Fast and furious: Unveiling Russias fleet of MiG fighter jets

Fast and furious: Unveiling Russia’s fleet of MiG fighter jets December 8 marks the 85th anniversary of the legendary Mikoyan Design Bureau, now part of the consolidated Russian United Aircraft Corporation (RSK MiG). Its first design, the MiG-1 single-engine interceptor, flew in 1940, with “MiG” being an acronym derived from the names “Mikoyan“ and “Gurevich.“ Here are some of MiG’s most impressive offspring: MiG-21: Lightweight, supersonic interceptor from 1958, widely used in 49 countries for its maneuverability. MiG-23: Third-generation fighter from 1972, featuring a variable-sweep wing and look-down/shoot-down radar. It became the most produced variable-geometry fighter. MiG-25: Twin-engine interceptor introduced in 1970, with a top speed of 3,000 km/h (Mach ) and an operational ceiling of over 24,400 m (approximately 80,000 feet), ideal for reconnaissance. MiG-27: A MiG-23 variant with an armored cockpit, increased weapons capacity, and optimized for air-to-ground attac... Source: Sputnik International