MiG-21bis Fishbed

- Lightweight Fighter-Bomber -

Overview
The MiG-21 Fishbed is one of the most infamous fighter aircraft in history, with over 11,000 produced and 3,000 still in operation in over 40 countries. The MiG-21 is a high-speed interceptor reaching speeds up to Mach 2, built to be cheap and reliable, it has seen reproduction in over 22 separate variants, and is in heavy use throughout the Middle East and China. In comparison with other fighters of its class and age, it is quite maneuverable, as proven during dogfights with the heavier but more technologically advanced F-4 Phantom II's over Vietnam during the 1960's and 1970's. In recent years it has been refitted to serve as a multirole strike fighter, receiving avionics upgrades, weapons enhancements, and state-of-the-art engines. An internal dual barreled Gsh-23L gun has been made standard on all later variants of the fighter and many have been outfitted to fire advanced air-to-air missiles from BVR such as the R-77 Adder medium-range air-to-air missile.

The MiG-21-93 is the latest variant to exit the MiG design bureau in Russia. It is outfitted with the advanced "Spear" radar system which enhances air-to-air targeting range and ability, track-while-scan modes, the ability to battle successfully with 4th generation fighters, and improved communication. With a minimal refit cost and extension of airframe life by some 4,000 hours, the MiG-21-93 will continue to serve in numerous world air forces far into the 21st century.

Origin: (Real World)
Russian Federation

Featured In
Ace Combat 2 Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War

Operators
Aurelian Air Force Belkan Air Force Erusian Air Force Leasath Air Force Osean Air Defense Force Usean Rebel Force Ustian Air Force Yuktobanian Air Force

Ace Squadrons/Pilots
Swordkill / YAF (AC5) Glueck / BAF (ACZ) Huckebein / BAF (ACZ) Eisente / BAF (ACZ) Rose / LAF (ACX)

Weapons
Gun: 23mm GSh-23 Standard Missiles: AA-2 Atoll ECMP (ACX) LASM / AS-14 Kedge (ACX) QAAM / R-73EM (AC5/ACZ) RCL (AC5/ACZ) SAAM / AIM-7 Sparrow (ACX) UGB / FAB-500(ACZ)

Ace Combat 2 Stats
Power: 45 Defense: 40 Mobility: 40 Stability: 55 Climbing Ability: 45 Air-to-Air: 45 Air-to-Ground: 45

MiG-21bis
Speed: 73  Mobility: 35 Stability: 29 Defense: 42 Air-to-Air: 22 Air-to-Ground: 47

MiG-21-93
Speed: 73 Mobility: 74 Stability: 59 Defense: 63 Air-to-Air: 82 Air-to-Ground: 46

Ace Combat Zero Stats
Speed: 73 Defense: 42 Mobility: 35 Stability: 29 Air-to-Air: 22 Air-to-Ground: 47