The exact specifications of this jet are quite scarce, and available sources are often inconsistent. Even with my limited understanding of the language, I can already tell that some parts in that source might be inaccurate. It’s definitely challenging to find reliable information on the MiG-23MS. Still, thanks for the source, I’ll add it to the collection when the time comes.
If you’ve read Tom Cooper’s book on the MiG-23, you’ll know that during testing, the R-13M missile’s smoke caused engine issues when launched from the belly hardpoints. As a result, it was only approved for use on the underwing pylons.
I’m not sure if the R-13M1 uses the same propulsion system, but if it does, MiG-23s shouldn’t be allowed to launch it from the belly either. That said, for in-game purposes, allowing it to carry four is ultimately up to Gaijin.
There’s also debate over whether the MiG-23MS could use R-3Rs. Tom Cooper suggests it could, at least in tail-chase engagements. However, the radar was a downgrade compared to that of the MiG-21S, and as far as my research goes, there are no available photos of the MiG-23MS equipped with R-3Rs.
I’d argue that for balancing reason it should get only 2 R-13Ms and be at 9.3/9.7. Alongside the MiG-23BN.
Yeah I know about smoke issue. But thats was problem with R-23 missiles. Thats why it got only two. Hovewer there was prototype (iz. 23-11/2) with 4x R-23.
Of course Ruslet have many inaccuraties but its great for basic overview. Ideally if we have some manuals or pictures. I think I had some with 4x R-3R.
it’s not, you can tell by the nose. MiG-23MS was meant for export only. They came in their standardized desert camouflage even those that were left in the USSR. What you have on the pictures is a very early MiG-23.
Yes, but it is yet another suggestion. It is its own separate aircraft, that had a horrible service history plagued by mechanical problems. Unlike the S, MiG-23MS has a body of a MiG-23M with the weapons systems of a MiG-23S. Besides, there is also evidence of MiG-23MS specifically remaining in Soviet service for training purposes as it has the largest internal volume of fuel out of any MiG-23. MiG-23MS is simply as iconic as all the other MiG-23s in game and it hasn’t been added yet. All these other aircraft were rarely seen or did not do all that well, while the MS is still flying somewhere. Besides, these other aircraft did not carry R-13M. And that’s what this post is about.
Yeah, my MiG-23MS suggestion is now live. You should take a look. If it is given R-13Ms it’ll have better armament than the MiG-21S, but will loose in canon dogfights to a lot of jets. On the other hand, its air to ground payload will be better than that of the MiG-21S.
Now is question where it will come when it will come. Maybe as event as it is export variant and 23S as variant in TT. MiG-23S would be nice counterpart for F-4C. Less missiles but better ones.
This is actually a smart idea to implement the S and the MS. I never imagined the MS in the Tech-Tree. However, considering they are plus minus the same I think it would be better to introduce Ye-231 into the tech-tree instead of the S. As the Ye-231 has a distinctive shape and never came with R-13Ms as far as my knowledge goes.
Yep. I think that both should be added. MiG-23S and also MiG-23MS where MiG-23MS should be event plane as it is practically downgraded export MiG-23M with worse avionics and missile armament. MiG-23S is much more unique as it have different shape, weaker engine, extended armament for Kh-23/66 and potential ability to use S-5P/S-8P chaffs. Ideal for tech tree as counterpart for F-4C and its serial produced machine with 59 produced planes + 1 prototype.
