@ Madrid, Spain
May 2014
The Soviet-built MiG-23 “Flogger”, seen here at the Museo del Aire in Madrid, was designed to replace the widely-used MiG-21. The MiG-23’s advanced radar and fire control system could fire missiles at targets beyond visual range. Variable swing-wing geometry and robust landing gear allowed the MiG-23 to operate from short, remote runways. Early production aircraft suffered fuselage cracks during their service career, along with criticism of maneuverability. A considerable redesign of the airframe was performed, resulting in the MiG-23ML. Production started in 1970 with over 5,000 aircraft built. Today the MiG-23 remains in limited service with some export customers. This example began its service with the East German air force (Luftstreitkräfte), then with the Luftwaffe before retirement and final resting place here in 1994. The MiG-23 gained some publicity when a civilian-owned one crashed during a 2023 Michigan airshow.
