MiG 24 Firestorm

[sletch]

A NICE DEMONSTRATOR BUT A DISAPPOINTING PROTOTYPE

In 1948, the Soviet Ministry of Propaganda broadcast the picture of an high-performance interceptor demonstrator. The amazing design intend to bring the  MiG 23, outstanding speed at high-altitude.



As from the first flight, the engineers were really disappointed by the prototype. Despite a impressive development team, Mikoyan Gurevitch unable to reach the expected performances.



THE U.S. SAVE THE SOVIET PROJECT

Surprisingly, the U.S.A. allowed MiG to achieve the design. In doing so, it avoid a cancellation of the MiG 23 project. Richard Whitcomb's "area rule" allowed Russian engineers to finalize the design of the jet. The in depth modifications drove Mikoyan to renamed the plane : MiG 24 was born.

The three prototypes of the MiG 24 set new world records for altitude and speed. Called "Firestorm" by the NATO, the MiG 24 was assigned to protect the north of the U.S.S.R. The performances  of the Firestorm were that impressive than no western interceptor was able to catch MiG 24's high-altitude flights.

On a patrol mission, the Firestorm was equipped with two missiles Vympel R-73 (NATO code AA-11 Archer). Coming from Canada, the picture below is one of the few documents of the MiG 24 in flight:



Extract from Wikisletchia

The work-in-progress can be seen on the fighters forum : http://fighters.forumactif.com/t41087p30-convair-f-106-delta-dart-hasegawa-1-72-maj-08-04-11-voilaaaaaaaa-c-est-fini (french speaking)

[Tophe]

Nice!

[Taiidantomcat]

That is spectacular 

[Army of One]

Great work......love the slightly out of focus one of a few pics taken.....

[MiB]

Very good model!!!!!

[Sauragnmon]

Very nice Russian entry to the Delta Wing Club

[sletch]

Hi all,

Thank you very much for your comments 

love the slightly out of focus one of a few pics taken.....

Wow ! THANK YOU TWICE  ! It took me ages to get this speed effect  One day, I will understand how photoshop works  ...  well... hope so

See you / Frederic

[tc2324]

 

Lovely.

[saintkatanalegacy]

very nice classic design