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, along with similarly aged Soviet fighters such as the MiG-25 "Foxbat". It was the first attempt by the Soviet Union to design look-down/shoot-down radar and one of the first to be armed with beyond visual range missiles, and the first MiG production fighter aircraft to have intakes at the sides of the fuselage. Production started in 1970 and reached large numbers with over 5,000 aircraft built. Today the MiG-23 remains in limited service with various export customers.

The basic design was also used as the basis for the Mikoyan MiG-27, a dedicated ground-attack variant. Among many minor changes, the MiG-27 replaced the MiG-23's nose-mounted radar system with an optical panel holding a laser designator and a TV camera. Ground-attack variants of the MiG-23 were also produced, and these generally saw better export success, retaining more multi-mission capability.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a MiG-23MF "Flogger-B" fighter that was attached to the Czech Air Force. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-3/4-inches
Length: 9-1/4-inches

Release Date: September 2018

Historical Account: "Hell Fighter" - In late 1978, MiG-23MF s/n 3646 was delivered to the Czech Air Force 1 SLP (1st fighter air regiment) located at Ceske Budejovice AFB. It remained there until 1983 when it was transferred to the 11 SLP at Zatec. In 1989, 3646 returned to the 1 SLP. In June 1994 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1 SLP MiG-23MF 3646 was given a special paint scheme, "Hell Fighter" and in September 1994 the aircraft was flown to the Czech Air Museum at Praha-Kbely just outside Prague.