 NBVR/WVR (Near Beyond Visual Range/Within Visual Range) AAMs (Air-to-Air Missiles) have turned it into a “Great Equalizer” in the WVR combat scenario. Conceptually a small number of MiG-21Bisons maintaining “radar silence” can be guided towards their aerial target by a couple of Sukhoi-30s by secure data links in accordance with MFFC (Mixed Fighter Force Concept). Upon entering into an WVR combat envelope the MiG-21Bisons armed with HMS and deadly NBVR/WVR missiles had the capability of destroying even fifth-generation fighters alike F/A-22 Raptor as assessed by high-profile Fighter Analyst Ben Lambeth of RAND Corporation. According to Lambeth “in visual combat everybody dies at the same rate.” F/A-22 also has to slow down if forced into a WVR combat scenario and loses the advantage of its super-cruise attributes. The situation further complicates if the IAF Sukhoi-30s have acquired the capability of providing target illumination for RVV-AE (AA-12 Adder) BVR missiles being launched from IAF MiG-21Bisons at extended ranges.

some critics would help me decide ....

At last some book dealing with fighter comparison .... Can somebody recommend it ? I saw it on Amazon and eBay http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=%22Phantom+versus+MiG-21%22&x=22&y=22

I have heard that Libyan MiGs are tough opponents in dogfight ? http://books.google.com/books?printsec=frontcover&id=vjUcnGdH10wC#v=onepage&q&f=false

Well, "Phantom versus MiG-21 (Fighter Performance in Practice)” appeared at Amazon... http://www.amazon.com/Phantom-versus-MiG-21-Unexploited-maneuverability/dp/8660210174/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298280240&sr=1-1

It seems that nobody agrees on these a/c abilities, agencies, air forces...not even Israelis Has anyone else had a look on it at eBay and would offer a comment ? Fighter Performance in Practice: F-4 Phantom vs MIG-21 - eBay (item 290477872650 end time Oct-20-10 05:49:04 PDT) Thanks !!!

I do not know what German pilots doubt? '73. event what Egyptian incidentally demonstrated or what US Aggressor regularly have been doing ?

I would like to see more books on fighter performance topic. I read "Fighter Performance in Practice: Phantom vs MiG-21" from eBay and I hope to see more similar papers...

I personaly do not like MiG-21 looking aircraft but it seems it has important low speed lift and pitch pointing potential, that is not in the manuals, but can be useful to operators. I do not see tremendous thrust/weight since AB thrust increases in all engines, depending on engine cycle and control system. With half fuel and AAMs max SL climb rate is 225 m/s, not more! I do not know what German pilots doubt? '67. event what Egyptian incidentally demonstrated or what US Aggressor regularly have been doing ? For modifying 21 game one need to know trimmed Lift, I hope that can be find in MiG-21 books. Nice JL-9 drawings, thanks.

From below article it appears that 21 can still hold its own in dogfight: MAKING BEST OF MiG-21 web.pdf