Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
Enable an agent to identify the registered MiG-23 aircraft family, resolve variant-dependent characteristics, and determine what evidence is needed to assess an associated airframe and proposed action.
Research draft, second pass
A second pass drafted this model: the structure a model of this thing needs, and what is known about it in the world. The line under this one says how the second half was obtained - researched against sources, or recalled without web access, in which case nothing here was read anywhere and every claim is a lead to verify. Unreviewed either way.
recalled by Codex without web access - no source was read
Researched by: Codex
Purpose and description
Enable an agent to identify the registered MiG-23 aircraft family, resolve variant-dependent characteristics, and determine what evidence is needed to assess an associated airframe and proposed action.
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 is a Soviet-designed family of single-engine, supersonic military jet aircraft with variable-sweep wings, developed principally for interception and fighter duties and including strike and two-seat training variants.
It can be Classify a candidate aircraft within the MiG-23 family and expose conflicting identification evidence.; Compare variants using explicitly matched engine, avionics and airframe configurations.; Attach dimensions and performance claims to their variant and measurement conditions.; Identify missing records before evaluating inspection, movement, restoration or display proposals.; Route maintenance and condition questions to documentation applicable to the installed configuration.; Link an individual example to this family without creating a duplicate type model..
Distinguishing features
Use the combination of variable-sweep wings and lateral intakes to distinguish the conventional MiG-23 configuration from the MiG-21; corroborate visual identification with designation evidence. [USAF museum description and photographs](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1162493/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-23ms-flogger-e/)
Require a documented subtype and configuration match when separating MiG-23 from MiG-27; a Flogger label or swing-wing silhouette alone is insufficient.
Test cockpit arrangement and designation together when separating trainer and single-seat configurations; seat count must not become a family-wide requirement.
Distinguish MiG-23MS from other configurations using designation records and its documented export radar and smaller radome, rather than attributing every MiG-23 capability to it. [USAF museum fact sheet](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1162493/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-23ms-flogger-e/)
Scope
+ MiG-23 family identity, variant designations, export configurations and documented modifications
+ Variable-sweep airframe geometry and configuration-dependent dimensions
+ Variant-specific propulsion, cockpit, avionics and installed-equipment interfaces
+ Requirements for recording condition, service life and maintenance applicability
+ Evidence needed to distinguish display, ground-operable and flight-authorized examples
- General aircraft and jet-propulsion principles owned by broader aircraft models
- MiG-27 as a separate aircraft type, with its relationship recorded here
- Individual airframe ownership histories and maintenance logs, except as linked evidence
- Engines, radar sets, missiles and other equipment as independently modeled things
- Combat tactics, targeting procedures and weapon-employment instructions
- Military organizations, campaigns and manufacturing enterprises
Characteristics
- Variant and modification identity
- Documented MiG-23 suffix, production configuration, export configuration and modification standard; unresolved permitted Determines which descriptions, equipment lists and limitations apply.
- Designation evidence
- Links to manufacturer identifiers, airframe records, manuals and corroborating photographs Separates demonstrated identity from museum labels, repainting and visual guesses.
- Wing geometry
- Sweep in degrees and corresponding span in m, with angle convention and variant Dimensions and configuration assessments require a stated sweep position.
- Dimensional envelope
- Length, height and span in m; specify probes, stores, landing gear and wing position Supports reliable comparison and evaluation of storage or display space.
- Mass and fuel basis
- Mass in kg; fuel in kg or L with density basis; identify empty, loaded or limiting condition Prevents mixing incompatible weights and internal versus external fuel capacities.
- Propulsion configuration
- Installed engine designation and applicable documentation; thrust in kN by rating and conditions Engine identity governs support requirements and the applicability of performance claims.
- Crew and avionics configuration
- Seat count, cockpit arrangement, radar or sight designation and navigation fit; absent or unknown permitted Distinguishes role and equipment differences within the family.
- Mechanical configuration
- Recorded wing, landing-gear, ventral-fin and control-surface positions; secured, functional, unverified or defective An observed position does not establish that the corresponding mechanism works.
- Life and preservation status
- Hours, cycles and calendar limits with source; storage, restoration, display or operational status dated Distinguishes physical completeness from supported remaining service life.
- Action authorization
- Applicable authority, document identifier, revision, permitted activity and validity period A type identification or historical capability does not authorize activity involving a particular aircraft.
Also called
Where this came from
wikidata · CC0 1.0
Drafted structure
Bundle to layer to finding to question, as the second pass will find it: 6 bundles · 11 layers · 18 findings · 29 questions.
Family and variant identity Establish what counts as MiG-23 and how a claimed subtype is supported.
Family names, export suffixes and visually similar derivatives can otherwise collapse into one misleading configuration.
Designation boundaries
Separate registry identity from naming conventions and neighboring types.
MiG-23 membership
Require evidence for family membership and retain uncertain prototype or derivative assignments as unresolved.
- Which manufacturer designations and documented variants belong under this MiG-23 registry entry? definition
- Where do authoritative designation records place the boundary with MiG-27 and experimental predecessors? boundary
Configuration attribution
Connect subtype claims to identifying evidence and modification history.
Documented versus observed variant
Record original designation, subsequent modifications and visible features separately, including mixed-component restorations.
- Which data plates, production records or manuals substantiate the claimed suffix and production configuration? provenance
- Do the cockpit, nose, wing-glove and tail features agree with that configuration, or suggest replacement parts? boundary
Variable-sweep airframe Represent the geometry and mechanical states that make MiG-23 measurements configuration-dependent.
A fixed silhouette or single span cannot adequately characterize a variable-sweep aircraft.
Sweep and envelope
Bind dimensions to wing position and measurement conventions.
Sweep-dependent dimensions
Record supported sweep positions and corresponding dimensions by variant; the museum lists 16, 45 and 72 degrees for MiG-23MS. [USAF museum technical notes](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1162493/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-23ms-flogger-e/)
- Which sweep settings and angle-reference convention are documented for the selected variant? measurement
- What span, length and height apply with the recorded sweep, probes, landing gear and external equipment? measurement
Geometry mechanism state
Distinguish observed configuration from mechanism serviceability.
Sweep, gear and fin evidence
Require applicable documentation for wing-sweep mechanisms, landing gear, ventral-fin movement and associated locks or interlocks.
- Which mechanisms, position indications and interlocks are fitted to this MiG-23 configuration? definition
- What inspection evidence establishes their condition before a proposed movement or configuration change? action
Propulsion and aircraft systems Resolve installed propulsion and the support systems needed to interpret aircraft condition.
A MiG-23 family label does not determine engine compatibility, consumables or subsystem serviceability.
Engine and fuel fit
Associate propulsion claims with installed equipment and documented conditions.
Engine rating and consumables
Record engine identity, rating basis, fuel capacity and approved consumable references without transferring values across variants.
- Which engine designation and modification state are documented for the airframe configuration? provenance
- Which thrust ratings, fuel quantities and consumable specifications apply, with what units and conditions? measurement
Power and control dependencies
Map the installed systems supporting sweep, flight controls and cockpit functions.
System availability
Record the documented hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic and cockpit-support configuration, including isolation and missing equipment.
- Which installed systems supply the wing-sweep mechanism, flight controls and cockpit equipment? definition
- Which defects, disconnected services or undocumented substitutions prevent assessment of the proposed activity? action
Role and equipment configuration Represent cockpit, sensor and external-equipment differences without assuming uniform family capabilities.
Variant and export configurations change what equipment and role descriptions apply.
Crew and sensor fit
Identify cockpit arrangement and actual avionics installation.
Variant-specific role evidence
Bind fighter, trainer or attack-role descriptions to the documented subtype and installed cockpit and sensor configuration.
- Which role and crew arrangement are supported by documentation for this exact variant? definition
- Which radar, sight and navigation systems were specified, and which are actually present? provenance
External equipment interfaces
Separate physical attachment features from documented equipment compatibility.
Configuration compatibility
Record approved external-tank, pylon and other equipment relationships at identification level, including inert display substitutes.
- Which authoritative configuration records establish compatibility for the fitted external equipment? provenance
- Which attachments are original equipment, later adaptations, inert replicas or unidentified items? boundary
Condition and permitted activity Connect MiG-23 maintenance evidence, preservation state and applicable authority to proposed activities.
A complete-looking preserved aircraft may lack service-life evidence, functional mechanisms or authorization for operation.
Airframe life and support
Assess the evidence needed for aging structure, installed components and maintenance support.
Life-limit and inspection applicability
Identify applicable inspection and life-limit requirements, with particular attention to sweep pivots, actuators and their supporting structure.
- Which maintenance publications establish inspection intervals and life limits for this variant and its installed components? provenance
- What recorded hours, cycles, calendar exposure and inspection findings support the remaining-life assessment? measurement
Preservation and authorization
Distinguish display condition, residual hazards and documented permission for activity.
Activity evidence gates
Require activity-specific evidence for ejection-seat and other pyrotechnic status, stored pressure, fuel condition, mechanical security and applicable authorization.
- What records establish the state of the ejection system, other pyrotechnic equipment, stored-energy systems and secured movable structures? provenance
- Which issuing authority and document revision govern the proposed display, towing, ground-running or flight activity? action
- Which unresolved configuration or condition issues require specialist assessment before that activity? action
Evidence and external alignment What the world already says about this thing, gathered so the model can be checked against it.
A model that cannot be lined up against existing standards, identifiers and practice cannot be adopted by anyone who already uses them.
Reported evidence
Findings from the breadth pass, kept separate from the structural claims.
Check these first
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- This is recalled knowledge, without consulted sources; verify variant-specific performance and equipment before reuse.
- Measurements are approximate and should not be applied uniformly to all variants, loads or operating conditions.
- The variant list is selective; no specific military airworthiness standard or current operator status is asserted.
- Which of these check these first hold for the sense of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Kinds and varieties
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- MiG-23S: early production fighter
- MiG-23M: developed production fighter
- MiG-23MF: export fighter variant
- MiG-23ML: lighter, revised fighter variant
- MiG-23MLD: fighter upgrade with aerodynamic and equipment improvements
- MiG-23UB: two-seat conversion trainer
- Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Identifiers and schemes
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Soviet aircraft design designation - MiG-23 followed by a variant suffix - Identifies the aircraft family and variant; individual airframes have separate construction numbers and military markings.
- NATO reporting name - Flogger - Reporting-name suffixes distinguish versions; the Flogger name also covers the related MiG-27.
- Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Real-world use
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Air interception and territorial air defence
- Air-superiority fighter operations
- Ground attack by suitably equipped variants
- Pilot conversion and proficiency training using two-seat variants
- Foreign-aircraft evaluation and threat familiarisation
- Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Typical measurements
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Wingspan across sweep positions - Approximately 7.8-14.0 - m
- Principal selectable wing-sweep angles - Approximately 16, 45 and 72 - degree
- Maximum speed at altitude for principal fighter variants - Approximately 2.3 - Mach
- Which of these typical measurements hold for the sense of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Failure modes and hazards
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Stall, departure from controlled flight and spin hazards depend on angle of attack, configuration and variant.
- Wing-sweep mechanism or indication faults can compromise configuration control and handling.
- Failure of the single engine removes the aircraft's sole source of powered thrust.
- Ageing structures, corrosion and fatigue can reduce airworthiness without inspection and maintenance.
- Fuel, live ordnance and pyrotechnic ejection-seat components present fire, explosion and ground-handling hazards.
- Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Regional variation
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Soviet-service and export variants differed in radar, avionics and permitted weapons.
- Operator-specific modifications and maintenance histories produce differences between aircraft bearing the same basic variant designation.
- Military markings and individual aircraft identification practices differ by operator.
- Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 - The MiG-21 has a fixed delta wing and nose intake; the MiG-23 has variable-sweep wings and side intakes.
- Mikoyan MiG-27 - The MiG-27 is a separately designated ground-attack derivative with a redesigned nose and intake arrangement; it is not simply another MiG-23 fighter variant.
- MiG-23BN - The MiG-23BN is a ground-attack variant within the MiG-23 family, distinguished from interceptor variants by its specialised nose and mission equipment.
- Individual MiG-23 airframe - An airframe is one manufactured aircraft with its own identity and service history; this entry describes the design family.
- Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
What the second pass must settle
- Which authoritative designation history settles inclusion of early prototypes, MiG-23 attack variants and trainer variants while preserving the boundary with MiG-27?
- Which primary manuals establish a reliable variant matrix for engine, radar, cockpit, wing and landing-gear changes, including export and retrofit configurations?
- What variant-specific dimensions, capacities and performance values can be supported with explicit sweep, mass, altitude and equipment conditions?
- Which documented failure modes, life limits and inspection criteria apply specifically to MiG-23 sweep mechanisms and aging airframe structure?
- Which operator or civil authority documents govern surviving examples, and what evidence distinguishes preservation, ground operation and flight authorization?