PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - MiG-23 Crash - Michigan - 13 Aug 23
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Old 16th Aug 2023, 09:12
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dagenham
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 257
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The 23 and 27 have a lot of BS written about them. They are pretty straight forward if used as intended - low level strike, so straight line no turning and burning.

The main two issues with them are firstly the engine - which is not super reliable at the best of times, but when it experiences long or latitudinal stress has a nasty habit of distortion and self immolation. we are not talking serious g here. Secondly lateral stability, it snakes like a bitch hence the lower stabiliser which extends with gear up. This gets a fair bit of abuse so rarely stays straight for long, compounding snaking and trim requires continual attention. The indian air force had a pretty good serviceability rate around 70% most weeks. Not sure on the numbers for Bulgaria, GDR etc.

If your flying at sub 100 feet and need to fly at warp factor 1 plus with a smooth ride that wouldn't trouble your haemorrhoids it was a great option. Just don't bank, yank and expect a good outcome.

https://www.instagram.com/darkroomeagle/


anyway, some great shots of the ejection sequence here - looks like late life upgrade seats fitted too
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