The MiG-21 (NATO reporting name “Fishbed”) is one of the most successful fighters of all time, and holds the record as the most prolifically built combat

aircraft since World War II, with over 10,600 manufactured. Following its introduction into service with the Soviet Air Force in 1959, it was subsequently supplied to nearly fifty foreign air arms in a variety of progressively improved variants. The MiG-21 is a single-seat, single-engine fighter which features a delta wing, providing it with excellent maneuverability. With an excellent thrust-to-weight ratio, it boasts a high climb rate and a top speed of nearly Mach 2.

The MiG-21 was widely used by the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War, where it achieved some success against the heavier and more sophisticated F-4 Phantom. Although basically a hit-and-run, short-range interceptor, which lacked the long-range radar and advanced avionics of the Phantom, it was more maneuverable and had the advantage in a close-range dogfight. The MiG-21 also saw considerable action during the Middle East conflicts of the 1960’s and 70’s, with the air forces of Egypt, Syria, and Iraq against Israel. The MiG-21 was gradually replaced in Soviet service by the more advanced MiG-23 Flogger and MiG-29 Fulcrum, but as of 2008, it remains in service with a few foreign air forces.

ESAM’s MiG-21 is a Fishbed-E, which features an avionics bay along the spine of the fuselage, providing it with a limited all-weather capability. Typical armament comprised an internally-mounted 23mm cannon, together with two short-range Atoll air-to-air missiles. ESAM’s Fishbed served with the Polish

Air Force.

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