The new tactical and reconnaissance plane MiG-21 R (Type 94R) was being
introduced in the Soviet Union air force for general service in the middle of
the 1960s. In construction terms, this version was based on the serially
produced version of MiG-21 PFM fighter plane. The new plane had the Type R-11
F2S-300 engine, same as the fighter plane. New features of MiG-21 R were, for
example, AP-155 two channel autopilot and SPO-3 early warning station (siren),
which warned the pilot of the plane being detected by the enemy's radar. The
plane had a larger upper side with a smooth transition to the SOP. The cockpit
remained virtually the same size as that of PFM model, with only the radio
electronic equipment control panels and reconnaissance containers being the new
additions. Unlike the previous MiG-21 models, the wing of MiG-21 R was carrying
four suspension attachments, with only the two outer attachments designed to
hold additional 490 I fuel tanks. The non-detachable reconnaissance container (either
the R or D version that was non-detachable during flight) was suspended directly
on the underside of the body. The R-type container, which was used for the radio
reconnaissance operations, served as a mount for airborne radar detectors,
recording signals transmitted by the ground and navy radars. It also had a tape
recorder for recording pilot in-flight comments and an air reconnaissance camera,
as well as other equipment. The later MiG-21 RF model had photographic equipment
built in a capsule on the underside of the body, directly behind the
undercarriage door. This version of aircraft was used by Egyptian air force.
Outside the Soviet Union, MiG-21 R planes were used also by several other
countries such as Czechoslovakia, Poland, Yugoslavia, Egypt and Iraq.
Technical data
Overal lenght 14,50 m
Body lenght (without the cockpit cone) 14,10 m
Wing span 7,154 m
Height 4,125 m
Wing area 23,0 m2
Take-off weight 8100 kg
Maximum flying height 15 100 m
Range 1600 km
Maximum speed 1700km/h
