Was MiG-23 really bad?

Over a dozen Syrian MiG-23 jet fighters were shot down by Israeli F-15s and F-16s over the course of the Arab-Israeli Wars. So impressively thorough and consistent is the MiG-23’s record of failure that it bears the dubious distinction of facing retirement earlier than the MiG-21 jet fighter it was meant to replace.

How good was MiG-23?

The Soviets believed the MiG-23 had better climb rates and turning ability than the F-4 or F-16A at certain altitudes and speeds. However, “compared with the F-15A, the only advantage possessed by the MiG-23MLD was its ability to outclimb the Eagle in a zoom at speeds above 1,150km/h (715mph).”

Is the MiG-23 equal to the F-15?

The Soviets also considered the MiG-23s radar to be inferior to the F-15A’s but equal to the F-16A’s. “In conclusion, the manual stated that when armed with R-24 and R-60 missiles, the MiG-23MLD could hold its own against all the types of fighters considered,” Gordon and Dexter write.

Was the MiG-23 Flogger A good fighter?

In Western eyes, the Flogger became a clumsy fighter that lacked the sophistication of Western designs. Fast forward to today, and opinions of the MiG-23 are all over the spectrum.

Is the MiG-29 a continuous nine-G machine like the F-16?

Besides visibility, I expected better turning performance, the MiG-29 is not a continuous nine-g machine like the F-16.” A claim confirmed also by Capt. Michael Raubbach, then Fulcrum pilot of the JG 73. “Our visibility is not as good as an F-16 or even an F-15. We can’t see directly behind us.

What was the difference between the MiG-21 and the new Soviet fighter?

The new fighter was to be capable of achieving Mach 2.2, have a longer range than the MiG-21 and have a short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability to operate from rough airstrips. In return, Soviet commanders were willing to accept a less maneuverable aircraft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qusSsdOiXEQ