MiG-27 Flogger

Based on the MiG-23BN airframe (NATO designation: Flogger-H) already dedicated to ground attack, the MiG-27 (Flogger-D) shares many similarities with the Dassault Mirage 5. The MiG-27 is essentially a ground attack aircraft derived from an interceptor, simplified and tailored for air-to-ground missions.

Design

Numerous modifications have been made to the MiG-23 airframe. The engines and air intakes were simplified, while cockpit protection was reinforced with new armor. The landing gear was also strengthened and equipped with low-pressure tires to facilitate operations on unprepared terrain. Armament was increased through the installation of additional wing pylons, allowing for a military payload of up to 4 tons. The avionics system received special attention from Soviet engineers, particularly the attack and navigation systems. Later versions were equipped with a 30mm GSh-6-23M six-barreled cannon and advanced electronic equipment, including a laser targeting system enabling the use of air-to-ground missiles like the Kh-29L and guided bombs. Designed to operate close to the front lines, the MiG-27 had the characteristic flaw shared by many Soviet aircraft of its time, namely a limited range of 1080 kilometers for low-altitude missions (without in-flight refueling capability). It also reportedly suffered from frequent breakdowns and difficult maintenance, a flaw it shared with the MiG-23. Nevertheless, it proved to be a valuable aircraft for the air forces of the Warsaw Pact, allowing for the replacement of older and outdated aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-7.

Operational History

In total, approximately one thousand MiG-27s were produced by Soviet factories in Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude. Currently, it appears that only the Indian Air Force (165 aircraft built, with at least a hundred still in active service), Kazakh Air Force (possibly 120), and Sri Lankan Air Force (7 Ukrainian aircraft) still operate the MiG-27. Russian aircraft were retired following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Variants

Key versions:

• MiG-27 (Flogger-D): Initial version, possibly 360 units produced.

• MiG-27M (Flogger-J): Upgraded MiG-27, notably featuring a 30mm six-barreled cannon in a ventral pod and a Kylon target designator. Produced between 1978 and 1983; the standard to which MiG-27s were upgraded between 1982 and 1985.

• MiG-27K (Flogger-J2): The final version of the MiG-27, produced in nearly 200 units from 1982 onwards. Equipped with a laser designator, TV or laser-guided missiles, and more advanced avionics compared to its predecessors.

• Bahadur (sometimes referred to as MiG-27ML): Licensed production of the MiG-27 by India, equivalent to the MiG-27M. 120 aircraft were modernized between 2002 and 2009, incorporating a new inertial navigation system, a laser designation pod, and partially indigenous avionics.

• Nanchang Q-6: Aborted Chinese attempt to produce a copy of the MiG-27. Currently, it appears that no Q-6 aircraft ever entered service.