MiG 27 – short history and possible future

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In the late 60s the need for a tactical attack aircraft led to the creation of the MiG-23B. However the aircraft failed to satisfy the Air Force’s needs and was soon replaced by the MiG 27 Flogger. However the popularity of the tactical aircraft didn’t last for a long time. Starting from 1991, one by one several air crafts were retired from the Russian service until eventually by 1994 there were no more operational MiG air crafts in the Russian service.

The MiG 27 is also known as Flogger and it is a ground attack aircraft with variable-geometry. Although it shares the airframe of his predecessor the MiG-23, the Flogger has a few upgrades. It can hold a stronger undercarriage, it has a shorter exhaust nozzle, improved pilot visibility as well as a marked target finder. It was accommodated in order to fly at low altitude for ground attacks. Furthermore, a heavy landing gear allows it to also land safely on low quality airports.

The MiG-27 has a length of 56 ft and a wingspan of 45”10′. It is equipped with an after burning turbojet and it can reach a maximum speed of 1,171 miles per hour. The armament includes guns ( 1 GSh-6-30 cannon with up to 300 rounds of ammunition), missiles and optional general purpose bombs. The hard points are located as following: one in the center line, four on the fuselages and two wing glove pylons. The aircraft is very accurate when bombing, being able to do it with precision even at night on during bad weather conditions.

The aircraft is used by various countries as part of their Air Force. In India there are 165 functional MiG 27Ms and Kazakhstan has about 40 MiG air crafts. However, in Sri Lanka only six MiG are still operational from a total of 10 initial aircrafts that were bought from Ukraine.. The Russian Air Force and the Ukrainian Air force have retired their MiG fleet. However, in India the aircraft is still appreciated despite several accidents. Furthermore the HAL’s Nasik plant is currently working on an upgrade that would give the MIG-27 the possibility to launch stand-of weapons. Along with armament improvements, several other technologies will be upgraded in order to rise up to the capabilities of current competing air crafts. The MiG will be improved with an updated head-up display, two multifunctional displays, a ring laser giro navigational system, electronic warfare suite, Vicon reconnaissance and in-flight refueling ability.

MiG 27 Pictures Gallery