Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 in service with the Yugoslav RV i PVO

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21

A MiG-21bis fighter of the RV i PVO armed with four R-60 and two R-3R missiles. Around it is shown a variety of bombs and unguided rockets (UV-32, UV-16, L-128-04 and S-24) which can also be used by this aircraft. This picture was taken at the Batajnica military airport near Belgrade during the "Batajnica '98 Air Show". This airplane bears the insignia of the 126th LAE (fighter aviotion squadron) which is based at Batajnica airport. (picture taken by Vladimir Trendafilovski).

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is the most numerous fighter used by the RV i PVO. It entered service in 1962, in the form of 45 MiG-21F-13 (Fishbed C), which carried the designation L-12. This version was phased out of service in 1980.

In 1968, further 36 MiG-21PFM (Fishbed F) were acquired from USSR and received the official designation L-14. They were phased out of service in 1992.

In 1970, the RV i PVO acquired 12 MiG-21R (Fishbed H) reconnaissance aircraft, receiving the official designation L-14i. These aircraft are still in service with the RV i PVO.

Along with them, 25 MiG-21M (Fishbed J) fighters were also acquired, and officialy designated L-15. These were recently phased out of service with the RV i PVO.

In 1975, the RV i PVO received 6 modified MiG-21MF (Fishbed J) fighter aircraft. They received the designation L-16. They were recently phased out of service with the RV i PVO.

In 1977, the RV i PVO acquired 100 MiG-21bis (Fishbed L/N) fighters, officially designated L-17. A large number of these are still in service and are representing the core of the fighter units of the RV i PVO.

For training purposes, the RV i PVO in 1965 acquired 9 MiG-21U (Mongol A) aircraft, which had the official designation NL-12. These were retired from service with the RV i PVO.

Further 9 improved traning aircraft MiG-21US (Mongol B) entered service with the RV i PVO in 1969, under the designation NL-14. Later they were also retired from service.

At the moment, for training purposes the RV i PVO has retained 35 MiG-21UM (Mongol B) which are designated as NL-16.

Technical characteristics of the MiG-21bis fighter:

Official RV i PVO designation: L-16

Dimensions: Length: 14,01 m.

Height: 4,12 m.

Width: 7,15 m.

Mass: Empty: 5.843 kg.

Normal: 8.726 kg.

Maximum: 10.400 kg.

Max. speed: 2.175 km./h.

Climbing speed: 225 m./s.

Max. altitude: 17.500 m.

Range: 1.505 km.

Engine: Type: Tumanskiy R-25-300

Thrust (dry): 40,3 kN

Thrust (with afterburner): 69,65 kN

Radar: RP-22SMA

Armament: up to 6 AAMs (R-3R and R-60)

up to 4 rocket launchers (S-24, UV-16,
UV-32, and domestic L-128-04 "Munja")

up to 1.500 kg of various bombs

GSh-23L twin-barreled cannon with 200 rounds of 23 mm. ammunition

Written by Vladimir Trendafilovski.
Updated Saturday, 03 April 1999.

Official RV i PVO designation:		L-16
Dimensions:	Length:	14,01 m.
	Height:	4,12 m.
	Width:	7,15 m.
Mass:	Empty:	5.843 kg.
	Normal:	8.726 kg.
	Maximum:	10.400 kg.
Max. speed:		2.175 km./h.
Climbing speed:		225 m./s.
Max. altitude:		17.500 m.
Range:		1.505 km.
Engine:	Type:	Tumanskiy R-25-300
	Thrust (dry):	40,3 kN
	Thrust (with afterburner):	69,65 kN
Radar:		RP-22SMA
Armament:		up to 6 AAMs (R-3R and R-60)
		up to 4 rocket launchers (S-24, UV-16, UV-32, and domestic L-128-04 "Munja")
		up to 1.500 kg of various bombs
		GSh-23L twin-barreled cannon with 200 rounds of 23 mm. ammunition