Compared Air Combat Performances g-21 versus F-4 · 2017-01-11 · Compared Air Combat Performances...

Thursday, March 07, 2013 Page - 1

Compared Air Combat Performances analysis Mig-21 versus F-4 Phantom II – Part 2

LICENSE: This document has been created by J.M. LANGERON / TOPOLO, (http://topolo.free.fr/). All the values used to model the aircraft behavior have been computed by him, like all performance charts presented here, based on data provided by the people mentioned in the CREDITS section. If you want to use these data, or part of it, please contact the author by personal message to TOPOLO on check-six forum: (http://www.checksix-forums.com/). CREDITS: It has been possible to build this document only due to the collection of many data regarding Mig-21 performances. The group involved in this project has also spent a lot of time in reviewing this document and those mentioned in the Bibliography section. I want to thanks particularly Tomislav MESARIC for his Mig-21 knowledge and data, and Tom COOPER (ACIG.org) for his huge knowledge on military aerospace in general, the history of these aircraft in particular, and the fact that he build the working group.

A. Introduction The aim of this document is to compare the air combat performances, (mainly turning, climbing and acceleration, roll rate being out of scope not because it can be considered as non significant, but just due to lack of reliable data) of the Mig-21 to the F-4 Phantom II.

It will not be taken into account at all of weapon system capabilities, nor of aircrew training, tactics or strategy, but only focus on airframe and engine.

The current document, related to the War of Attrition Israel-Egypt conflict in 1970, involves non-slated F-4E Block 41 (delivered to IAF in 1969 through Peace Echo I) and Mig-21MF.

In all cases, the F-4 performances will be compared to those of the three Mig-21s (Mig-21M iz.96, Mig-21MF iz.96F and Mig-21bis iz.75A), in order to describe the Mig-21 performance trend.

B. Methodology description

Critical performances to be compared For each altitude, we will compare turning, climbing and acceleration capabilities.

Turning Turning capabilities will be measured by following performances:

Quickest half turn: Minimum time required to perform a 180 deg turn with maximum G-Load (structural or maximum lift limits), each aircraft starting its turn at the speed that give the shortest time.

Maximum Sustained Turn Rate: Minimum time required to perform a constant speed 360 deg turn and related radius (maximum sustained turn rate).

Minimum Sustained Turn Radius: Minimum turn radius of a constant speed 360 deg turn and required time.

WARNING: for Mig-21, two tests need to be performed, in the first one the pilot is assumed to limit the AoA to 28 degrees, according to the black sector limit of his AoA indicator, in the second test, the pilot is assumed to reach and keep the maximum lift AoA.

The first test could be considered as representative of an average Mig-21 pilot, when the second is only to be considered for high skilled – highly trained pilots.

Climbing Non turning climb: both aircraft flying at their maximum constant speed climb rate, starting from same point, what time is required for an altitude gain of 2,000ft for the fastest, how many feet above is the other one at this time.

Turning climb: both aircrafts engaged in a constant speed, constant G-load (2G at 30,000ft, 3G at 15,000ft, 4G at 5,000ft) turn, which altitude gain after 90 degrees.

Acceleration Both aircrafts perform a level flight, starting at same speed (Mach 0.5 and Mach 0.9), the performance is the horizontal distance covered after three minutes.

Also expressed by the time and distance the fastest can be late and still rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes.

Aircraft configuration definition All studied configurations are light Air-To-Air: no external tanks, 50% of internal fuel.

1970 Israel-Egypt War of Attrition opposed non slated F-4E with four AIM-7Es, two AIM-9Ds and one ALQ-71/QRC-160-1 ECM pod to Mig-21 with two R-3S or K-13 (M and MF). We add the Mig-21bis with two R-60 for comparison purpose as it has not been involved in this conflict, but only delivered to Middle East Air Forces in the 80s.

Mig-21M combat configuration

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Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 2


Aircraft loaded with 50% of usable internal fuel, Center Line pylon (but no CL Tank), 2 R-3S missiles with their pylon under wing. This defines a gross weight of 15,673 lbs (7,100kg) and a Drag Index of 12. Clean Aircraft (no usable fuel) : 5,760 kg 200 gun ammo (Gsh 23) : 75 kg 2 Under-wing pylon : 45 kg 1 Center line pylon : 24 kg 2 Missile rails for R-3S : 41 kg 2 Missile R-3S : 150 kg 50% internal fuel : 1,005 kg This gross weight leads to the following load factor limitation: For Mach number lower than 0.8 : 8.0 G For Mach number greater than 0.8 : 6.0 G

Mig-21MF combat configuration Aircraft loaded with 50% of usable internal fuel, Center Line pylon (but no CL Tank), 2 R-3S missiles with their pylon under wing. This defines a gross weight of 15,673 lbs (7,100kg) and a Drag Index of 12. Clean Aircraft (no usable fuel) : 5,760 kg 200 gun ammo (Gsh 23) : 75 kg 2 Under-wing pylon : 45 kg 1 Center line pylon : 24 kg 2 Missile rails for R-3S : 41 kg 2 Missile R-3S : 150 kg 50% internal fuel : 1,005 kg This gross weight leads to the following load factor limitation: For Mach number lower than 0.8 : 8.0 G For Mach number greater than 0.8 : 6.0 G

Mig-21bis combat configuration Aircraft loaded with 50% of internal usable fuel, Center Line pylon (but no CL Tank), 2 R-60 missiles with their pylon under wing. This defines a gross weight of 16,318 lbs (7,392 kg) and a Drag Index of 11. Clean Aircraft (no usable fuel) : 6,003 kg Gun ammo (250 rounds) : 95 kg 1 Center line pylon : 24 kg 2 Under-wing pylon : 50 kg 2 Missile rails for R-60 : 70 kg 2 Missile R-60 : 90 kg 50% internal fuel : 1,060 kg This gross weight leads to the following load factor limitation: For Mach number lower than 0.8 : 8.0 G For Mach number greater than 0.8 : 6.0 G For Mig-21Bis, the Special-After-Burner will always be used when possible (under 4,000m), even if only After-Burner is mentioned.

F-4E Blk.41 combat configuration. Aircraft loaded with 50% of internal fuel, four AIM-7Es under fuselage, two AIM-9D and launchers under a LAU-7/A pylon on station 2, an ALQ-71/QRC-160-1 ECM pod on station 9 with its outboard pylon. Zero fuel weight, including oil, two equipped crew members (440 lbs) and internal gun munitions (639 rds for 373 lbs) : 32,303 lbs Fuel weight with JP-4 fuel at 6.5 lbs per gallon (60 F)

- Not Usable : 370 lbs - 50% internal fuel : 6,214 lbs - Usable (with 50%) : 5,844 lbs

Weapons: - 4 AIM-7E : 1,820 lbs - LAU-7/A + 2xAIM-9D : 828 lbs - Out Pylon + ALQ-71/QRC-160-1 : 393 lbs - Total : 3,041 lbs

This leads to a Gross Weight of 41,558 lbs.

Drag Index: 4 AIM-7E : 5.2 LAU-7/A + 2xAIM-9D : 6.0 Out Pylon + ALQ-71/QRC-160-1 : 4.1 Total : 15.3

Speed limitations:

- Due to ALQ-71/QRC-160-1 pod’s RAT limitation, 750Kts up to 25,000ft, 650Kts at 40,000ft (with linear variation between.

- Mach number below 2.4 (and below 2.0 for normal usage)

Load factor limitations: - Due to AIM-9D under LAU-7/A pylon and

launchers on station 2, subsonic and supersonic limitations are the same depending only on gross weight, that give a maximum value of 5.58.

C. Medium Level combat (15,000ft)

Turning performances

Quickest half turn At 15,000ft, in order to achieve quickest half turn, the F-4E start at M0.96/498Kts IAS and fly at its maximum load factor and lift, the Mig-21MF start at M0.87/450Kts IAS and fly at its maximum lift (AoA limitation to 28 increases half turn duration).

Detailed comparison of half turn are described in fig 1.1 (Mig-21MF at max lift) and fig 1.2 (Mig-21MF AoA limited to 28 deg).



Compared to Mig-21MF flew at max lift, the F-4E Blk.41 requires 20% more time and an average radius 36% larger.

The comparison with other Mig-21 sub-types, in term of half turn duration and radius are summarized in the following diagrams:

Time (s) required for a half turn

Average radius (ft) of the quickest half turn

All Mig-21 are able to take the advantage in this case. The Mig-21MF flown at its maximum lift will still out-turn the F-4E very easily (-20% in time, -36% in radius), on the opposite, a heavy Mig21-bis flown in respecting AoA indicator limitation has a thinner advantage (-7%) in time, but still important (-21%) in radius.

Maximum Sustained Turn Rate If we focus on Mig-21MF, the following figure clearly shows that the Mig-21MF can sustained a higher turn rate than the F-4E at any speed under 420Kts IAS, and the opposite over 420Kts.

The maximum sustained turn rates at 15,000ft are summarized in the following table:

STR deg/s

at Mach

Time for 360

F-4E Blk.41 9.16 0.85 39

Mig-21M 8.91 0.69 40

Mig-21MF 9.00 0.79 40

Mig-21bis 8.46 0.80 43

The difference of maximum values seems to be quite small (- 1.5% for the F-4E compared to the best Mig-21, and better than the heavy Mig-21bis), but need to be analyzed in looking at the complete sustained turn rate diagram along speed range (fig1.3).

The maximum sustained turn rate of the F-4E is reached around M0.85 (440Kts), at this speed it is equivalent to the best Mig-21 (the MF), if the speed is higher the F-4E keeps the advantage, but both Mig-21MF and M can reach a higher or equivalent turn rate at much lower speed (M0.6-0.7/360-305Kts ISA), and so turn ‘inside’ the F-4E circle. Only the Mig-21bis is disadvantaged in this high-speed turn fight, and even here the difference of less than 8% cannot be considered as critical.

If speed is kept high (420Kts IAS or more), the F-4E will not be out-turned by a Mig-21 and the situation would be considered as well balanced.

On the other side, the Mig-21 will not be in danger at high speed, but will be able to drag the F-4E to a low-speed turn configuration by its equivalent or superior turn rate at lower speed, as soon as speed goes lower than 350Kts, it will have a significant advantage.

Minimum Sustained Turn Radius

Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figure bellow indicates that the Mig can turn inside the F-4 at any speed under 400Kts, it also shows that the speed domain between 110 and 170Kts, where the Mig can perform its shortest turn is not reachable by the F-4E.

0

6,000

12,000

-6,000 0 6,000

AC1 Path

AC2 Max

Mig-21MF

t = 0smach = 0.87Ng = 6.00

t = 13.2smach = 0.52Ng = 3.99

t = 14.4smach = 0.68Ng = 4.64

Mig-21MFAoA<28

F-4E Blk.41

t = 0smach = 0.96Ng = 5.58

t = 16.6smach = 0.51Ng = 3.73

F-4

E B

lk.4

1; 1

6.6

0

Mig

-21

M m

ax li

ft; 1

3.20

Mig

-21

MF

max

lift

; 13.

20

Mig

-21

bis

max

lift

; 14.

20

Mig

-21

M A

oA

<2

8; 1

4.6

0

Mig

-21

MF

Ao

A<

28

; 14

.40

Mig

-21

bis

Ao

A<

28; 1

5.4

0

F-4

E B

lk.4

1; 4

970

Mig

-21

M m

ax li

ft; 3

,191

Mig

-21

MF

max

lift

; 3,1

68

Mig

-21

bis

max

lift

; 3,4

85

Mig

-21

M A

oA

<2

8; 3

,65

6

Mig

-21

MF

Ao

A<

28

; 3,6

67

Mig

-21

bis

Ao

A<

28; 3

,934

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

10.00

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

ate

(d

/s)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF



The minimum sustained turn radiuses at 15,000ft are summarized in the following table:

Turn Radius (ft)

at Mach

F-4E Blk.41 4,272 0.52

Mig-21M 3,146 0.33

Mig-21MF 2,920 0.30

Mig-21bis 3,336 0.33

And detailed in the fig1.4. This figure clearly shows that as soon as speed goes lower than mach 0.6 (305Kts IAS), any Mig-21 can turn inside the F-4E easily, and even that the F-4E is not able to follow its opponent down to mach 0.35.

Low speed – low radius dogfight is not a good option for the F-4E.

In general, the F-4E will not be in a so bad situation if it enters a turning fight at 15,000ft in front of any Mig-21. High-G turn at the merge will put it in a bad corner, but if it keeps its speed higher than 450Kts it can face its opponent without significant weakness.

On the other side, at this altitude, the tactic of the Mig-21 is clear, it has to drag its opponent to low-speed (350Kts or slower), and it can do it at the merge (if the F-4E try to follow a High-G turn), or by decreasing slowly its speed in turning inside its opponent.

Climbing performances

Non turning climb

The “constant speed climb rate” of each plane is described in fig1.5. The value (in ft/s) is the climb rate when the flight path is adjusted to keep constant true air speed with Full (or Special) After-burner engaged and load factor equal to one.

We can see that climb rate of all planes are quite equivalent around M0.4, at lower speed, Mig-21 climb faster, F-4E get the advantage at higher speed.

If we focus on best subsonic climb rate (around M0.85 for all), we can summarize situation in the following table:

Climb rate (ft/s)

Time for a 2,000ft gain

Height loss (ft)

F-4E Blk.41 528 3.8

Mig-21M 337 5.9 724

Mig-21MF 354 5.7 661

Mig-21bis 366 5.5 616

That means that, when an F-4E gains 2,000ft at M0.85 (in less than 4s), a Mig-21M remains 724ft bellow, a Mig-21MF 661ft bellow and a Mig-21bis 616ft bellow.

The F-4E pilot can use a high speed level flight climb to evade from all Mig-21.

Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figure bellow indicates that the F-4 climb faster at any speed over 210Kts, the maximum advantage is around 150 ft/s (+40%), illustrating what has been said previously about the advantage of the F-4E Blk.41 over the Mig-21MF.

Turning Climb The “constant speed 3G climb rate” of each plane is described in fig 1.6. The value (in ft/s) is the climb rate when the flight path is adjusted to keep constant true air speed with Full (or Special) After-burner engaged and load factor equal to 3G.

Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figure bellow shows the large advantage of the F-4E in such a 3G turn climb, as soon as the speed exceed 350Kts, the maximum difference is around 160 ft/s (+80%)

We can see that climb rate of all planes are quite equivalent around M0.65, at lower speed, Mig-21M and MF climb faster, F-4E get the advantage at higher speed, and with a significant margin.

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

20,000

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

adiu

s (f

t)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF



If we focus on best climb rate around M0.9 (465Kts IAS), we can summarize situation in the following table:

Climb rate (ft/s)

Height loss (ft)

F-4E Blk.41 351

Mig-21M 175 2,758

Mig-21MF 200 2,368

Mig-21bis 198 2,393

That means that, when an F-4E realize a quarter of turn at M0.90 (in approximately 16s, climbing of 5,500ft), all Mig-21 remain 2,400ft bellow if they try to follow it.

The F-4E pilot can use this high speed turning climb to evade from any Mig-21, with a better result than a simple 1G climb flight path, it can also use it in an offensive maneuvers.

Acceleration performances. Both diagram show curves indicating along the time the distance from the plane to the location where all aircraft will be after 3 minutes. This way to present the data allows to quickly understanding:

- How much behind another a plane (b) can be the plane (a) to rejoin it 3 minutes later: vertical distance along t=0 axis between curves (a) and (b).

- How much time a plane (a) can be late compared to (b) and rejoin it in less than 3 minutes: search for the (b) distance at t=0, go horizontal along time up the cross the (a) curve, go vertical to read corresponding time.

The figures above, focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E can be analyzed as follows:

When both planes start at M0.5 (250Kts), , the F-4E can rejoin the Mig-21MF in being 46s late (or 6.8Nm behind), at this speed the F-4E can sustain 7.1 d/s, so it will rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes, even after more than 90% of a turn (326 degrees).

When both planes start at M0.9 (465Kts), the F-4E can rejoin the Mig-21MF in being 37s late (or 7.3Nm behind), at this speed the F-4E can sustain 9 d/s, so it will rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes, even after a more than 90% of a complete turn (338 degrees).

The F-4E can force any Mig-21MF to the fight, even from a head-on merge, it can also use its acceleration to disengage from a low speed situation.

The distance covered in 3 minutes at 15,000ft, all planes starting at mach 0.5 (250Kts IAS) is described in fig 1.7.

The same distance when all planes start at M0.9 (465Kts IAS) is described in fig 1.8.

In general, the F-4E is faster than the fastest Mig-21, and the advantage is very large compared to Mi-21M or MF.

Merging a Mig-21bis at M0.9 is different, the F-4E can be late only of about 11s (or 2Nm behind), so it can rejoin its target in less than 3’ only if the aspect angle is less than 100 deg. and no one can evade nor rejoin the other if the initial spacing is significant.

Conclusion. At 15,000ft, the F-4E is in a good configuration, the only weaknesses are the low-speed minimum turn radius and the High-G turn of the merge. In all other domain, the F-4E is equivalent or superior to any Mig-21.

Compared to the Mig-21MF, the F-4E has equivalent turn performance if it keeps its speed higher than 420Kts,it climbs better, in straight flight or in turning climb and accelerate so fast that its opponent cannot escape even from a head-on merge configuration. This acceleration also allows it to evade from a low speed (250Kts) situation if needed. If the F-4E does not try to follow its opponent in a low speed low radius dogfight it should be considered in a good situation.

In front of the Mig-21bis, the only difference is that it is no more possible to force it to fight if it decides to escape from a balanced situation (head on merge).

From the other side, the situation is very clear: the only area where the Mig-21 is superior to the F-4E is turn fight at speed lower than 400Kts; this provides a good defensive capability. If the target refuses to follow, the Mig-21 will have difficulties to go offensive, but if it does, the F-4E will have very little time to evade before the Mig-21 takes a definitive advantage.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

ce (

Nm

)

time (s)

Distance covered at 15,000 ft, start at Mach 0.5 / IAS 250 Kts

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

ce (

Nm

)

time (s)

Distance covered at 15,000 ft, start at Mach 0.9/ IAS 465 Kts

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF



If we try to graphically represent the main seven values:

- Average turn rate during quickest half turn - Maximum Sustained Turn rate - 1000ft / Minimum Sustained Turn Radius - Maximum Level flight Climb Rate (Mach < 0.9) - Maximum Turning Climb Rate (Mach < 0.9) - Distance Covered in 3’ from Mach 0.5 - Distance Covered in 3’ from Mach 0.9

In normalizing them (in percentage of the best value), we get the following diagram:

D. Low Level combat (5,000ft).

Turning performances.

Quickest half turn At 5,000ft, in order to achieve quickest half turn, the F-4E start at M0.74/451Kts IAS and follow load factor limits, then maximum lift; the Mig-21MF start at M0.80/490Kts IAS and fly at its maximum lift (AoA limitation to 28 increases half turn duration).

The F-4E requires 28% more time (compared to a Mig-21MF flew at max lift) and an average radius 34% larger.

Detailed compared half turn are described in fig.2.1 (Mig-21MF at max lift) and fig.2.2 (Mig-21MF AoA limited to 28 deg).


Time (s) required for a half turn

Average radius (ft) of the quickest half turn

The worst Mig-21 carefully flown is still better than the F-4E if we look at the time required for this half turn, and all Mig-21 do it in a smaller radius, so the advantage still goes to the Mig-21.

The difference of time between Mig-21MF flown at max lift and F-4E in percentage is bigger than the one measured at 15,000ft (-28%) and equivalent in term of radius (-34%).

Even flown with respect to the AoA28 limit, the Mig-21MF requires 20% less time to perform its half turn in a 27% smaller radius.

All Mig-21 flown at max lift are able to take the advantage over the F-4E in this case, in term of time, but more in term of radius.

The heavy Mig21-bis flown in respecting AoA indicator limitation has a thinner advantage (-14% in time, -22% in radius).

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Max Sustained turn rate

Average turn rate in quickest half turn

1000 ft / Min sustained turn radius

Max Turning climb rate

Max level flight climb rate

Max Distance in 3' from M0.5


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

4,000

8,000

-4,000 0 4,000

F-4E Blk41

Mig-21MF(AoA<28)

t = 0smach = 0.74Ng = 5.58

t = 0smach = 0.80Ng = 8.00

t = 10.0smach = 0.45Ng = 4.63

t = 11.0smach = 0.61Ng = 5.39

Mig-21MF

t = 13.8smach = 0.32Ng = 2.23

F-4

E B

lk.4

1; 1

3.8

0

Mig

-21

M m

ax li

ft; 1

0.00

Mig

-21

MF

max

lift

; 10.

00

Mig

-21

bis

max

lift

; 10.

80

Mig

-21

M A

oA

<2

8; 1

1.2

0

Mig

-21

MF

Ao

A<

28

; 11

.00

Mig

-21

bis

Ao

A<

28; 1

1.8

0

F-4

E B

lk.4

1; 3

,334

Mig

-21

M m

ax li

ft; 2

,166

Mig

-21

MF

max

lift

; 2,2

09

Mig

-21

bis

max

lift

; 2,0

04

Mig

-21

M A

oA

<2

8; 2

,60

3

Mig

-21

MF

Ao

A<

28

; 2,4

37

Mig

-21

bis

Ao

A<

28; 2

,599



Maximum Sustained Turn Rate

The figure above, focused on Mig-21MF, clearly shows the limit speed of 400Kts IAS, under Mig-21MF has the advantage, over, it goes to the F-4E, while the maximum sustained turn rate of both planes are similar (less than 1 d/s of difference)

The F-4E appears to be superior to the Mig-21MF at all speed exceeding M0.65/400Kts, when the opposite is true under this speed.


STR deg/s

at Mach

Time for 360

F-4E Blk.41 12.04 0.78 30

Mig-21M 10.64 0.54 34

Mig-21MF 11.36 0.57 32

Mig-21bis 12.08 0.72 30

The complete sustained turn rate diagram along speed range is described in fig 2.3.

That means that an F-4E can enter a turn fight against a Mig-21M or MF in good position as soon as its speed exceeds 400Kts.

On the opposite, a Mig-21MF or M engaged in such a turn fight will become in bad shape if it fails to force the speed to decrease under 350Kts.

The Mig-21bis turn faster than the F-4E Blk.41 at any speed under M1.15 at this level, but we can say that the advantage of the Mig is significant only if speed is below M0.50/305Kts.

Minimum Sustained Turn Radius Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figure bellow indicates the Mig being able to turn significantly inside the F-4 at any speed bellow 350Kts; it also shows that the 100-180Kts speed domain, where the Mig can perform its shortest turn is not reachable by the F-4E.

The F-4E Blk.41 does not reduce its sustained turn radius in decreasing its speed under 250Kts, where minimum value for the Mig-21MF is reached around 140Kts.


Turn Radius (ft)

at Mach

F-4E Blk.41 3,015 0.47

Mig-21M 2,058 0.24

Mig-21MF 1,867 0.23

Mig-21bis 2,003 0.22

And detailed in the fig 2.4. This figure clearly shows that as soon as speed goes lower than mach 0.5 (305Kts IAS), the Mig-21 turns inside the F-4E easily, and even that the F-4E is not able to follow its opponent down to mach 0.20 or less.

Low speed – low radius dogfight is not a good option for the F-4E, even at 5,000ft.

In general, the F-4E Blk.41 is to be considered as superior to a Mig-21MF or M in a low altitude turn fight. High-G turn at the merge is not the best option, but until it keeps its speed higher than 400Kts, it should be able to lead the fight. Of course, if it let its speed decrease, advantage will change of side.

Compared to a Mig-21bis, the F-4E has no more any positive margin in a turn fight, but no obvious weakness as soon as it keeps its speed over 450Kts.

On the other side, at this altitude, the tactic of the Mig-21MF or M is clear, it can accept the turn fight only if its opponent speed is low (350Kts or slower).

Climbing performances.

Non turning climb. Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figure bellow shows the large advantage of the F-4E as soon as the speed exceed 230Kts: the maximum difference is around 290 ft/s.

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

ate

(d

/s)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

adiu

s (f

t)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF



The “constant speed climb rate” of each plane is described in fig 2.5. The value (in ft/s) is the climb rate when the flight path is adjusted to keep constant true air speed with Full (or Special) After-burner engaged and load factor equal to one.

We can see that the F-4E is far superior to the Mig-21MF and M (except at very low speed)

If we focus on best subsonic climb rate (around M0.8-0.85 for all), we can summarize situation in the following table:

Climb rate (ft/s)


Height loss (ft)

F-4E Blk.41 683 2.9

Mig-21M 334 6.0 1,023

Mig-21MF 392 5.1 852

Mig-21bis 543 3.7 410

That means that, when an F-4E gains 2,000ft at M0.85 (in a bit more than 3s), a Mig-21M remains 1,000ft bellow, a Mig-21MF 850ft bellow and a Mig-21bis 400ft bellow.

The F-4E pilot can use a high speed level flight climb to evade from a Mig-21M or even a Mig-21MF, even at quite low speed (M0.5) if it is in a bad situation, the same maneuver will become less efficient in front of a Mig-21bis.

On the opposite, no Mig-21 can use vertical maneuver to evade.

Turning Climb. Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figure bellow shows the very large advantage of the F-4E: it can climb more than twice faster (the maximum difference is around 290 ft/s).

The “constant speed 4G climb rate” of each plane is described in fig 2.6. The value (in ft/s) is the climb rate

when the flight path is adjusted to keep constant true air speed with Full (or Special) After-burner engaged and load factor equal to 4G.

We can see that the F-4E is far superior to the Mig-21MF, M and even Mig-21bis.

If we focus on best climb rate around M0.85, we can summarize situation in the following table:

Climb rate (ft/s)

Height loss (ft)

F-4E Blk.41 461

Mig-21M 115 4,116

Mig-21MF 173 3,418

Mig-21bis 307 1,830

That means that, when an F-4E realize a quarter of turn at M0.90 (in approximately 12.5s), a Mig-21M remains 4,100ft bellow, and Mig-21MF 3,400ft and Mig-21bis more than 1,800ft bellow if they try to follow it.

The F-4E pilot can use this high speed turning climb to evade very easily from any Mig-21MF or M, with a better result than a simple 1G climb flight path, it can also use it in an offensive maneuvers.

If facing a Mig-21bis, turn climbing is far more efficient than 1G climb.




Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figures below can be analyzed as follows:

When both planes start at M0.9 (550Kts), the F-4E can rejoin the Mig-21MF in being 6.1 Nm behind, or 31.5 s late, at this speed the F-4E can sustain 10.3 d/s, so it will rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes, even after 90% of a complete circle (323 deg).

When both planes start at M0.5 (305Kts), , the F-4E can rejoin the Mig-21MF in being 33.5s late, at this speed the F-4E can sustain 9.8 d/s, so it will rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes, even after a quite complete turn (348 deg).

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF



The F-4E can force any Mig-21MF to the fight, even from a head-on merge, it can also use its acceleration to disengage from a low speed situation.



In general, the F-4E is equivalent to the Mig-21bis and significantly faster than Mig-21M or MF.

Facing a Mig-21bis is different, both planes have similar acceleration at this altitude (F-4E Blk.41 being 2s ahead in 3’ if the run starts at M0.9, 6s if started from M0.5) and no one can evade nor rejoin the other if the initial spacing is significant.

Conclusion. At 5,000ft, the F-4E is in an even better configuration than at 15,000ft compared to Mig-21M and MF, the only weaknesses are the low-speed minimum turn radius and the High-G turn of the merge. In all other domain, the F-4E is equivalent or superior.

Compared to the Mig-21MF, the F-4E has much better turn performance if it keeps its speed higher than 380Kts,it climbs much better, in straight flight or in turning climb and accelerate so fast that its opponent cannot escape even from a head-on merge configuration. This acceleration or climb rate also allows it to evade from a low speed (250Kts) situation if needed. If the F-4E does not try to follow its opponent in a low speed low radius dogfight it should be considered in a very good situation.

In front of the Mig-21bis, the situation is much more balanced, Mig-21bis will have the advantage in all horizontal figures especially at low speed when the F-4E can take advantage of its superior high-speed climb rate, but it both planes should be considered as equivalent at this altitude.

From the other side, the situation is very clear: the only area where the Mig-21MF or M is not clearly out-classed by the F-4E is turn fight at speed lower than 350Kts; this provides a defensive capability, but that is not enough.

The Mig-21bis is clearly a very good answer to the low altitude relative weaknesses of the previous version, it give back to the Mig-21 the ability to fight the F-4E without major lack (only the climb rates remain inferior to its opponent).




E. High Level combat (30,000ft).

Turning performances.

Quickest half turn At 30,000ft, both planes are supposed to start their half turn at mach 0.9. When F-4E reaches its maximum lift, it loses it speed at such a huge rate that its turn rate decrease too fast. The shortest half turn with an F-4E Blk.41 at 30,000ft is realized in limiting AoA to 18 deg.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

ce (

Nm

)

time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

ce (

Nm

)

time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%








F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis



Detailed comparison of half turns are described in fig 3.1 (Mig-21MF at max lift) and fig 3.2 (Mig-21MF AoA limited to 28 deg).


Time (s) required for a half turn started at M0.9

Average radius (ft) of a half turn started at M0.9

The conclusion is quite easy to find: all Mig-21 are able to take the advantage in this case, especially the Mig-21MF flown at its maximum lift (-25% in time, -39% in radius) that will out-turn the F-4E very easily.

Maximum Sustained Turn Rate If we focus on Mig-21MF, the following figure clearly shows that the Mig-21MF is superior or equal to the F-4E in turn rate at quite any speed (for any speed under 600Kts IAS)


STR deg/s

at Mach

Time for 360

F-4E Blk.41 5.42 0.85 66

Mig-21M 5.33 0.79 68

Mig-21MF 5.58 0.77 65

Mig-21bis 5.35 1.08 67

The difference of maximum values seems to be quite small (- 2.5% for the F-4E compared to the best Mig-21), but need to be analyzed in looking at the complete sustained turn rate diagram along speed range (fig 3.3).

Between M0.80 and 0.95 (310-370 Kts IAS), the F-4E is better to the Mig-21bis (the worst Mig-21 at this altitude), but it can be easily seen that, in any other cases, Mig-21 will out-turn the F-4E in a constant speed turn fight.

Minimum Sustained Turn Radius Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figure bellow shows that the Mig can turn inside the F-4E at any speed. It also indicate that the 130-170Kts speed domain, where the Mig can perform its shortest turn is not reachable by the F-4E.


Turn Radius (ft)

at Mach

F-4E Blk.41 8,051 0.66

Mig-21M 6,166 0.48

Mig-21MF 5,924 0.48

Mig-21bis 7,109 0.50

0

7,500

15,000

-7,500 0 7,500

AC1 Path

AC2 Max

Mig-21MF

t = 0smach = 0.90Ng = 5.31

t = 22.6smach = 0.47Ng = 1.83

t = 0smach = 0.90Ng = 4.41

t = 24.40mach = 0.70Ng = 2.65

Mig-21MFAoA<28

F-4E Blk.41

t = 0smach = 0.90Ng = 3.63

t = 30.0smach = 0.73Ng = 2.36

F-4

E B

lk.4

1; 3

0.0

0

Mig

-21

M m

ax li

ft; 2

3.00

Mig

-21

MF

max

lift

; 22.

60

Mig

-21

bis

max

lift

; 28.

40

Mig

-21

M A

oA

<2

8; 2

4.8

0

Mig

-21

MF

Ao

A<

28

; 24

.40

Mig

-21

bis

Ao

A<

28; 2

7.8

0

F-4

E B

lk.4

1; 7

,449

Mig

-21

M m

ax li

ft; 4

,545

Mig

-21

MF

max

lift

; 4,5

21

Mig

-21

bis

max

lift

; 4,6

43

Mig

-21

M A

oA

<2

8; 5

,98

8

Mig

-21

MF

Ao

A<

28

; 5,9

48

Mig

-21

bis

Ao

A<

28; 6

,354

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

ate

(d

/s)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0

5,000

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15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

adiu

s (f

t)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF



And detailed in the fig 3.4. This figure clearly shows that as soon as speed goes lower than mach 0.65 (250Kts IAS), the F-4E sustained turn radius does not decrease any more, the Mig-21 turns inside the F-4E easily, and even that the F-4E is not able to follow its opponent down to mach 0.35-0.40.

Low speed – low radius dogfight is not a good option for the F-4E.

In general, the F-4E will be in bad situation if it enters a turning fight at 30,000ft in front of any Mig-21. High-G turn at the merge will put it in a bad corner, if its speed goes lower than M0.75/290Kts, the opponent will need few time to take a definitive advantage, it can only save time in keeping its speed high enough, but even in its case and in front of the worst Mig-21, it has to find to way to go out this configuration.

Climbing performances.

Non turning climb. Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figure bellow indicates that the only speed domain where the Mig can climb faster than the F-4E are under 250Kts and between M0.95 and 1.15 (transonic regime) where no one may try to stabilize, so we can conclude to the F-4E superiority.

The “constant speed climb rate” of each plane is described in fig 3.5. The value (in ft/s) is the climb rate when the flight path is adjusted to keep constant true air speed with Full (or Special) After-burner engaged and load factor equal to one.

We can see that climb rate of all planes are quite equivalent around M0.6, at lower speed, Mig-21 climb faster, F-4E get the advantage at higher speed, up to M0.95/M1.0.

If we focus on best subsonic climb rate (around M0.90 for all), we can summarize situation in the following table:

Climb rate (ft/s)


Height loss (ft)

F-4E Blk.41 323 6.19

Mig-21M 197 10.13 777

Mig-21MF 212 9.38 680

Mig-21bis 219 9.04 629

That means that, when an F-4E gains 2,000ft at M0.85 (in less than 8s), a Mig-21M remains 780ft bellow, a Mig-21MF 680ft bellow and a Mig-21bis 630ft bellow.

The F-4E pilot can use a high speed level flight climb to evade from a Mig-21M or even a Mig-21MF or bis.

The result is the opposite only if all planes fly at very low speed (bellow M0.45).

Turning Climb. Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figure bellow shows that in such a 2G turn climb, the F-4E climb mach faster than the Mig in subsonic (climb rate under 270Kts is quite irrelevant here) and is supersonic (above M1.15), as we assume then a transonic 2G turn will not be tried by anybody, we can conclude to the clear superiority of the F-4E here.

The “constant speed 2G climb rate” of each plane is described in fig 3.6. The value (in ft/s) is the climb rate when the flight path is adjusted to keep constant true air speed with Full (or Special) After-burner engaged and load factor equal to 2G.

We can see that climb rate of all planes are quite equivalent around M0.72, at lower speed, Mig-21MF climbs faster, F-4E get the advantage at higher speed, up to M0.9.

If we focus on best climb rate for speed lower than M0.9 (350Kts IAS), we can summarize situation in the following table:

Climb rate (ft/s)

Height loss (ft)

F-4E Blk.41 205

Mig-21M 98 2,638

Mig-21MF 114 2,259

Mig-21bis 108 2,660

That means that, when an F-4E realize a quarter of turn at M0.86 (in approximately 25s), a Mig-21M remains 2,600ft bellow, a Mig-21MF 2,250ft and the Mig-21bis 2,400ft bellow if they try to follow it.

The F-4E pilot can use this high speed turning climb to evade from any Mig-21, with a better result than a simple 1G climb flight path.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0

50

100

150

200

250

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

CAS (Kts)

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF






Focused on Mig-21MF vs. F-4E, the figures bellow can be analyzed as follows:

When both planes start at M0.5 (350Kts), F-4E can rejoin the Mig-21MF in being 20s late, at 350Kts/M0.5 the F-4E can sustain 2.53 d/s, so if the target has an aspect angle of less than 51 degrees, it will rejoin it in less than 3 minutes.

When both planes start at M0.9 (350Kts), F-4E can rejoin the Mig-21MF in being 14s late, at 350Kts/M0.9 the F-4E can sustain 5.34 d/s, so if the target has an aspect angle of less than 75 degrees, it will rejoin it in less than 3 minutes.



In general, the F-4E is the faster than the Mig-21M and MF in any condition, and equivalent to the Mig-21bis.

Details on F-4E vs. Mig-21bis are the following: Mig-21bis and F-4E are equivalent: when both planes start at M0.9 (350Kts), less than 2’’, 0.34Nm or 11 deg of aspect angle. If they start at M0.5 (185Kts), less than 5’’, 0.37Nm or 13deg of aspect angle. Straight forward acceleration can be an acceptable defensive maneuver for a F-4E in front of a Mig-21M, it can be used in facing a Mig-21MF if starting speed is high, it can be used facing a Mig-21bis only if it comes from front sector (+/- 90 degres)

Conclusion. In facing a Mig-21 at 30,000ft, the F-4E has no advantage in offensive maneuver: it will be out-turned in a High-G merge, in a low constant speed turn fight, and can only try to match an old Mig-21M in constant high-speed turn, but a newer MF or bis will take the advantage.

In the defensive area, its best solution is the 2G climbing turn that can be applied against any Mig-21 with a reasonable chance of evading the fight. Level flight climb can also be successful and straight forward acceleration is only possible against old Mig-21M or if the aspect angle is head-on.

It is clear that a F-4E is not in a good position at 30,000ft when facing any kind of Mig-21.

On the other side, a Mig-21M can take advantage at the merge, or in turn fight, especially if speed goes lower than M0.7, but it will not be able to force its opponent to the fight if the F-4E decides to evade.

All Mig-21 can use their low speed turning capabilities as a defensive tactics; F-4E will not be able to follow them.




0

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15

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30

35

40

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

ce (

Nm

)

time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF

0

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45

50

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

ce (

Nm

)

time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21MF



F. Conclusion If we want to compare non slated F-4E Blk.41 and Mig-21 there are few generalities: the F-4E is not efficient at high

altitude (30,000ft or higher) or at low speed (less than 350Kts IAS). To go deeper we need to clearly separate Mig-21MF and M from Mig-21bis.

The F-4E can be considered as superior to the Mig-21MF (and M) at medium or low altitude. The F-4E having much more a boom & zoom profile (climb, acceleration, high speed turn), when Mig-21MF having a more classical dogfighter profile: low radius, low speed turn.

The Mig-21bis succeed in closing the gap between F-4E and Mig-21MF at low altitude; it is clearly superior to it in the horizontal plane.

The Mig-21bis is less efficient at medium / high altitude than older and lighter MF, but is so clearly inferior to the F-4E.

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%








F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 – Opus 2


G. Appendix and Figures.

Fig 1.1 F-4E and Mig-21MF ‘max lift’ quickest half turn at 15,000ft

Fig 1.2 F-4E and Mig-21MF ‘AoA < 28’ quickest half turn at 15,000ft

0

6,000

12,000

-6,000 0 6,000

AC1 Path

AC2 Path

AC1-5s

AC2-5s

Mig-21MF

t = 0smach = 0.87Ng = 6.00

t = 4smach = 0.83Ng = 6.00

t = 2smach = 0.85Ng = 6.00

t = 8smach = 0.70Ng = 6.53

t = 13.2smach = 0.52Ng = 3.99

t = 10. smach = 0.62Ng = 5.37

t = 12. smach = 0.56Ng = 4.44

t = 6smach = 0.80Ng = 6.00

F-4E Blk.41

t = 0smach = 0.96Ng = 5.58

t = 2smach = 0.95Ng = 5.58

t = 4smach = 0.93Ng = 5.58

t = 10smach = 0.88Ng = 5.58

t = 8smach = 0.90Ng = 5.58

t = 6smach = 0.92Ng = 5.58

t = 12smach = 0.85Ng = 5.58

t = 14.0smach = 0.82Ng = 5.58

t = 16.6smach = 0.51Ng = 3.73

t = 16.0smach = 0.69Ng = 5.58

0

6,000

12,000

-6,000 0 6,000

AC1 Path

AC2 Path

AC1-5s

AC2-5s

Mig-21MF

t = 0smach = 0.87Ng = 6.00

t = 4smach = 0.83Ng = 6.00

t = 2smach = 0.85Ng = 6.00

t = 8smach = 0.76Ng = 5.93

t = 14.4smach = 0.68Ng = 4.64

t = 10. smach = 0.73Ng = 5.42

t = 12. smach = 0.70Ng = 5.02

t = 14. smach = 0.68Ng = 4.70

t = 6smach = 0.80Ng = 6.00

F-4E Blk.41

t = 0smach = 0.96Ng = 5.58

t = 2smach = 0.95Ng = 5.58

t = 4smach = 0.93Ng = 5.58

t = 10smach = 0.88Ng = 5.58

t = 8smach = 0.90Ng = 5.58

t = 6smach = 0.92Ng = 5.58

t = 12smach = 0.85Ng = 5.58

t = 14.0smach = 0.82Ng = 5.58

t = 16.6smach = 0.51Ng = 3.73

t = 16.0smach = 0.69Ng = 5.58



Fig 1.3. F-4E and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Rate at 15,000ft

Fig 1.4. F-4E and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Radius at 15,000ft

Fig 1.5. F-4E and Mig-21 Constant Speed Climb Rate at 15,000ft

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

10.00

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

ate

(d

/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

20,000

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

adiu

s (f

t)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis



Fig 1.6. F-4E and Mig-21 Constant Speed and 3G Load turn Climb, Rate at 15,000ft

Fig 1.7. F-4E and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3’, from mach 0.5 at 15,000ft


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

ce (

Nm

)

time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

ce (

Nm

)

time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis




Fig 2.2 F-4E and Mig-21MF ‘AoA < 28 quickest half turn at 5,000ft

0

4,000

8,000

-4,000 0 4,000

AC1 Path

AC2 Path

AC1-5s

AC2-5s

Mig-21MF

t = 0smach = 0.80Ng = 8.00

t = 4smach = 0.71Ng = 8.00

t = 2smach = 0.76Ng = 8.00

t = 8smach = 0.53Ng = 5.99

t = 10.0smach = 0.45Ng = 4.63

t = 6smach = 0.63Ng = 8.00

F-4E Blk41

t = 0smach = 0.74Ng = 5.58

t = 13.8smach = 0.32Ng = 2.23

t = 12smach = 0.64Ng = 5.58

t = 10smach = 0.68Ng = 5.58

t = 8smach = 0.70Ng = 5.58

t = 4smach = 0.72Ng = 5.58

t = 2smach = 0.73Ng = 5.58

t = 6smach = 0.71Ng = 5.58

0

4,000

8,000

-4,000 0 4,000

AC1 Path

AC2 Path

AC1-5s

AC2-5s

Mig-21MF

t = 0smach = 0.80Ng = 8.00

t = 4smach = 0.71Ng = 7.60

t = 2smach = 0.76Ng = 8.00

t = 8smach = 0.64Ng = 6.08

t = 11.0smach = 0.61Ng = 5.39

t = 6smach = 0.68Ng = 6.72

t = 10smach = 0.62Ng = 5.59

F-4E Blk41

t = 0smach = 0.74Ng = 5.58

t = 13.8smach = 0.32Ng = 2.23

t = 12smach = 0.64Ng = 5.58

t = 10smach = 0.68Ng = 5.58

t = 8smach = 0.70Ng = 5.58

t = 4smach = 0.72Ng = 5.58

t = 2smach = 0.73Ng = 5.58

t = 6smach = 0.71Ng = 5.58






0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

ate

(d

/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

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0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

adiu

s (f

t)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

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0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Clim

b R

ate

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/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis






0

50

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0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

5

10

15

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0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

ce (

Nm

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time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

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45

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

tan

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time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis




Fig 3.2 F-4E and Mig-21MF ‘AoA < 28’ quickest half turn at 30,000ft

0

7,500

15,000

-7,500 0 7,500

AC1 Path

AC2 Path

AC1-5s

AC2-5s

Mig-21MF

t = 0smach = 0.90Ng = 5.31

t = 5smach = 0.75Ng = 3.87

t = 15smach = 0.56Ng = 2.41

t = 10smach = 0.65Ng = 3.03

t = 20smach = 0.50Ng = 2.00

t = 22.6smach = 0.47Ng = 1.83

F-4E Blk.41

t = 0smach = 0.90Ng = 3.63

t = 10smach = 0.80Ng = 2.85

t = 5smach = 0.84Ng = 3.14

t = 15smach = 0.78Ng = 2.68

t = 25smach = 0.74Ng = 2.44 t = 20s

mach = 0.76Ng = 2.54

t = 30.0smach = 0.73Ng = 2.36

0

7,500

15,000

-7,500 0 7,500

AC1 Path

AC2 Path

AC1-5s

AC2-5s

Mig-21MF

t = 0smach = 0.90Ng = 4.41

t = 5smach = 0.83Ng = 3.78

t = 15smach = 0.75Ng = 3.01

t = 10smach = 0.78Ng = 3.34

t = 24.40mach = 0.70Ng = 2.65

t = 20smach = 0.72Ng = 2.79

F-4E Blk.41

t = 0smach = 0.90Ng = 3.63

t = 10smach = 0.80Ng = 2.85

t = 5smach = 0.84Ng = 3.14

t = 15smach = 0.78Ng = 2.68

t = 25smach = 0.74Ng = 2.44 t = 20s

mach = 0.76Ng = 2.54

t = 30.0smach = 0.73Ng = 2.36






0.00

1.00

2.00

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4.00

5.00

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0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Sust

ain

ed

Tu

rn R

ate

(d

/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

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0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Sust

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rn R

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t)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

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0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis






0

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100

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0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Clim

b R

ate

(ft

/s)

Mach number

F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

0

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0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Dis

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Nm

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time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis

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tan

ce (

Nm

)

time (s)


F-4E Blk.41

Mig-21M

Mig-21MF

Mig-21bis



H. Bibliography. All documents mentioned here as url can be found in Acrobat Reader (.pdf) format at http://www.checksix-fr.com/downloads/falcon4/Topolo/zip/Project-21 Mikoyan-Gourevitch Mig-21 performances:

- Mig-21-Flight Model Identification, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mig-21M, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mig-21MF, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mig-21bis, by J.M. LANGERON

Mc Donnell F-4 Phantom II performances: - Flight Manual F-4C,D,E-1-S , T.O. 1F-4C-1, 15

th August 1973 CHANGE 1, from www.flight-manuals-on-cd.com LTD.

- Performance data manual F-4C,D,E-1-1-S, T.O. 1F-4C-1-1, 15th

July 1969 CHANGE 1 from www.flight-manuals-on-cd.com LTD

- NASA_CR-2144 : Aircraft Handling Qualities Data, by Robert K. Heffley and Wayne F. Jewel, NASA December 1972. - NASA_TN_D-5361 : Analysis of lateral-directional stability characteristics of a twin-jet fighter airplane at high angles of

attack. By Joseph R. Chambers and Ernie L. Anglin, NASA August 1969. - F-4-Flight Model Identification, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-F-4E-blk41, by J.M. LANGERON

http://www.checksix-fr.com/downloads/falcon4/Topolo/zip/Project-21

http://www.checksix-fr.com/downloads/falcon4/Topolo/zip/Project-21/Mig-21-Flight%20Model%20Identification.pdf

http://www.checksix-fr.com/downloads/falcon4/Topolo/zip/Project-21/NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mig-21M.pdf

http://www.checksix-fr.com/downloads/falcon4/Topolo/zip/Project-21/NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mig-21MF.pdf

http://www.checksix-fr.com/downloads/falcon4/Topolo/zip/Project-21/NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-Mig-21bis.pdf

http://www.flight-manuals-on-cd.com/

http://www.flight-manuals-on-cd.com/

http://www.checksix-fr.com/downloads/falcon4/Topolo/zip/Project-21/F-4-Flight%20Model%20Identification.pdf

http://www.checksix-fr.com/downloads/falcon4/Topolo/zip/Project-21/NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-F-4E-blk41.pdf



Table of Contents A. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1

B. Methodology description. ........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Critical performances to be compared. .......................................................................................................................................... 1

Turning ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Climbing ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Acceleration ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Aircraft configuration definition. .................................................................................................................................................... 1

Mig-21M combat configuration. ................................................................................................................................................. 1

Mig-21MF combat configuration. ............................................................................................................................................... 2

Mig-21bis combat configuration. ................................................................................................................................................ 2

F-4E Blk.41 combat configuration. .............................................................................................................................................. 2

C. Medium Level combat (15,000ft). .............................................................................................................................................. 2

Turning performances. ..................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Quickest half turn ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Maximum Sustained Turn Rate ................................................................................................................................................... 3

Minimum Sustained Turn Radius ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Climbing performances. .................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Non turning climb. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Turning Climb. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Acceleration performances. ............................................................................................................................................................ 5

Conclusion. ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

D. Low Level combat (5,000ft). ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Turning performances. ................................................................................................................................................................... 6


Maximum Sustained Turn Rate ................................................................................................................................................... 7

Minimum Sustained Turn Radius ................................................................................................................................................ 7

Climbing performances. .................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Non turning climb. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Turning Climb. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Acceleration performances. ............................................................................................................................................................ 8

Conclusion. ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

E. High Level combat (30,000ft). ..................................................................................................................................................... 9

Turning performances. ................................................................................................................................................................... 9


Maximum Sustained Turn Rate ................................................................................................................................................. 10

Minimum Sustained Turn Radius .............................................................................................................................................. 10

Climbing performances. ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Non turning climb. .................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Turning Climb. ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Acceleration performances. .......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Conclusion. .................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

F. Conclusion. ................................................................................................................................................................................ 13



G. Appendix and Figures. ............................................................................................................................................................... 14

H. Bibliography. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 23

Compared Air Combat Performances g-21 versus F-4 · 2017-01-11 · Compared Air Combat Performances...

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