MiG-23ML - Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic - Static Aircraft Displays on Waymarking.com

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 (NATO reporting name: Flogger) is a variable-geometry fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union. It is considered to belong to the Soviet third-generation jet fighter category. Production started in 1970 and reached large numbers with over 5,000 aircraft built. Today the MiG-23 remains in limited service with some export customers.

MiG-23ML
The early "Flogger" variants were intended to be used in high-speed missile attacks, but it was soon noticed that fighters often had to engage in more stressful close-in combat. Early production aircraft had actually suffered cracks in the fuselage during their service career. Maneuverability of the aircraft was also criticized. A considerable redesign of the airframe was performed, resulting in the MiG-23ML (L – lightweight), which made it in some ways a new aircraft. Empty weight was reduced by 1250 kg, which was achieved partly by removing a rear fuselage fuel tank. Aerodynamics were refined for less drag. The dorsal fin extension was removed. The lighter weight of the airframe resulted in a different sit on the ground, with the aircraft appearing more level when at rest compared to the nose-high appearance of earlier variants. This has led to a belief that the undercarriage was redesigned for the ML variant, but it is identical to earlier variants. The airframe was now rated for a g-limit of 8.5, compared to 8 g for the early generation MiG-23M/MF "Flogger-B". A new engine model, the R-35F-300, now provided a maximum dry thrust of 8,550 kp, and 13,000 kp with afterburner. This led to a considerable improvement in maneuverability and thrust-to-weight ratio. The avionics set was considerably improved as well. The S-23ML standard included Sapfir-23ML radar and TP-23ML IRST. The new radar was more reliable and a had maximum detection range of about 65 km against a fighter-sized target (25 km in look-down mode). The navigation suite received a new, much improved autopilot. New radio and datalink systems were also installed. The prototype of this variant first flew in 1976 and production began 1978.

This aircraft (Construction Number: 0390324644, Serial Number: 4644) is located next to the main entrance to Ceske Budejovice Airport. It reminds of the long history of the Military Air Regiment, which was deployed on this airport. It is one of the last aircraft of this type flying in the Czech Republic.

A complete description of the history this aircraft is here: (visit link) .

There is mentioned the date of commissioning, the first flight in the Czech Republic (former Czechoslovakia), various repairs of the aircraft, a change of camouflage, a participation in foreign events (participation on Royal International Air Tatoo in Fairford, GB, a tests of anti-aircraft missiles Matra R.550 Magic II on Mont de Marsan AFB, France, participation on celebrations of 50th anniversary of D-Day on Yeovilton AFB, GB, participation on visit on Neuburg AFB, Germany...), and information about the final placement this aircraft near the gate of airport in Ceské Budejovice.

See also: (visit link) (visit link)

Type of Aircraft: (make/model): Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23ML Tail Number: (S/N): 4644 Construction:: original aircraft Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): Ceske Budejovice Airport inside / outside: outside Other Information:: Not listed Access restrictions: Not listed

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