C711

A tail side view of MiG-21FL C711. The aircraft features a roundel on the rear fuselage indicating that this photograph was from the late 60s.

The MiG Operational Flying Training Unit [Album]

by Phil Camp and Simon Watson Link to MOFTU Photo Album with nearly a dozen FLs and UM photographs

Hasimara Type 77

MiG-21FL (Type-77) equipped with a GP9 Gunpack at Hasimara

MiG-21FL C529 (8 Squadron)

A pilot from 8 Squadron carries out checks prior to a sortie in a MiG-21FL (C-529).

Rhinos Do It Best: A pair of MiG-21FLs, from the No.30 Squadron

Rhinos Do It Best: A pair of MiG-21FLs, from the No.30 Squadron at Bagdogra AFS, displaying their destructive firepower. Notice the R-60MK (AA-8 Aphid) short-range, air-to-air missile.

A line up of MiG-21FLs, from No.30 Squadron Charging Rhinos

A line up of MiG-21FLs, from No.30 Charging Rhinos Squadron, at Bagdogra AFS in the 1980s. This Squadron is now among the last three fighter squadrons operating the variant.

MiG-21FL (C743), from the No.8 Squadron

A MiG-21FL (C743), from the No.8 Squadron, on the tarmac at Bagdogra AFS. Some of the pilots who fly these ageing workhorses are younger than the aircraft themselves!

MiG-21FL (C-996), from the No.8 Squadron

This particular MiG-21FL (C-996), from the No.8 Squadron, is fitted with a GP-9 gun-pack. The 'FL' has been operating with the No.8 Squadron since 17 February 1969.

MiG-21FL (C1128), from No.1 Tigers Squadron

A MiG-21FL (C1128), from No.1 Tigers Squadron, awaits clearance for take-off. The squadron has since converted to the Mirage 2000H/TH.

MiG-21s of No.28 Squadron just after the 1971 War

Three entirely different aircraft finishes are sported by three MiG-21FLs (C-1111, C-731 and C-746) of No.28 First Supersonics Squadron. Camouflage was applied at unit level and differed appreciably in style from aircraft to aircraft, with no standard pat

Combat Markings on C1111 of No.28 Squadron

The combat markings on the nose of C-1111 signifies the ordnance delivered and the targets attacked. C-1111, which was part of the No.28 Squadron during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, flew 28 sorties in the eastern theatre of operations between 04 and 15 Dec 1971

Getting ready for flight

Getting ready for flight: An IAF pilot makes checks before preparing to take off in a MiG-21FL. The unique hinged canopy not only protected the pilot from air blast, in case of an ejection, but was also simultaneously jettisoned so that it formed a shield

A MiG-21FL from No.8 Squadron Pursoots

A MiG-21FL (C-510) of No.8 Eight Pursoots Squadron in the early 90s. A number of 'FL' airframes were sent into storage in the mid-70s as the new M variant was introduced into service. These aircraft were pulled out from storage again in the late-80s and r

GP9 Gunpack on a MiG-21FL

The GP-9 gun pack, seen here below the fuselage, is of Soviet design and was installed on MiG-21FL fighters at Indian Base Repair Depots (BRDs). It houses a twin-barrelled 23mm GSh-23 cannon which offered a weight of fire equivalent to that of three 30mm

Close-up of the GP9 Gunpack on a MiG-21FL

The GP-9 gun pack, seen here below the fuselage, is of Soviet design and was installed on MiG-21FL fighters at Indian Base Repair Depots (BRDs). It houses a twin-barrelled 23mm GSh-23 cannon which offered a weight of fire equivalent to that of three 30mm

A veteran of the Governors House attack of the 71 War

A MiG-21FL (C-779), from the No.8 Squadron, at Kalaikunda AFS. C-779 is the same legendary fighter aircraft, which was flown during the air strike on the Governor's house in Dacca in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Wg. Cdr. B.K. Bishnoi, CO of the No.28 Squadron,

A MiG-21FL (C-989), from the No.8 Squadron

A MiG-21FL (C-989), from the No.8 Squadron, takes off for another routine sortie. The squadron insignia, consisting of a Star and the Condor bird, can be seen at the left of the roundel. This aircraft is also equipped with a GP-9 gun pack.

MiG-21FL of No.28 Squadron during the 1971 War operations.

Several types of camouflage were applied to MiG-21FL fighters during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Aircraft sporting olive green and dark earth finishes such as the one in this image were deployed at a number of airfields in the southern sector for air defence a