Compared Air Combat Performances G-21 Versus

Compared Air Combat Performances analysis Mig-21 versus Mirage III – Part 2

LICENSE: This document has been created by J.M. LANGERON / TOPOLO, (http://topolo.free.fr/). All the values used to model the aircraft behavior have been computed by him, like all performance charts presented here, based on data provided by the people mentioned in the CREDITS section. If you want to use these data, or part of it, please contact the author by personal message to TOPOLO on check-six forum: (http://www.checksix-forums.com/).

CREDITS: It has been possible to build this document only due to the collection of many data regarding Mig-21 performances. The group involved in this project has also spent a lot of time in reviewing this document and those mentioned in the Bibliography section. I want to thanks particularly Tomislav MESARIC for his Mig-21 knowledge and data, and Tom COOPER (ACIG.org) for his huge knowledge on military aerospace in general, the history of these aircraft in particular, and the fact that he build the working group.

Total Nesher production has been 61 units (51 one-seat, 10 twin-seats) and delivery from May 1971 to February 1974. A. Introduction A first Nesher squadron has been created in September The aim of this document is to compare the air combat 1972 (after War of Attrition) so it contribution really starts performances, (mainly turning, climbing and acceleration, with the 73’s Kippur war. roll rate being out of scope not because it can be considered as non significant, but just due to lack of reliable In October 73, the Mirage-5/Nesher was around half of the data) of the Mig-21 to the Mirage III-CJ. IAF Mirage fleet (40 Neshers), it has to face a mix of Mig- 21M and Mig-21MF. We will see that, if it can face the first It will not be taken into account at all of weapon system one with good arguments, comparison with the second is capabilities, nor of aircrew training, tactics or strategy, but more balanced. only focus on airframe and engine.

The comparison will be split in three opuses: B. Methodology description. - A first one representative of the Israel-Arab conflicts between 1970 and 1971/74, involving Critical performances to be compared. Mirage III-CJ/Shanack with their original ATAR-9B For each altitude, we will compare turning, climbing and engine and Mig-21M iz.96 powered by the acceleration capabilities. Tumansky R-11F2SK-300 engine. - A second one (this one) representative of the Turning Kippur 73 Israel-Arab conflicts, involving Mirage- Turning capabilities will be measured by following 5/Nesher with ATAR-9C engine, Mig-21M iz.96 performances: powered by the Tumansky R-11F2SK-300 engine and Mig-21MF powered by the new R-13-300. Quickest half turn: Minimum time required to perform a - A third one representative of the Israel-Arab 180 deg turn with maximum G-Load (structural or conflicts after 1971/74, involving Mirage III- maximum lift limits), each aircraft starting its turn at the CJ/Shanak with their retrofitted ATAR-9C engine speed that give the shortest time. (this version will be named in the Mirage-5 to avoid confusion) and Mig-21MF iz.96F powered by Maximum Sustained Turn Rate: Minimum time required to the new R-13-300. perform a constant speed 360 deg turn and related radius (maximum sustained turn rate). The Mirage 5/Nesher used by IAF are equivalent to the Mirage 5F used by French Armée de l’Air, derived from the Minimum Sustained Turn Radius: Minimum turn radius of a late Mirage III-E design (with leading edge fuel tanks), it has constant speed 360 deg turn and required time. the new ATAR-9C engine, an increased internal fuel WARNING: for Mig-21, two tests need to be performed, in capacity and a lighter empty weight due to removal of the first one the pilot is assumed to limit the AoA to 28 several electronic devices considered as useless by IAF. degrees, according to the black sector limit of his AoA Performances of the Mirage-5 are close to the one of the indicator, in the second test, the pilot is assumed to reach retrofitted Mirage-5 but its combat weight (730 kg / 1610 and keep the maximum lift AoA. lbs heavier), largely due to the additional fuel.

Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 1

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

The first test could be considered as representative of an This gross weight leads to the following load factor average Mig-21 pilot, when the second is only to be limitation: considered for high skilled – highly trained pilots. For Mach number lower than 0.8 : 8.0 G For Mach number greater than 0.8 : 6.0 G Climbing Non turning climb: both aircraft flying at their maximum constant speed climb rate, starting from same point, what Mig-21bis combat configuration. time is required for an altitude gain of 2,000ft for the fastest, how many feet above is the other one at this time. Aircraft loaded with 50% of internal usable fuel, Center Line pylon (but no CL Tank), 2 R-60 missiles with their pylon Turning climb: both aircrafts engaged in a constant speed, under wing. constant G-load (2G at 30,000ft, 3G at 15,000ft, 4G at This defines a gross weight of 16,318 lbs (7,392 kg) and a 5,000ft) turn, which altitude gain after 90 degrees. Drag Index of 11.

Acceleration Clean Aircraft (no usable fuel) : 6,003 kg Both aircrafts perform a level flight, starting at same speed Gun ammo (250 rounds) : 95 kg (Mach 0.5 and Mach 0.9), the performance is the horizontal 1 Center line pylon : 24 kg distance covered after three minutes. 2 Under-wing pylon : 50 kg 2 Missile rails for R-60 : 70 kg Also expressed by the time and distance the fastest can be 2 Missile R-60 : 90 kg late and still rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes. 50% internal fuel : 1,060 kg Aircraft configuration definition. This gross weight leads to the following load factor limitation: All studied configurations are light Air-To-Air: no external For Mach number lower than 0.8 : 8.0 G tanks, 50% of internal fuel. For Mach number greater than 0.8 : 6.0 G Comparison opposes Mirage-5 two AIM-9Ds to Mig-21 with two R-3S or K-13 (M and MF) or two R-60 (bis). For Mig-21Bis, the Special-After-Burner will always be used Mig-21M combat configuration. when possible (under 4,000m), even if only After-Burner is mentioned. Aircraft loaded with 50% of usable internal fuel, Center Line pylon (but no CL Tank), 2 R-3S missiles with their pylon Mirage-5 combat configuration. under wing. Aircraft loaded with 50% of usable internal fuel, 2 AIM-9D This defines a gross weight of 15,673 lbs (7,100kg) and a missiles with their pylon under wing. Drag Index of 12. - Zero fuel weight : 6,910 kg Clean Aircraft (no usable fuel) : 5,760 kg o Basic weight with 95kg pilot : 6,780 kg 200 gun ammo (Gsh 23) : 75 kg o DEFA Guns 250rds : 130 kg 2 Under-wing pylon : 45 kg

1 Center line pylon : 24 kg - 50% Internal Fuel weight : 1,352 kg 2 Missile rails for R-3S : 41 kg o Wings (with LE) : 2 x 670 l / 1,340 l 2 Missile R-3S : 150 kg o Fuselage (main) : 2 x 515 l / 1,030 l 50% internal fuel : 1,005 kg o Top Fuselage : 465 l This gross weight leads to the following load factor o Rear Fuselage : 545 l limitation: o Total (0.8kg/l) : 3,380 l :2,704 kg For Mach number lower than 0.8 : 8.0 G

For Mach number greater than 0.8 : 6.0 G - Weapons (2 AIM-9D) : 210 kg Mig-21MF combat configuration. o Sidewinder AIM-9D : 80kg o Pylon + launcher : 30kg Aircraft loaded with 50% of usable internal fuel, Center Line This leads to a combat configuration gross weight of 8,482 pylon (but no CL Tank), 2 R-3S missiles with their pylon kg (18,724 lbs). under wing. This defines a gross weight of 15,673 lbs (7,100kg) and a This GW and load configuration leads to following speed Drag Index of 12. and load factor limitations: Clean Aircraft (no usable fuel) : 5,760 kg 200 gun ammo (Gsh 23) : 75 kg - Maximum IAS : 730Kts 2 Under-wing pylon : 45 kg - Maximum Mach number : 2.0 1 Center line pylon : 24 kg - Load factor (Ng) : in [-3.5;+6.7] 2 Missile rails for R-3S : 41 kg 2 Missile R-3S : 150 kg 50% internal fuel : 1,005 kg

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

C. Medium Level combat (15,000ft) For a younger Mig pilot, this would not be the best solution (as he has better option as we will see later) and it may Turning performances avoid it.

Quickest half turn From the other side, the Mirage pilot may have better At 15,000ft, the test compare the quickest half turn without choice to engage a Mig-21M/MF at this altitude, but, if constraints of initial speed neither load factor nor AoA (but needed, he can follow its opponent in such a configuration the airframe limits). In this configuration, both planes and increase its tactical advantage, specially facing a less perform the best in following maximum load factor and skilled pilot. But he has to keep in mind that this figure then maximum allowed incidence. must give him a decisive position, because it will not be possible to continue a long turn fight after this first half

10,000 AC1 Path turn, its speed having decreased too low. AC2 Max At 15,000ft, the Mig-21bis performs worse than the lighter t = 14.6s mach = 0.67 Mig-21M Ng = 4.56 AoA<28 M or MF. It takes between 8 and 6% more time than the

t = 13.2s Mig-21M Mirage to achieve its half turn and its average turn radius is mach = 0.51 Ng = 3.87 between 15 and 25% higher. t = 13.0s mach = 0.47 5,000 Ng = 3.23 The high-G turn is certainly not the best tactic for a Mig21bis pilot facing a Mirage-5 at 15,000ft. On the other Mirage 5 hand, except if the Mirage pilot is sure of the Mig-21 version he is facing, he cannot chose this maneuver being t = 0s mach = 0.87 Ng = 6.00 sure that this will give him any advantage. t = 0s mach = 0.89 0 Ng = 6.70 -5,000 0 5,000 Detailed compared half turn are described in fig.1.1 (Mig-

10,000 AC1 21MF at max lift) and fig.1.2 (Mig-21MF AoA limited to 28 Path AC2 Max deg).

t = 14.4s Mig-21MF Maximum Sustained Turn Rate mach = 0.68 AoA<28 Ng = 4.64 The sustained turn rates of both Mirage-5 and Mig-21M are t = 13.2s Mig-21MF mach = 0.52 Ng = 3.99 described in the following figure:

t = 13.0s mach = 0.47 5,000 Ng = 3.23 10.00 Mirage 5 Mirage 5 9.00

8.00 Mig-21M

7.00

6.00

t = 0s mach = 0.87 5.00 Ng = 6.00

t = 0s 4.00 mach = 0.89

0 Ng = 6.70 Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) 3.00 -5,000 0 5,000

2.00 On this particular criteria, Mig-21M and MF are really 1.00 0.00 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 equivalent (less than 0.2s/1.5% in time and 30ft/1% in CAS (Kts) radius), so just compare the Mirage-5 to the two Mig. It’s clear that the Mig-21M turns faster as soon as speed is If we consider a Mig-21 flew at its maximum lift (assuming below 430Kts IAS/M0.83. In fact the difference is smaller an equivalent skill level for both Mirage and Mig pilot), the than 5% between 370 and 505Kts (M0.72-0.97), meaning time difference is too small (0.2s/1.5%) to be significant, that the Mig advantage is significant under 370Kts, and that the only small (6-7%) advantage of the Mirage is its average the Mirage never has a significant advantage in this area turn radius. On the other hand, as these half turns end at (situation at mach higher than 0.97 is not relevant here). low speed (under M0.5/235Kts), where the Mig has a clear advantage on the Mirage, it is difficult to state that its At low speed (250Kts), the turn rate is 8.66 d/s for the Mig smaller radius is really significant here. and 6.73 for the Mirage: when the second perform a quarter of a turn (in 13.4s), the first turns of 116 deg (+26), If we consider the Mig-21 being flown in respect of the AoA in less than a 360 turn, the Mig-21M can goes from an 90 limitations, it will face a quite tricky situation, with an deg aspect (crossing) to the exact 6 o’clock of the Mirage. opponent turning in 10% less time with a 19% sharper Not to say that a Mirage pilot must avoid horizontal turn radius. fight at such kind of speed (exactly the speed reached by So, at a merge occurring at 15,000ft from high speed the Mirage after a highest-lift half turn as seen previously). (around M0.85/0.9 450Kts) a Mig-21M or MF engage with Horizontal turn fight is typically the combat configuration an horizontal max lift turn without losing any advantage, where the Mig-21M pilot can take the advantage: if the but this can be done only by a pilot having the same skill starting speed is low, it’s immediate, if the starting speed is level as its opponent. Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 3

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2 high (450Kts or more), the Mig-21M pilot will reduce it in Minimum Sustained Turn Radius 20,000 order to reach its optimum (between 300 and 400Kts), and Mirage 5 18,000 when it turns (a bit) faster than the Mirage, its opponent 16,000 Mig-21M may have the idea to follow him (he will see the turn radius 14,000 reduction of the Mig, and would pull harder on the stick), 12,000 by doing that, the Mirage pilot will fall in the low speed 10,000

trap. 8,000 Sustained Turn Radius (ft) 6,000 The only solution for the Mirage pilot is to keep its speed 4,000 2,000 high (more than 420Kts) and find an exit… 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) The sustained turn rates of both Mirage-5 and Mig-21MF are described in the following figure: 20,000 Mirage 5 18,000

10.00 16,000 Mig-21MF Mirage 5 9.00 14,000

8.00 Mig-21MF 12,000

7.00 10,000

6.00 8,000

5.00 Sustained Turn Radius (ft) 6,000

4.00

4,000 Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) 3.00 2,000

2.00 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 1.00 CAS (Kts)

0.00 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) The compared sustained turn radius of Mirage-5 and both Mig-21M and MF are described in the figure above. They Mig-21MF always turns faster than the Mirage at this basically show the same thing: when the minimum turn altitude. And its advantage is really significant (more than radius of the Mirage is reached at medium speed 5%) at any speed but between 385 and 495Kts (M0.75- (M0.5/250Kts) around 4,500ft, the two Mig-21s reach their 0.95). own around 3,000ft near 150Kts. The Mirage pilot must absolutely keep its speed inside this The minimum Mirage turn radius is 50% higher than the narrow (110Kts) range, where he can even not take any Mig’s one and at its sharpest radius speed (150Kts), the advantage on its opponent. Mirage is so closed to stall speed that no Mirage pilot On the other side, the Mig-21MF pilot, even starting from would follow. higher speed, will reduce it to its optimum (between 280 No doubt that Mig-21M and MF are largely superior to the and 450Kts), and the more it reduce it, the more it turn Mirage 5 in a radius driven horizontal turn fight. faster (and sharper) than its opponent. The minimum sustained turn radiuses for all planes at The maximum sustained turn rates at 15,000ft for all planes 15,000ft are summarized in appendix in fig1.4 and in the are summarized in the appendix, fig1.3 and in the following following table: table: STR Turn at Time for STR Turn at Time for deg/s Radius (ft) Mach 360 deg/s Radius (ft) Mach 360 Mirage-5 6.61 4,585 0.50 54’’ Mirage-5 8.65 5,603 0.80 42’’ Mig-21M 6.36 3,146 0.33 57’’ Mig-21M 8.91 4,963 0.69 40’’ Mig-21MF 6.22 2,920 0.30 58’’ Mig-21MF 9.00 5,315 0.79 40’’ Mig-21bis 5.99 3,336 0.33 1’00’’ Mig-21bis 8.46 5,726 0.80 43’’

The Mig-21bis performances in this area are lower than the The Mig-21bis at 15,000ft turn slower than older versions two previous version, but not in a way than change the (from 0.5 to 1 d/s), but it’s still superior or equal (difference game: even the Mig-21bis is far superior to the Mirage-5 is less than 5%) all over the speed range (and much more in this exercise. supersonic regime, even if it is not relevant for dogfight).

So, even if it’s less comfortable than in a Mig-21MF, a Mig- Climbing performances 21bis pilot would consider also medium-high speed horizontal turn as benefic tactic when facing a Mirage-5 at Non turning climb Constant speed climb rate of Mirage-5 and Mig-21M are 15,000ft. compared in the diagram below:

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

400 Turning Climb Mirage 5 350 The compared climb rate in a constant speed 3G turn Mig-21M 300 between Mirage-5 and Mig21M are displayed in the figure 250 below:

200

250 Climb Rate (ft /s) 150 Mirage 5

100 200 Mig-21M

150 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 Mach number

100 Climb Rate (ft /s)

The maximum climb rate of the Mirage is superior to the 50 Mig-21M‘s (362 ft/s vs. 337, +8%), meaning that, when the

0 Mirage climb of 2,000ft (in 5.5s), the Mig-21M only gain 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) 1,861ft and is so 139ft below.

This may allow a Mirage pilot to use it to keep an altitude Around 440-460Kts (M0.85-0.89) the Mirage climbs really advantage (if it already exists), in a defensive situation, but faster than the Mig (10%). After a quarter of turn, the not really more. Mirage gained 3,250ft when the Mig-21M remain 180ft lower. This means that a climbing turn (or any derived 400

Mirage 5 maneuver) can be used by the Mirage to win energy against 350

Mig-21MF a Mig-21M, as soon as it has been started at high speed. 300

250 We can also see than at lower speed, the Mig-21M can do 200 the same: at 350Kts (M0.69), a quarter or turn at 3G

Climb Rate (ft /s) 150 requires 12.6s, allowing the Mig-21M to climb of 1,323ft,

100 when the Mirage-5 will remain 365ft lower.

50 If we now consider the Mirage-5 opposed to the Mig-21MF, 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 Mach number we can see that the Mirage’s advantage at high speed disappeared, when the Mig-21’s at low speed remain.

Compared with the Mig-21MF, we can see that the Mirage 250 advantage disappears (+2% only), and around their best Mirage 5 climb speeds, both planes are really similar. 200 Mig-21MF

At lower speed (250Kts/M0.5), the Mig-21 climb rate is 150 about 30-35% higher than the Mirage-5 one, so at these 100 low speed, where Mirage is already outperformed in Climb Rate (ft /s) horizontal maneuvers, going vertical is not possible. 50

The diagram comparing the Mirage to the three Mig-21 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) variants is in the appendix on fig 1.5. If we focus on best subsonic climb rate (around M0.85 for So, a Mig-21MF pilot can engage low speed climbing turn all), we can summarize situation in the following table: and win energy against the Mirage, when this one do not have any more the ability to use the same tactic at higher Climb Time for a Mig-21 speed: he will see that the Mig21-MF is able to follow him rate 2,000ft height (when the Mig-21M can’t). (ft/s) gain loss (ft) Mirage-5 362 5.5 - We can say that this is the most important gap that the Mig-21M 337 5.9 139 Mig-21MF close at 15,000ft: the last winning maneuver of the Mirage-5 become neutral. Mig-21MF 354 5.7 47 Mig-21bis 366 5.5 -18 The diagram comparing the Mirage to the three Mig-21 variants is in the appendix on fig 1.6. The value (in ft/s) is the instantaneous climb rate reached when the flight path At 15,000ft, the Mig-21bis climb faster than the Mirage at is adjusted to keep a constant true air speed with full (or any speed (or just equivalent between M0.7 and 0.85), special) after burner engaged and a constant load factor of meaning that in vertical plane a Mig-21bis is equivalent to a 3G. Mig-21MF. If we focus on best climb rate around M0.88 (455Kts IAS), we can summarize situation in the following table (Mig-21

Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 5

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2 height loss when following a Mirage-5 performing a If both start at M0.9/465Kts, the Mirage can be 1.8Nm constant speed 3G climb): behind, 11sec late, or cross the Mig-21M with an aspect angle of 90 deg and still rejoin it. Climb rate Height (ft/s) loss (ft) On the other side, a Mig-21M pilot just can’t evade a Mirage-5 203 - Mirage-5 in accelerating if both planes have the same Mig-21M 178 394 speed when crossing. Mig-21MF 200 34 If we go to the Mig-21MF, we can see in the two figure Mig-21bis 195 118 below, that it reverse the game and accelerate faster than the Mirage, from any speed, but the difference is as small as in the previous case.

Acceleration performances Starting from M0.5/250Kts, the Mig-21MF can recover from Both diagram show curves indicating along the time the being 0.9Nm behind, 9sec late, or having 80 deg of aspect distance from the plane to the location where all aircraft angle. Starting from M0.9/465Kts, it can be only 0.4Nm will be after 3 minutes. This way to present the data allows behind, being 2s late or having an aspect angle of less than to quickly understanding: 20deg.

- How much behind another a plane (b) can be the Distance covered at 15,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 250 Kts

plane (a) to rejoin it 3 minutes later: vertical time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 distance along t=0 axis between curves (a) and (b). 0 Mirage 5 5

Mig-21MF - How much time a plane (a) can be late compared 10

to (b) and rejoin it in less than 3 minutes: search 15

for the (b) distance at t=0, go horizontal along time 20

up the cross the (a) curve, go vertical to read Distance (Nm) 25 corresponding time. 30

35 Distance covered at 15,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 250 Kts

time (s) 40 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0

Mirage 5 Distance covered at 15,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 465 Kts 5 time (s) Mig-21M 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 10 0

Mirage 5 15 5

Mig-21MF 10

20 Distance Distance (Nm)

15 25

30 Distance Distance (Nm) 25

35 30

35 Distance covered at 15,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 465 Kts

time (s) 40 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 Mirage 5 5

Mig-21M 10 In fact, we can assume that a Mig-21MF wouldn’t try to rejoin an accelerating Mirage if it’s not very close, so Mig- 15 21MF has not a significant advantage here, but if a Mirage 20

Distance Distance (Nm) pilot thinks he’s facing a Mig-21M and so try to rejoin it 25 because it’s not so far away, he will be disappointed not 30 being able to do it. 35

40 The distance covered in 3 minutes at 15,000ft, all planes starting at mach 0.5 (250Kts IAS) is described in fig 1.7.

The two figures above show that, whatever the initial The same distance when all planes start at M0.9 (465Kts speed, the Mirage accelerates faster than the Mig-21M, but IAS) is described in fig 1.8. the difference is quite small. There, we can see that the Mig-21bis accelerate much In order to rejoin its opponent in a run starting at faster than the 3 others. M0.5/250Kts, the Mirage can be 0.8Nm behind or 8sec late. At this speed, this allow the Mirage to recover 60 deg of Crossing a Mirage-5, both flying at M0.5/250Kts, the Mig- aspect angle at the crossing and still being able to rejoin the 21bis can recover from being 4.9Nm behind, 38s late, or Mig-21M in less than 3’.

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2 having any aspect angle (it can make a 300 deg turn) and still rejoin the Mirage in less than 3’. Max Sustained turn rate If both start from M0.9/465Kts, the Mig-21bis can be 100%

5.7Nm behind, 31sec late or perform 250deg of turn and Max Distance in 3' 75% Average turn rate in from M0.9 quickest half turn still rejoin the Mirage. 50%

25% Mirage 5 These values confer to the Mig-21bis a clear and significant Mig-21M 0% Mig-21MF advantage on the Mirage-5 at this altitude. Max Distance in 3' 1000 ft / Min from M0.5 sustained turn radius Mig-21bis Conclusion Comparing Mirage-5 and Mig-21M at 15,000ft show that, Max level flight climb Max Turning climb as soon as the speed is over 400Kts, the two planes are very rate rate similar. The Mirage-5 is really superior in only one domain: climbing turn, and marginally in pure acceleration.

But if speed goes down, the Mig-21M becomes clearly superior to the Mirage in both vertical and horizontal maneuvers.

I would think that a Mirage pilot facing a Mig-21M at 15,000ft will stay at this altitude only few time, performing only low/medium G maneuvers, and only if he can keep its speed high, in any other conditions, he may chose to change for a more favorable flight level (as we will see in next section).

On the opposite, a Mig-21M pilot facing a Mirage-5 at 15,000ft would try to keep the same flight level (or going higher) and reduce the speed down to 300Kts.

In other words, the Mirage-5 would chose a boom & zoom tactic when the Mig-21M would prefer low speed low radius maneuvers (horizontal or vertical).

The situation of the Mig-21MF is quite similar, but the new Mig version close the remaining gaps of the Mig-21M, making the potential Mirage ACM less effective.

At high speed, the Mig-21MF has no real weakness, and it keeps all its low speed advantages.

By the way, the possible confusion between regular 21M and newly introduced 21MF can lead a Mirage pilot to engage tactics that are no more effective against the new one.

If we try to graphically represent the main seven values:

- Average turn rate during quickest half turn - Maximum Sustained Turn rate - 1000ft / Minimum Sustained Turn Radius - Maximum Level flight Climb Rate (Mach < 0.9) - Maximum Turning Climb Rate (Mach < 0.9) - Distance Covered in 3’ from Mach 0.5 - Distance Covered in 3’ from Mach 0.9

In normalizing them (in percentage of the best value), we get the following diagram:

Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 7

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

D. Low Level combat (5,000ft). Maximum Sustained Turn Rate Maximum sustained turn rate of Mig-21M and Mirage-5 are Turning performances described in the figure bellow:

14.00 Quickest half turn Mirage 5 12.00 At 5,000ft, the test compare the quickest half turn without Mig-21M constraints of initial speed neither load factor nor AoA (but 10.00 the airframe limits). In this configuration, both planes 8.00

perform the best in following maximum load factor and 6.00 Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) then maximum allowed incidence. 4.00

6,000 2.00

t = 11.2s 0.00 mach = 0.60 Ng = 5.14 Mig-21M 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 (AoA<28) CAS (Kts) t = 10.8s mach = 0.42 Mig-21M Ng = 3.79

t = 10.0s mach = 0.43 Ng = 4.30 If we just consider their best values (11.94 d/s @M0.75/460Kts and 10.64 d/s @M0.55/335Kts for the 3,000 Mig-21M), we can see that a Mirage engaging an horizontal turn fight with an initial aspect angle of 30 degrees need Mirage 5 23s to be just in the six o’clock of its target, this being done in less than 250 deg (3/4 of a complete turn).

t = 0s mach = 0.80 Ng = 8.00 If both planes fly at high speed (M0.8/490Kts), the Mirage t = 0s mach = 0.73 0 Ng = 6.70 need only 16s to recover its 30deg initial aspect angle, -3,000 0 3,000 corresponding to a 160 deg turn (less than ½ of turn).

6,000

t = 11.0s On the opposite, at low speed (250Kts/M0.41), the Mig- mach = 0.61 Ng = 5.39 Mig-21MF (AoA<28) 21M has a better turn rate (10.03 d/s vs. 9.31) and is able

t = 10.0s Mig-21MF mach = 0.45 Ng = 4.63 to recover an initial aspect angle of 30 deg in 42s,

t = 10.8s mach = 0.42 corresponding to a 390deg turn. Ng = 3.79

3,000 So the Mig-21M will not chose to follow a Mirage in a high speed horizontal turn fight, he must absolutely reduce its Mirage 5 speed, and more difficult, force its opponent to reduce its own, under 330Kts/M0.54.

t = 0s mach = 0.80 Ng = 8.00 As we can imagine, a experienced Mirage pilot will not do t = 0s mach = 0.73 0 Ng = 6.70 it, a sustained horizontal turn fight is not the best choice for -3,000 0 3,000 a Mig-21M pilot at this altitude.

The three planes flew at their maximum lift are very close, If we compare the Mirage-5 to the more powerful Mig- Mig-21M and MF require 10s for their best half turn, the 21MF, as in the figure bellow: Mirage requires 0.8s more (+8%), but radius difference is less than 2% (Mig-21MF’s radius 0.4% shorter than the 14.00 Mirage 5 Mirage, Mig-21M 1.6%°), and terminal velocity are quite 12.00 Mig-21MF similar with less than 20Kts of difference (M0.42/255Kts for 10.00 the Mirage, M0.43/265Kts for the Mig-21M, M0.45/275Kts 8.00 for the Mig-21MF).

6.00 Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) No one will take a significant advantage over its opponent 4.00 in such a figure, but it’s a fact that at the terminal velocity, 2.00 we will see later that the maneuverability of the Mirage is 0.00 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 worse than the one of the Mig’s. CAS (Kts)

So, a high G horizontal turn at merge will be chosen by the We can see that the situation is not really different: as soon Mig pilot with more benefit, and, even if the Mirage can as the speed goes higher than 370Kts, the Mirage turns follow him, this will not be its best choice, not because the faster. figure itself, but because of what will happen later. A their respective best turn rate speed (11.94 d/s Detailed compared half turn are described in fig.2.1 (Mig- @M0.75/460Kts and 11.36 d/s @M0.57/350Kts for the 21MF at max lift) and fig.2.2 (Mig-21MF AoA limited to 28 Mig-21MF) the Mirage-5 pilot will recover an initial 30deg deg).

Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 8

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

10,000 aspect angle in 51s corresponding to 587deg turn (1.6 Mirage 5 complete circle). 9,000 8,000 Mig-21MF

7,000

If both planes turn at high speed (M0.8/490Kts), the Mirage 6,000 need only 30s to recover its 30deg initial aspect angle, 5,000

corresponding to a 325 deg turn (less than 1 complete 4,000 Sustained Turn Radius (ft) circle). 3,000 2,000 On the opposite, at low speed (250Kts/M0.41), the Mig- 1,000 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 21MF has a better turn rate (10.66 d/s vs. 9.31) and is able CAS (Kts) to recover an initial aspect angle of 30 deg in 22s, corresponding to a 210 deg turn. The Mirage has never any benefit in following a Mig in such a low speed turn fight, but only the Mig-21MF can use it to The Mig pilot would chose a sustained turn horizontal fight only if the Mirage initial speed is lower the 370Kts, if not, take the advantage over its opponent. he may have to change for a better option. The minimum sustained turn radiuses at 5,000ft are The maximum sustained turn rates at 5,000ft are summarized in the following table: summarized in the following table: STR Turn at Time for deg/s Radius (ft) Mach 360 STR Turn at Time for deg/s Radius (ft) Mach 360 Mirage-5 7.74 2,113 0.26 47’’ Mirage-5 11.94 4,224 0.80 30’’ Mig-21M 7.33 2,058 0.24 49’’ Mig-21M 10.64 3,192 0.54 34’’ Mig-21MF 7.74 1,867 0.23 47’’ Mig-21MF 11.36 3,154 0.57 32’’ Mig-21bis 6.90 2,003 0.22 52’’ Mig-21bis 12.08 3,747 0.72 30’’ The complete sustained turn radiuses diagram along speed The complete sustained turn rate diagram along speed range is described in fig 2.4. range is described in fig 2.3. The Mig-21bis, even if much more powerful is also heavier than the two previous version of the Mig-21, and this move As we can see, the situation of the Mig-21bis is quite it back to the Mig-21M level of performance in such a different, with its much more powerful engine, he can follow a Mirage in such a fight without problem at high combat configuration. speed, and of course, keep its advantage at lower one. Climbing performances Minimum Sustained Turn Radius Minimum sustained radius of Mirage-5 and Mig-21M are Non turning climb described in the figure bellow: The constant speed climb rates of Mirage-5 and Mig-21M are described in the figure bellow, (it describes relative 10,000 performances in the vertical plan): Mirage 5 9,000

8,000 Mig-21M 600

Mirage 5 7,000 500 6,000 Mig-21M

5,000 400

4,000 Sustained Turn Radius (ft) 3,000 300

2,000 Climb Rate (ft /s) 200 1,000

0 100 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts)

0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) The difference between the two minimal values is very small (less than 2.6%, 55ft), so the Mig-21M will not be able What can be seen immediately is that there is no speed to turn into the Mirage. So a smallest radius turn fight will where the Mig-21M climb faster than the Mirage. At low not give a significant advantage to the Mig. speed, under 250Kts, both planes behave the same, but as If we now compare the Mirage-5 to the Mig-21MF, as in the soon as speed goes higher, the Mirage’s advantage figure bellow, we can see the more powerful engine of the becomes larger. Mig-21MF giving it a real advantage (250ft shorter radius, At their respective best climb speed (M0.8/490Kts for the close to 12%). Mig, M0.83/510Kts for the Mirage-5), the Mig climb 33% This gives the opportunity to the Mig pilot to break the slower the Mirage (503ft/s compared to 334). When the Mirage attack, in choosing a near stall speed fight. later gain 2,000ft (in 4s), the first remains 675ft lower. Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 9

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

At such low altitude, a better climb speed is not used to Turning Climb intercept a higher target, but mainly as a defensive option, The constant speed – constant load factor (4G) climb rates to evade the opponent attack, or to stay out of danger after of Mirage-5 and Mig-21M are described in the figure bellow an attack. (it describes relative performances in the oblique plan):

300

Its superior climb rate explains the Mirage-5 preference for Mirage 5

250 boom & zoom tactics from high speed, even if we have Mig-21M already seen it can also out-perform the Mig in high speed 200 horizontal turn, after a first pass, when the Mirage

overshoot its opponent, it can just climb and stay out of the 150 Climb Rate (ft /s) Mig’s weapon range. 100

On the other side, if a Mig-21M overshoots a Mirage-5 after 50 its attack, it must stay in the horizontal plan and should not 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 try to climb, or it will lose its energy much faster than its CAS (Kts) opponent. The advantage of the Mirage-5 over the Mig-21M is even Comparison between Mig-21MF and Mirage-5 is described larger than in the vertical plan: between M0.7/425Kts and in the figure bellow and do not shows a very different M0.9/550Kts, the Mirage climb 60% faster than the Mig- situation, even if the superiority margin of the Mirage-5 is 21M. smaller. When the Mirage has reached 90deg of turn at 600

Mirage 5 M0.86/525Kts, it has climbed of 3,325ft in 11.9s, during the

500 Mig-21MF same time, the Mig-21M at M0.8/490Kts has climbed only 1,365ft, remaining 1,960 ft lower. 400

300 High speed maneuvers in the oblique plan will give to the

Climb Rate (ft /s) Mirage a large advantage over the Mig-21M, this one losing 200 its energy much faster.

100 On the other side, a Mig-21M pilot engaged by a Mirage-5 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) at low altitude must avoid any turn climbing maneuver, and should better stay in the horizontal plane (at the lowest At their respective best climb speed (Mig-21MF best climb speed he can). speed is the same as the one of the Mig-21M: The figure bellow describes the same compared M0.8/490Kts), the Mig-21M climb 22% slower than the performance between the Mirage-5 and the Mig-21MF: Mirage, when the later gains 2,000ft, the Mig-21MF remains 440ft lower. 300 Mirage 5

250 At much lower speed (under M0.53/325Kts) the Mig-21MF Mig-21MF climbs a bit faster than the Mirage, but its advantage never 200 exceeds 13% (reached at M0.4/245Kts).

150 Climb Rate (ft /s) The diagram comparing the Mirage to the three Mig-21 100 variants is in the appendix on fig 2.5. 50

0 If we focus on best subsonic climb rate (around M0.8-0.85 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 for all), we can summarize situation in the following table: CAS (Kts)

Climb Time for a Height The conclusion is the same as the one we got with the Mig- rate 2,000ft loss (ft) 21M: the Mirage is clearly superior in the oblique plan, (ft/s) gain even if its margin is smaller: the average climb rate Mirage-5 503 4.0 - difference is closer to 35-45% (instead of 60%), and when the Mirage has reached 90deg of turn, the Mig-21MF (at Mig-21M 334 6.0 675 M0.8/490Kts) has climbed 2,060ft, remaining only 1,265 ft Mig-21MF 392 5.1 442 lower. Mig-21bis 543 3.7 +155 The diagram comparing the Mirage to the three Mig-21 We can see here that the Mig-21bis reverse the game: this variants is in the appendix on fig 2.6. is the first Mig-21 version superior to the Mirage-5 in the vertical plane at low altitude. What was one of the major Once again, the Mig-21bis reverse the situation, even in a weaknesses of the Mig-21 vs. the Mirage-5 now become a turning climb, it climbs faster than the Mirage-5 (when the advantage. later has performed a 90deg turn (in 11.9s with a height Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 10

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2 gain of 3,325ft), the Mig-21bis, at the same speed of Distance covered at 5,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 550 Kts time (s) M0.86/525Kts, gains 3,650ft ending 325ft higher than the 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0

Mirage-5. Mirage 5 5

Mig-21M If we focus on best climb rate around M0.85, we can 10 summarize situation after a 90deg turn of the Mirage-5 in 15

the following table: 20 Distance Distance (Nm) 25

Climb Height 30 rate loss (ft) 35 (ft/s) 40 Mirage-5 280 - Mig-21M 115 1,962 The Mirage still accelerates faster than the Mig-21M, but Mig-21MF 173 1,264 with a smaller difference: it can be only 2.8Nm behind or 16s late (equivalent to a 170 deg turn for the Mirage at this Mig-21bis 307 -324 speed). That means that in case of true head-on merge, the Mirage will just be able to rejoin its target (or it will Acceleration performances requires a bit more than 3’). Both diagram show curves indicating along the time the distance from the plane to the location where all aircraft But in both cases (high or low speed), a Mig-21M pilot: will be after 3 minutes. This way to present the data allows to quickly understanding: Will not be able to leave safely the fight, even if both planes have similar speed and if it’s already out of the Mirages - How much behind another a plane (b) can be the weapon firing envelope, it’s clear that the Mirage will plane (a) to rejoin it 3 minutes later: vertical engage the pursuit and rejoin it. distance along t=0 axis between curves (a) and (b). Will not be able to force a Mirage-5 to the fight if this one - How much time a plane (a) can be late compared decides to leave the arena when both planes have similar to (b) and rejoin it in less than 3 minutes: search speed and if it’s already out of the Mig’s weapon firing for the (b) distance at t=0, go horizontal along time envelope. up the cross the (a) curve, go vertical to read corresponding time. The next figures are similar, but related to Mig-21MF.

The first figures compare Mig-21M and Mirage-5 when Distance covered at 5,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 305 Kts time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 starting their acceleration run from M0.5: 0

Mirage 5 Distance covered at 5,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 305 Kts 5 Mig-21MF time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 10 0

Mirage 5 15 5

Mig-21M 20 10 Distance (Nm)

25 15

20 Distance Distance (Nm)

35 25

30 Distance covered at 5,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 550 Kts

35 time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 Mirage 5 5

We can see that the Mirage accelerates faster: it can rejoin Mig-21MF 10 its target in less than 3’ being 2.7Nm behind, or 22.5s late. 15

This is equivalent to a constant speed (M0.5/305Kts) turn of 20 Distance Distance (Nm) 232 degrees. That means, that whatever is the aspect angle 25 at the merge (even pure head-on), a Mirage-5 pilot is able 30 to rejoin a Mig-21M in less than 3’ if they start from low 35 speed (M0.5) 40

The second when they start their acceleration run from M0.9: Even if the Mirage-5 still accelerate faster than the Mig- 21MF from low or high speed, the difference is much lower.

Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 11

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

From M0.5, the Mirage can rejoin its target in less than 3’ in In the horizontal plan, in a simple turning fight, it will be being 1.3Nm behind, 12.5s late, of when the initial aspect out-performed by the Mirage except if the speed goes angle is less than 130 degrees. really down (bellow 300Kts).

From M0.9, the Mirage can only be 1.4Nm behind, 8s late, In any vertical or oblique plan maneuver, it will lose its or having an initial aspect angle of less than 85 degrees. energy much faster, and consequently cannot disengage in climbing. That means that, if both planes are at similar speed, one being outside its opponent weapons firing envelope, it can And last, it cannot use acceleration to leave the fight, leave the fight safely, without any consideration of aspect neither rejoin its opponent to force it to defensive. angle for the Mirage-5, only if the configuration is close to head-on for the Mig-21MF. Its only possibility is to perform a high-G initial turn, hope the Mirage will do the same and accept to lose its speed, The distance covered in 3 minutes at 5,000ft, all planes leading to a low speed, small radius fight. But if the Mirage starting at mach 0.5 (305Kts IAS) is described in fig 2.7. chose not to follow, and it has many possibilities: keep speed high, go to vertical or oblique plan, the Mig-21M will The same distance when all planes start at M0.9 (550Kts have large difficulties to find a winning tactic. IAS) is described in fig 2.8. The situation of a Mig-21MF pilot is a bit better, but not The Mig-21bis obviously reverse the situation, it can rejoin really different: it just can try to disengage by level flight a Mirage-5 after a merge at similar speed, it’s acceleration acceleration if he is already outside the Mirage firing advantage allow him to perform more than 300 deg of turn envelope and if he succeeds in reaching a close to head-on from low speed, and close to 270 deg if merge occurs at presentation. high speed. At this point, it seems clear that both Mig-21M and MF are Conclusion dominated by the Mirage-5 in close air combat at low If we try to graphically represent the main seven values: altitude.

- Average turn rate during quickest half turn The Mig-21bis is a really different case, we have seen it - Maximum Sustained Turn rate close most of the gaps of the earlier Mig-21 versions at low - 1000ft / Minimum Sustained Turn Radius altitude, and would be seen as superior to the Mirage-5 in - Maximum Level flight Climb Rate (Mach < 0.9) these conditions. - Maximum Turning Climb Rate (Mach < 0.9) - Distance Covered in 3’ from Mach 0.5 - Distance Covered in 3’ from Mach 0.9

In normalizing them (in percentage of the best value), we get the following diagram:

Max Sustained turn rate 100%

Max Distance in 3' 75% Average turn rate in from M0.9 quickest half turn 50%

25% Mirage 5 Mig-21M 0% Mig-21MF Max Distance in 3' 1000 ft / Min from M0.5 sustained turn radius Mig-21bis

Max level flight climb Max Turning climb rate rate

In case of close air combat at low (5,000ft) level, the situation of a Mig-21M facing a Mirage-5 is quite difficult: there are very few configurations where it has an advantage over its opponent:

Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 12

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

E. High Level combat (30,000ft). Mig-21MF) pilot can perform this high-G turn, even in keeping a AoA margin and keep control of its opponent if Turning performances. this one do the same.

Quickest half turn Detailed compared half turn are described in fig 3.1 (Mig- At 30,000ft, the test compare the quickest half turn with an 21MF at max lift) and fig 3.2 (Mig-21MF AoA limited to 28 initial speed of M0.9. For the Mirage-5, the quickest half deg). turn is performed in self limiting the load factor to 3.5G. On Maximum Sustained Turn Rate the other side, the Mig-21M and MF perform their quickest Compared sustained turn rates between Mirage-5 and Mig- half turn in reaching the documented limits (it turns quicker 21M are described in figure below: when AoA is allowed to exceed 28).

6.00

15,000 AC1 Mirage 5 Path AC2 5.00 Max Mig-21M

t = 24.80 Mig-21M mach = 0.69 Ng = 2.55 AoA<28 4.00

t = 24.6s mach = 0.47 Ng = 1.65 Mirage 5 3.00

t = 23.0s

Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) 2.00 mach = 0.45 Ng = 1.75 Mig-21M 7,500 1.00

0.00 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) t = 0s mach = 0.90 Ng = 4.40

t = 0s mach = 0.90 Ng = 5.30 The superiority of the Mig-21M over the Mirage-5 in a t = 0s mach = 0.90 0 Ng = 3.50 sustained turn is obvious. There is no speed where the Mig -7,500 0 7,500 margin is less than 8% (around 310Kts).

We can see above that the Mirage-5, even flew at its lift For example, If a Mig-21M engage a Mirage-5 in a limits is just as fast as a Mig-21M flew in respecting its horizontal turn at M0.9/350Kts with an aspect angle of 30 documented AoA limit of 28. In that case, the Mirage end degrees, if both planes keep their speed constant, the Mig- its half turn at a much lower speed than the Mig, putting it 21M will require less than 40’’ to be exactly in the 6 o’clock in a difficult situation. of the Mirage (this one having performed a 170 deg turn).

Compared to a Mig-21M flew at its lift limit, the Mirage is The worst speed configuration (for the Mig-21M) is slower and requires a larger radius, terminal velocities of M0.8/310Kts, where recovering the 30 deg aspect angle will the two planes are similar, but we will see later than at require 1’10 corresponding to a 340 deg turn of the Mirage. such low speed, the Mirage is clearly dominated by the Mig. The comparison with the Mig-21MF is described in figure below: 15,000 AC1 Path AC2 Max 6.00

t = 24.40 Mig-21MF Mirage 5 mach = 0.70 AoA<28 Ng = 2.65 5.00 Mig-21MF t = 24.6s mach = 0.47 Ng = 1.65 Mirage 5 4.00

t = 22.6s mach = 0.47 Ng = 1.83 Mig-21MF 3.00 7,500

Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) 2.00

1.00

t = 0s mach = 0.90 Ng = 4.41 0.00 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 t = 0s mach = 0.90 CAS (Kts) Ng = 5.31 t = 0s mach = 0.90 0 Ng = 3.50 -7,500 0 7,500 The conclusion is the same, even with a superior margin for the Mig, which is never less than 12%. Comparison with the Mig-21MF is even more difficult for the Mirage-5: even an average Mig-21MF pilot can turn If both planes turn at constant speed of M0.9/350Kts with faster than the best Mirage one, and a well flown Mig- an initial aspect angle of 30degrees, the Mig-21MF requires 21MF turn faster, sharper and end its turn at the same 30’’ to reach the exact 6 o’clock of its target, this one speed than the Mirage, a situation where the Mig is having performed a 130 deg turn. superior. The worst speed configuration for the Mig-21MF is also No doubt than, at 30,000ft, a high G horizontal turn at the M0.8/310Kts. Recovering 30 deg of aspect angle requires merge is not a maneuver than will give any advantage to a 45’’ corresponding to a 220 deg turn for the Mirage. Mirage pilot, on the other side, a Mig-21M (and even more Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 13

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

The complete sustained turn rate diagram along speed At its smallest radius speed, the Mirage-5 turns in a circle range for all planes is described in fig 3.3. 24% larger than the one of the Mig-21MF at the same speed. The maximum sustained turn rates at 30,000ft are summarized in the following table: If the Mig-21MF reduces its speed, it can reduce its turn radius down to 6,000ft, 32% less than the Mirage’s one, STR Turn at Time and with an equivalent (or better) turn rate. deg/s Radius (ft) Mach for 360 Not to say it allows to Mig-21MF pilot to evade any Mirage Mirage-5 4.88 9,341 0.80 1’14’’ turn engagement but just pulling the maximum G he can, Mig-21M 5.33 8,454 0.79 1’08’’ down to 180Kts. Mig-21MF 5.58 7,881 0.77 1’05’’ The complete sustained turn radiuses diagram for all planes Mig-21bis 5.35 11,515 1.08 1’07’’ along speed range is described in fig 3.4.

Minimum Sustained Turn Radius The minimum sustained turn radiuses at 30,000ft are Compared sustained turn radius between Mirage-5 and summarized in the following table: Mig-21M are described in figure below: STR Turn at Time for 30,000

Mirage 5 deg/s Radius (ft) Mach 360

25,000 Mig-21M Mirage-5 4.50 8,864 0.70 1’20’’

20,000 Mig-21M 4.44 6,166 0.48 1’21’’ 15,000 Mig-21MF 4.62 5,924 0.48 1’18’’

Sustained Turn Radius (ft) 10,000 Mig-21bis 4.01 7,109 0.50 1’30’’

5,000

0 Climbing performances 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) Non turning climb One again, the superiority of the Mig-21M is obvious. At its Compared constant-speed climb-rate of Mirage-5 and Mig- smallest turn radius 8,850ft @270Kts/M0.7, the Mirage has 21M are displayed in the figure bellow:

still a turn radius 17% larger than the Mig-21M at the same 300 speed. And if the Mig reduce its speed (that is useless for Mirage 5 250 the Mirage), it reduces its turn radius down to 6,200ft Mig-21M around M0.48/180Kts, 30% less than what can do the 200 Mirage. And even in this speed configuration, both planes 150

turn with very similar turn rates (4.45/4.50 d/s). Climb Rate (ft /s) 100 This provides to a Mig-21M pilot engaged by a Mirage may 50 be the best defensive option: just pull the maximum G to 0 reduce its turn radius and speed down to 180Kts where the 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) Mirage just can’t follow him.

The comparison with the Mig-21MF is described in figure Same for Mirage-5 and Mig-21MF in the figure bellow:

below: 300

Mirage 5

30,000 250 Mig-21MF Mirage 5

25,000 Mig-21MF 200

20,000 150 Climb Rate (ft /s) 15,000 100

Sustained Turn Radius (ft) 10,000 50

5,000 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 CAS (Kts) In both cases, the diagnosis is the same, Mirage climb much It shows the same situation, with a even better margin for slower than the Mig at any speed. The closest the Mirage the Mig-21MF. can do is to reach (@M0.8/310Kts) a climb rate only 10% lower than the Mig-12M or 17% lower than the one of the Mig-21MF.

Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 14

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

At M0.85/330Kts, where the 3 planes are close to their best around M0.8/310Kts: 32% less than a Mig-21M and 43% subsonic climb rate, in the time required by the Mirage to less than a Mig-21MF. gain 2,000ft (11.75s), a Mig-21M can climb of 2,320ft and a Mig-21MF 2,503ft. If we imagine a Mirage-5 and a Mig-21 starting a constant speed 2G turn at M0.9/350Kts, when both planes have So in a quite short time, both Mig can engage a Mirage covered 90 deg, the Mirage will have gain 1,500ft, a Mig- even being 320ft (resp. 503ft) lower than its target. And of 21M will be 980ft higher than the Mirage, and a Mig-21MF course a Mirage pilot has no hope of engaging a Mig-21M 1,367ft higher. or MF if it’s higher than him. Mig pilots can engage higher turning targets, can evade A Mig-21M or MF can also evade from a Mirage rear attack from any rear aspect Mirage attack in turn climbing, and of by climbing. course, trying to turn and climb is the worst thing a Mirage can do to evade from a Mig-21 atttack. The diagram comparing the Mirage to the three Mig-21 variants is in the appendix on fig 3.5. The diagram comparing the Mirage to the three Mig-21 variants is in the appendix on fig 3.6. If we focus on best subsonic climb rate (around M0.85 for all), we can summarize situation in the following table: If we focus on best climb rate for speed lower than M0.9 (350Kts IAS), we can summarize situation in the following Climb Time for a Height table: rate 2,000ft gain (ft) (ft/s) gain Climb rate Height Mirage-5 170 11.75 - (ft/s) gain (ft) Mig-21M 198 10.13 320 Mirage-5 59 - Mig-21MF 213 9.38 503 Mig-21M 98 980 Mig-21bis 221 9.04 598 Mig-21MF 114 1,367 Mig-21bis 108 1,221 Turning Climb The figure bellow compares constant-speed constant-2G- load factor climb rates of Mirage-5 and Mig-21M: Acceleration performances

180 Both diagram show curves indicating along the time the

Mirage 5 160 distance from the plane to the location where all aircraft

Mig-21M 140 will be after 3 minutes. This way to present the data allows 120 to quickly understanding:

100

80 - How much behind another a plane (b) can be the Climb Rate (ft /s) 60 plane (a) to rejoin it 3 minutes later: vertical 40 distance along t=0 axis between curves (a) and (b). 20

0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 - How much time a plane (a) can be late compared CAS (Kts) to (b) and rejoin it in less than 3 minutes: search for the (b) distance at t=0, go horizontal along time Same for Mig-21MF bellow: up the cross the (a) curve, go vertical to read

250 corresponding time. Mirage 5

200 Mig-21MF The two first figures compare Mig-21M and Mirage-5 when starting their acceleration run from M0.5: 150

Distance covered at 30,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 185 Kts

100 Climb Rate (ft /s) time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 50 Mirage 5 5

Mig-21M 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 10 CAS (Kts)

20 What is clear, is that the Mirage is unable to sustain a 2G Distance (Nm) turn around M1.0/400Kts and it is still very difficult in low 25 supersonic area, where both Mig-21M and MF have excess 30 specific power of 150 to 200ft/s. 35 If we consider only subsonic regime up to M0.9/350Kts, the lowest climb rate difference for the Mirage is reached

Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 15

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

In this first case, the Mig-21M can rejoin the Mirage in 3’ In any merge configuration, a Mig-21MF will need much being 9.8Nm behind, 1’11’’ late. This time may allow him to less than 3’ to rejoin a Mirage-5 if this one decide to perform a 330 deg turn @M0.5. accelerate in a level flight path.

Figure bellow describes what happen if both start from The distance covered in 3 minutes at 5,000ft, all planes M0.9/350Kts: starting at mach 0.5 (305Kts IAS) is described in fig 3.7.

Distance covered at 30,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 350 Kts The same distance when all planes start at M0.9 (550Kts time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 IAS) is described in fig 3.8. 0 5 Mirage 5 10 Mig-21M 15 Conclusion 20 If we try to graphically represent the main seven values:

25 Distance Distance (Nm)

30 - Average turn rate during quickest half turn 35 - Maximum Sustained Turn rate 40

45 - 1000ft / Minimum Sustained Turn Radius - Maximum Level flight Climb Rate (Mach < 0.9) - Maximum Turning Climb Rate (Mach < 0.9) The Mig-21M can rejoin the Mirage in 3’ being 5.6Nm - Distance Covered in 3’ from Mach 0.5 behind, 33’’ late. This time may allow him to perform a 170 - Distance Covered in 3’ from Mach 0.9 deg turn @M0.9. In normalizing them (in percentage of the best value), we Even after a head-on merge at M0.9, the Mig-21M can get the following diagram: rejoin its target in less than 3’, and any lower speed, the Mig will do it even faster.

Figures below describe the same with Mig-21MF: Max Sustained turn rate 100%

Distance covered at 30,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 185 Kts Max Distance in 3' 75% Average turn rate in time (s) from M0.9 quickest half turn 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 50% 0 Mirage 5 Mirage 5 25% 5 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 0% 10 Mig-21MF Max Distance in 3' 1000 ft / Min Mig-21bis 15 from M0.5 sustained turn radius

20 Distance Distance (Nm) 25 Max level flight climb Max Turning climb rate rate 30

Starting from M0.5/165Kts, the Mig-21MF can rejoin the At this altitude (30,000ft), the situation is quite clear: a Mirage in 3’ being 11.5Nm behind, 1’17’’ late. This time Mirage-5 is not able to engage a Mig-21M or MF with a may allow him to perform a 360 deg turn @M0.5. reasonable chance of success (except of course in very particular case with a major tactical advantage): the Mig Distance covered at 30,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 350 Kts has plenty of solutions to evade its attack.

time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 On the other hand, a Mig-21M or MF pilot can chose any 5 Mirage 5 tactical solution (high or low speed, horizontal turning or 10 Mig-21MF boom & zoom) to engage a Mirage, this one having very 15 few chances to evade. 20

Distance Distance (Nm) The superiority of the Mig-21M and MF over the Mirage-5 30 at this altitude is obvious in all close-air-combat domain. 35 40 45

Starting from M0.9/350Kts, the Mig-21MF can rejoin the Mirage in 3’ being 7.1Nm behind, 41’’ late. This time may allow him to perform a 215 deg turn @M0.5.

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

F. Conclusion If the Mirage is the defender and must intercept the Mig, The global comparison between Mig-21M and MF on one this one can resist and stay defensive at this flight level side and the Mirage-5 on the other, for close air combat quite safely. performance can be summarized in few points: This means the Mirage-5 is not the best choice to acquire At high altitude (30,000ft), both Mig-21 (M and MF) are air-superiority over an area defended by Mig-21M or MF, obviously superior to the Mirage-5, at a point where we can they are able to do more than resist. suppose no Mirage pilot will take the risk of such a But in the opposite case, where the Mig must intercept the confrontation. And it he is force to do it, he will have few Mirage-5, the situation is different as the Mirage pilot will chance of success. certainly chose to fly down to the deck. And in most of the Mig-21M and MF can deny to any Mirage-5 the ability to case, we know that is a dogfight does not end quickly, perform high-speed high level intrusion (recco or air altitude will decrease. superiority mission) in the air space they are supposed to At low level, we have seen the Mirage-5 being globally defend. superior to the Mig-21M and MF. At medium flight level, around 15,000ft, where most of air This means, in particular, that Mig-21M and MF pilots will combat start, the Mig-21 and the Mirage-5 respective have difficulties to counter an offensive strikes, (especially performances are well balanced: the Mig-21 perform better at low altitude), if performed or escorted by Mirage-5, as at low speed, leading its pilot to accept losing energy as IAF is used to do it in the early 70’s, up to and including soon as he keep its altitude and can force it’s opponent to during Kippur conflict. follow him.

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

G. Appendix and Figures.

10,000 AC1 Path

AC2 Path

t = 13.2s AC1-5s mach = 0.52 t = 12. s Ng = 3.99 mach = 0.56 Ng = 4.44 t = 13.0s t = 10. s mach = 0.47 mach = 0.62 AC2-5s Ng = 3.23 Ng = 5.37

5,000 t = 12s t = 10s mach = 0.50 mach = 0.56 t = 8s Ng = 3.60 Ng = 4.57 mach = 0.70 Ng = 6.53

t = 8s mach = 0.65 Ng = 5.93 Mig-21MF

t = 6s mach = 0.75 t = 6s Mirage 5 Ng = 6.70 mach = 0.80 Ng = 6.00 t = 4s mach = 0.81 Ng = 6.70 t = 0s mach = 0.87 t = 4s Ng = 6.00 t = 2s mach = 0.83 mach = 0.86 Ng = 6.00 Ng = 6.70 t = 0s mach = 0.90 t = 2s 0 Ng = 6.70 mach = 0.85 -5,000 0 Ng = 6.00 5,000

Fig 1.1 MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21MF ‘max lift’ quickest half turn at 15,000ft 10,000 AC1 Path

AC2 t = 14. s Path mach = 0.68 Ng = 4.70 t = 12. s t = 14.4s mach = 0.70 mach = 0.68 Ng = 5.02 AC1-5s Ng = 4.64

t = 10. s t = 13.0s mach = 0.73 mach = 0.47 Ng = 5.42 Ng = 3.23 AC2-5s

5,000 t = 12s t = 10s mach = 0.50 mach = 0.56 t = 8s Ng = 3.60 Ng = 4.57 mach = 0.76 Ng = 5.93

t = 8s mach = 0.65 Ng = 5.93 Mig-21MF

t = 6s mach = 0.75 t = 6s Mirage 5 Ng = 6.70 mach = 0.80 Ng = 6.00 t = 4s mach = 0.81 Ng = 6.70 t = 0s t = 4s mach = 0.87 mach = 0.83 Ng = 6.00 t = 2s mach = 0.86 Ng = 6.00 Ng = 6.70 t = 0s mach = 0.90 t = 2s 0 Ng = 6.70 mach = 0.85 -5,000 0 Ng = 6.00 5,000

Fig 1.2 MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21MF ‘AoA < 28’ quickest half turn at 15,000ft

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

10.00 Mirage 5 9.00 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 8.00 Mig-21bis

7.00

6.00

5.00

4.00 Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) 3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 1.3. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Rate at 15,000ft 20,000 Mirage 5 18,000 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 16,000 Mig-21bis

14,000

12,000

10,000

8,000 Sustained Turn Radius (ft) 6,000

4,000

2,000

0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 1.4. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Radius at 15,000ft 400 Mirage 5 Mig-21M 350 Mig-21MF Mig-21bis 300

250

200

Climb Rate (ft /s) 150

100

0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 1.5. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Constant Speed Climb Rate at 15,000ft

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

250 Mirage 5 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 200 Mig-21bis

150

100 Climb Rate (ft /s)

0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 1.6. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Constant Speed and 3G Load turn Climb, Rate at 15,000ft Distance covered at 15,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 250 Kts

time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 Mirage 5 5 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 10 Mig-21bis

20 Distance Distance (Nm) 25

Fig 1.7. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3’, from mach 0.5 at 15,000ft Distance covered at 15,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 465 Kts

time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 Mirage 5 5 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 10 Mig-21bis

25 Distance Distance (Nm)

Fig 1.8. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3’, from mach 0.9 at 15,000ft

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

6,000 AC1 Path

AC2 t = 10.0s Path mach = 0.45 Ng = 4.63 t = 8s mach = 0.53 Ng = 5.99 AC1-5s t = 10.8s mach = 0.42 Ng = 3.79 t = 10s mach = 0.44 t = 6s Ng = 4.15 mach = 0.63 AC2-5s Ng = 8.00 t = 8s mach = 0.51 3,000 Ng = 5.49

t = 6s mach = 0.60 Ng = 6.11 Mig-21MF

t = 4s t = 4s Mirage 5 mach = 0.66 mach = 0.71 Ng = 6.70 Ng = 8.00

t = 0s t = 2s mach = 0.80 mach = 0.70 Ng = 8.00 Ng = 6.70

t = 2s t = 0s mach = 0.76 mach = 0.73 Ng = 8.00 0 Ng = 6.70 -3,000 0 3,000

Fig 2.1 MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21MF ‘max lift’ quickest half turn at 5,000ft 6,000 AC1 t = 11.0s Path mach = 0.61 t = 10s Ng = 5.39 mach = 0.62 Ng = 5.59 AC2 t = 8s Path t = 10.8s mach = 0.64 mach = 0.42 Ng = 6.08 Ng = 3.79 AC1-5s

t = 10s mach = 0.44 Ng = 4.15 t = 6s AC2-5s mach = 0.68 Ng = 6.72

t = 8s 3,000 mach = 0.51 Ng = 5.49

t = 6s mach = 0.60 Ng = 6.11 Mig-21MF

t = 4s t = 4s Mirage 5 mach = 0.66 mach = 0.71 Ng = 6.70 Ng = 7.60

t = 0s mach = 0.80 t = 2s Ng = 8.00 mach = 0.70 Ng = 6.70 t = 2s t = 0s mach = 0.76 mach = 0.73 Ng = 8.00 0 Ng = 6.70 -3,000 0 3,000

Fig 2.2 MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21MF ‘AoA < 28 quickest half turn at 5,000ft

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

14.00 Mirage 5 Mig-21M 12.00 Mig-21MF Mig-21bis 10.00

8.00

6.00 Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) 4.00

2.00

0.00 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 2.3. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Rate at 5,000ft 10,000 Mirage 5 9,000 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 8,000 Mig-21bis

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000 Sustained Turn Radius (ft) 3,000

2,000

1,000

0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 2.4. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Radius at 5,000ft 600 Mirage 5 Mig-21M 500 Mig-21MF Mig-21bis

400

300 Climb Rate (ft /s) 200

100

0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 2.5. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Constant Speed Climb Rate at 5,000ft

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

350 Mirage 5 Mig-21M 300 Mig-21MF Mig-21bis 250

200

150 Climb Rate (ft /s)

100

0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 2.6. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Constant Speed and 4G Load turn Climb, Rate at 5,000ft Distance covered at 5,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 305 Kts

time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 Mirage 5 5 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 10 Mig-21bis

20 Distance Distance (Nm) 25

Fig 2.7. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3’, from mach 0.5 at 5,000ft Distance covered at 5,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 550 Kts

time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 Mirage 5 5 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 10 Mig-21bis

25 Distance Distance (Nm)

Fig 2.8. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3’, from mach 0.9 at 5,000ft

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

15,000 AC1 Path

AC2 t = 24.6s Path mach = 0.47 Ng = 1.65 t = 20s mach = 0.54 AC1-5s Ng = 2.20

t = 22.6s mach = 0.47 Ng = 1.83 AC2-5s t = 15s mach = 0.66 Ng = 3.19 t = 20s 7,500 mach = 0.50 Ng = 2.00

t = 15s mach = 0.56 Mirage 5 Ng = 2.41

t = 10s t = 10s Mig-21MF mach = 0.65 mach = 0.78 Ng = 3.03 Ng = 3.50

t = 5s t = 0s mach = 0.75 mach = 0.90 Ng = 3.87 Ng = 5.31 t = 5s t = 0s mach = 0.85 mach = 0.90 Ng = 3.50 0 Ng = 3.50 -7,500 0 7,500

Fig 3.1 MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21MF ‘max lift’ quickest half turn at 30,000ft 15,000 AC1 Path

t = 24.40 AC2 mach = 0.70 t = 20s Path Ng = 2.65 mach = 0.72 Ng = 2.79

t = 24.6s mach = 0.47 AC1-5s Ng = 1.65

t = 20s t = 15s AC2-5s mach = 0.54 mach = 0.66 Ng = 2.20 Ng = 3.19

7,500 t = 15s mach = 0.75 Ng = 3.01 Mirage 5

t = 10s Mig-21MF mach = 0.78 t = 10s Ng = 3.34 mach = 0.78 Ng = 3.50

t = 5s t = 0s mach = 0.83 mach = 0.90 Ng = 3.78 Ng = 4.41 t = 5s t = 0s mach = 0.85 mach = 0.90 Ng = 3.50 0 Ng = 3.50 -7,500 0 7,500

Fig 3.2 MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21MF ‘AoA < 28’ quickest half turn at 30,000ft

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

6.00 Mirage 5 Mig-21M 5.00 Mig-21MF Mig-21bis

4.00

3.00

Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) 2.00

1.00

0.00 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 3.3. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Rate at 30,000ft 30,000 Mirage 5 Mig-21M 25,000 Mig-21MF Mig-21bis

20,000

15,000

Sustained Turn Radius (ft) 10,000

5,000

0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 3.4. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Radius at 30,000ft

350 Mirage 5 Mig-21M 300 Mig-21MF Mig-21bis 250

200

150 Climb Rate (ft /s)

100

0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 3.5. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Constant Speed Climb Rate at 30,000ft

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

250 Mirage 5 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 200 Mig-21bis

150

100 Climb Rate (ft /s)

0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Mach number

Fig 3.6. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Constant Speed and 2G Load turn Climb, Rate at 30,000ft Distance covered at 30,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 185 Kts

time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 Mirage 5 5 Mig-21M Mig-21MF 10 Mig-21bis

20 Distance Distance (Nm) 25

Fig 3.7. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3’, from mach 0.5 at 30,000ft Distance covered at 30,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 350 Kts

time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 Mirage 5 5 Mig-21M

10 Mig-21MF Mig-21bis 15

Distance Distance (Nm) 30

Fig 3.8. MIRAGE-5 and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3’, from mach 0.9 at 30,000ft

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

H. Bibliography.

All documents mentioned here as url can be found in Acrobat Reader (.pdf) format at

Mikoyan-Gourevitch Mig-21 performances: - Mig-21-Flight Model Identification, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mig-21M, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mig-21MF, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mig-21bis, by J.M. LANGERON

DASSAULT Mirage III: - ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE FLIGHT MANUAL MIRAGE IIIO AND IIID (AAP 7213.003-1, 1st June 1978), from www.flight-manuals-on-cd.com LTD. - Mirage III-Flight Model Identification, by J.M. LANGERON - Computed Performance charts : NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mirage-IIIC - Computed Performance charts : NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mirage-IIICJ - Computed Performance charts : NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mirage-IIIE - Computed Performance charts : NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mirage-5F

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

Table of Contents A. Introduction ...... 1 B. Methodology description...... 1 Critical performances to be compared...... 1 Turning ...... 1 Climbing ...... 2 Acceleration ...... 2 Aircraft configuration definition...... 2 Mig-21M combat configuration...... 2 Mig-21MF combat configuration...... 2 Mig-21bis combat configuration...... 2 Mirage-5 combat configuration...... 2 C. Medium Level combat (15,000ft) ...... 3 Turning performances...... 3 Quickest half turn ...... 3 Maximum Sustained Turn Rate ...... 3 Minimum Sustained Turn Radius ...... 4 Climbing performances ...... 4 Non turning climb ...... 4 Turning Climb ...... 5 Acceleration performances ...... 6 Conclusion ...... 7 D. Low Level combat (5,000ft)...... 8 Turning performances...... 8 Quickest half turn ...... 8 Maximum Sustained Turn Rate ...... 8 Minimum Sustained Turn Radius ...... 9 Climbing performances ...... 9 Non turning climb ...... 9 Turning Climb ...... 10 Acceleration performances ...... 11 Conclusion ...... 12 E. High Level combat (30,000ft)...... 13 Turning performances...... 13 Quickest half turn ...... 13 Maximum Sustained Turn Rate ...... 13 Minimum Sustained Turn Radius ...... 14 Climbing performances ...... 14 Non turning climb ...... 14 Turning Climb ...... 15 Acceleration performances ...... 15 Conclusion ...... 16 F. Conclusion ...... 17

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus Mirage III - Opus 2

G. Appendix and Figures...... 18 H. Bibliography...... 27

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