MiG-23 Flogger Facts Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Basics The Soviet-built MiG-23 Flogger was designed to replace the widely-used MiG-21. The MiG-23's advanced radar and fire control system could fire missiles at targets beyond visual range and provided a look-down/shoot down capability (It could engage targets at a lower altitude). Variable Geometry Wing (VGW) swing wings and robust landing gear allowed the Flogger to operate from short remote runways. The pilot could select the extended wing sweep for low speed take-off and landing or swept back for supersonic flight. Wing settings: 16°, 45°, and 72°. Maximum Speed: Mach 2.35 (At altitude); Mach 1.14 (Sea level) Ceiling: 60,000 Ft Crew and Equipment Crew: 1 Equipment: One twin-barreled 23mm GSh-23L cannon Six air-to-air missiles (mixture of infrared-homing close-range, AA-2 Atoll or AA-8 Aphid and medium-range AA-7 Apex missiles.) Roles Air Superiority / Ground Attack History of Goodfellow's MiG-23 Flogger The aircraft was brought to Goodfellow in 1996 and is used as a training aid in several courses.