The Soldier Plane: MiG-21
Vietnam War: MiG-21vs Phantom, how aviation of the USSR put an end to US domination
This month marked the 56th anniversary of the first flight of the Soviet aircraft that put an end to US domination in the sky of North Vietnam.
This is the MiG-21, the plane that faced the Americans F-4 Phantom II, who had enjoyed absolute supremacy in the Vietnam War.
The course of the war changed with the entry into service in North Vietnam of these new interceptor fighters, nicknamed by Soviet pilots 'balalaika' for the similarity of their form with the musical instrument.
The art of flying is the art of a pilot, his most beautiful work
Only in 1966 USA he lost 47 planes in combat, compared to 12 on the North Vietnamese side.
From 1965 to 1968 in 268 aerial combats, 244 American and 85 Vietnamese aircraft were shot down, according to the portal 'Svpressa'.
The Americans had to recognize the superiority of the Soviet fighters in many aspects, among them the angular speed of turn and the operational overload.
The MiG-21 showed a better maneuverability, in addition the Phantom II were prone to flat auger, from which to leave was practically impossible. Only for this reason lost 80 aircraft in 1971.
In about 200 aerial fights that took place in 1972, USA it lost 90 aircraft, while Vietnam was left without 54 aircraft.
In general the Phantom II lost the confrontation with the MiG-21 in a ratio of 2 to 1.
Fifty countries have operated the MiG-21 for 55 years. The aircraft remains a key element of 26 different air forces, including the Indian Air Force, the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the Vietnam Air Force, and the Romanian Air Force.
Fifty countries have operated the MiG-21 for 55 years. The aircraft remains a key element of 26 different air forces, including the Indian Air Force, the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the Vietnam Air Force, and the Romanian Air Force.
