OVERVIEW: The MiG-23MF Flogger B is a single engine, variable-geometry, supersonic 3rd generation fighter aircraft. It had a secondary mission of ground attack.

DETAILS:  The Flogger was intended to replace the MiG-21, and featured improved landing and takeoff performance, range and weapons capability over its predecessor.    
The Flogger B was designed to be more reliable, maneuverable, and lighter than earlier Mig-23s.  It achieved these goals by removing a fuel tank and improving aerodynamics, modernizing the avionics and flight control and up-rating the power plant. The Flogger B was equipped with the J-band (10-15 Ghz) Sapfir-23D-III aka HIGH LARK 2 was redesignated the Sapfir-23E and downgraded for export.  The HIGH LARK radar gave it a "look-down shoot-down" capability and maximum detection range of 65km against a fighter-sized target at high altitude, reduced to 25km in look-down mode.  The Flogger was also one of the first aircraft armed with beyond-visual-range missiles.

The aircraft was powered by an R-29-300 turbojet engine, producing 27,500 lb of thrust.

The MiG-23MF could maneuver up to 8.0 g.  However, control issues at high AOA reduced the theoretical maneuverability of the MiG-23. Overall, the MiG-23 was a poor dogfighter.  While its turning capability was comparable to an original F-4E Phantom, the F-15 or F-4E with slats could out-turn a MiG-23. Further, its low-speed dogfighting characteristics were poor. The MiG-23 had excellent acceleration characteristics, particularly below 10,000 ft and could out-accelerate any American fighter, making it a good hit-and-run interceptor.  The MiG-23's small profile made it hard to visually spot. 

NOTES: IOC 1978 (approx.) This was an export derivative of the MiG-23M, (denoted "izdeliye 2B") produced from 1978 to 1983 for third world countries. Similar to the MiG-23M and MiG-23MF built for Russia and the Warsaw Pact, but downgrades in communication and IFF equipment. The MiG-23MF intended for Warsaw Pact use was designated "izdeliye 2B" had superior ECM and communications features.
 


SOURCE: "MiG-23M." Airwar.Ru. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23m.html. ; Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017. ; Newdick, Thomas. "This Myth-Busting Walk-Around Of The Soviet MiG-23 Flogger Fighter Is A Must-Watch." The Drive. Last modified March 18, 2021. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/39824/this-myth-busting-walk-around-of-the-soviet-mig-23-flogger-fighter-is-a-must-watch. ;  "MiG-23ML." Airwar.Ru.Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23ml.html ; Davies, Steve. Red Eagles: America’s Secret MiGs. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2008 pg. 167 ; "Mikoyan MIG-23." Weapons and Warfare. Last modified November 14, 2020. https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2020/11/25/mikoyan-mig-23/.
