Compared Air Combat Performances analysis Mig-21 versus F-4 Phantom II Part 1

Compared Air Combat Performances analysis Mig-21 versus F-4 Phantom II Part 1 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, centered to the Vietnam conflict in May 1972, compares the F-4D Block 37 and. In all cases, the F-4 performances will be compared to those of the three Mig-21s ( iz.96, iz.96f and 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 18 deg turn with maximum G-Load (structural or maximum lift limits), each aircraft starting its turn at the speed that gives the shortest time. Maximum Sustained Turn Rate: Minimum time required to perform a constant speed 36 deg turn and related radius (maximum sustained turn rate). Minimum Sustained Turn Radius: Minimum turn radius of a constant speed 36 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,ft 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 3,ft, 3G at 15,ft, 4G at 5,ft) turn, which altitude gain after 9 degrees. Acceleration Both aircrafts perform a level flight, starting at same speed (Mach.5 and Mach.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, 5% of internal fuel. The 1972 Vietnam s F-4D is fitted with SUU-23/A gun pod with full ammo under the centerline and four AIM-7Es, its opponents are Mig-21 with two R-3S or K-13 (M and MF) or two R-6 (bis). combat configuration Aircraft loaded with 5% 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 (7,1kg) and a Drag Index of 12. Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 1

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 Clean Aircraft (no usable fuel) : 5,76 kg 2 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 : 15 kg 5% internal fuel : 1,5 kg This gross weight leads to the following load factor limitation: For lower than.8 : 8. G For greater than.8 : 6. G combat configuration Aircraft loaded with 5% 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 (7,1kg) and a Drag Index of 12. Clean Aircraft (no usable fuel) : 5,76 kg 2 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 : 15 kg 5% internal fuel : 1,5 kg This gross weight leads to the following load factor limitation: For lower than.8 : 8. G For greater than.8 : 6. G combat configuration Aircraft loaded with 5% of internal usable fuel, Center Line pylon (but no CL Tank), 2 R-6 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) : 6,3 kg Gun ammo (25 rounds) : 95 kg 1 Center line pylon : 24 kg 2 Under-wing pylon : 5 kg 2 Missile rails for R-6 : 7 kg 2 Missile R-6 : 9 kg 5% internal fuel : 1,6 kg This gross weight leads to the following load factor limitation: For lower than.8 : 8. G For greater than.8 : 6. G For Mig-21Bis, the Special-After-Burner will always be used when possible (under 4,m), even if only After-Burner is mentioned. Zero fuel weight, include oil, two equipped crew members (44 lbs): 29,8 lbs Fuel weight with JP-4 fuel at 6.5 lbs per gallon (6 F) - Not Usable : 391 lbs - 5% internal fuel : 6,335 lbs - Usable (with 5%) : 5,944 lbs Weapons: AIM-7E (fuselage mounted) on station 3, 4, 6 and 7: 455 lbs each, 1,82 lbs Gun Pod on station 5 (centerline point) : 1,861 lbs - SUU-23/A gun pod with full ammo : 1,739 lbs - Aero 27A Ejector Rack : 122 lbs This leads to a Gross Weight of 39,816 lbs. Drag Index: 4 AIM-7E : 5.2 SUU-23/A+ Aero 27A : 12. Total : 17.2 Speed limitations: - IAS below 75Kts for altitude below 3,ft - IAS below 7Kts for altitude above 3,ft - below 2.4 (and below 2. for normal usage) Load factor limitations: - For mach number lower than.72 : 8.16 - For mach number greater than 1.5 : 6.24 - Linear interpolation for Mach between.72 and 1.5 C. Medium Level combat (15,ft) Turning performances Quickest half turn At 15,ft, in order to achieve quickest half turn, the F-4D start at M.99/515Kts IAS and limits its AoA to 2degres, the start at M.87/45Kts IAS and fly at its maximum lift (AoA limitation to 28 increases half turn duration). Compared half turn are described in fig 1.1 ( at max lift) and fig 1.2 ( AoA limited to 28 deg). The comparison with other Mig-21 sub-types, in term of half turn duration and radius are summarized in the following diagrams: combat configuration Aircraft loaded with 5% of internal fuel, SUU-23/A gun pod with full ammo under the centerline (Aero 27A Ejector rack) and four AIM-7Es Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 2

Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) Sustained Turn Radius (ft) ; 3892 max lift; 3,191 max lift; 3,168 max lift; 3,485 AoA<28; 3,656 AoA<28; 3,667 AoA<28; 3,934 ; 16.2 max lift; 13.2 max lift; 13.2 max lift; 14.2 AoA<28; 14.6 AoA<28; 14.4 AoA<28; 15.4 Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 STR deg/s Turn Radius (ft) at Mach Time for 36 8.8 5,854.85 41 8.91 4,963.69 4 9. 5,315.79 4 8.46 5,726.8 43 The difference of maximum values seems to be quite small (- 2% for the F-4D compared to the best Mig-21, and better than the heavy ), but need to be analyzed in looking at the complete sustained turn rate diagram along speed range (fig1.3). Time (s) required for a half turn The maximum sustained turn rate of the F-4D is reached around M.85 (44Kts), at this speed it is equivalent to the best Mig-21, if the speed is higher the F-4D keeps the advantage, but the and M can reach a higher or equivalent turn rate at much lower speed (M.6-.7/36-35Kts ISA), and so turn inside the F-4D circle. Only the is disadvantaged in this high-speed turn fight, and even here the difference of less than 4% cannot be considered as significant. If speed is kept high (45Kts IAS or more), the F-4D will not be out-turned by a Mig-21 and the situation would be considered as well balanced. Average radius (ft) of the quickest half turn All Mig-21 are able to take the advantage in this case, even if the difference is smaller. The flown at its maximum lift will still out-turn the F-4D very easily (-18% in time, -18% in radius), on the opposite, a heavy Mig21-bis flown in respecting AoA indicator limitation has a very thin advantage. Maximum Sustained Turn Rate If we focus on, the following figure clearly shows that the has a better turn rate than the F-4D at any speed under 45Kts CAS, the F-4D becoming superior if speed is kept over 45Kts. The maximum values are very similar, so the advantage goes from on to the other depending on speed. On the other side, the Mig-21 will not be in danger at high speed, but will be able to drag the F-4D to a low-speed turn configuration by its equivalent or superior turn rate at lower speed, as soon as speed goes lower than 35Kts, it will have a significant advantage. Minimum Sustained Turn Radius 2, 18, 16, 14, 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 CAS (Kts) 1. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. Focused on, the figure above shows that the can turn significantly inside the F-4 at any speed under 3Kts, it also indicates the 11-16Kts range not being reachable by the F-4, a domain where the can reach its lowest turn radius. 3. 2. 1.. 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 The minimum sustained turn radiuses for all planes at 15,ft are summarized in the following table: CAS (Kts) The maximum sustained turn rates at 15,ft are summarized in the following table: Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 3

Climb Rate (ft /s) Climb Rate (ft /s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 STR deg/s Turn Radius (ft) at Mach Time for 36 6.94 4,277.49 52 6.36 3,146.33 57 6.22 2,92.3 58 5.99 3,336.33 6 And detailed in the fig1.4. This figure clearly shows that as soon as speed goes lower than mach.6 (35Kts IAS), the Mig-21 turns inside the F-4D easily, and even that the F-4D is not able to follow its opponent down to mach.3. Low speed low radius dogfight is not a good option for the F-4D. In general, the F-4D will not be in a so bad situation if it enters a turning fight at 15,ft 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 45Kts 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 (3Kts or slower), and it can do it at the merge (if the F-4D try to follow a High-G turn), or by decreasing slowly its speed in turning inside its opponent. Climbing performances Non turning climb. Focused on vs. F-4D, the figure bellow indicates the F-4D climbing much faster than the as soon as the indicated speed exceed 2Kts. The difference is about 5 ft/s (+2%). 45 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 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 M.4, at lower speed, Mig-21 climb faster, F-4D get the advantage at higher speed. If we focus on best subsonic climb rate (around M.85 for all), we can summarize situation in the following table: Climb rate Time for a (ft/s) 2,ft gain 428 4.7 Height loss (ft) 337 5.9 426 354 5.7 348 366 5.5 293 That means that, when an F-4D gains 2,ft at M.85 (in less than 5s), a remains 426ft bellow, a 348ft bellow and a 293ft bellow. The F-4D pilot can use a high speed level flight climb to evade from a or even a, the same maneuver will become less efficient in front of a. Turning Climb Comparing and F-4D in a 3G turn climb, the figure bellow shows marginal difference between the two planes under 4Kts indicated, then a clear superiority of the F-4D, with a +3% (6ft/s) advantage at 45Kts, at higher speed the difference remain quite constant, the F- 4D being able to adapt its speed to its opponent in keeping the same advantage. 3 25 2 15 1 5 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 CAS (Kts) 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. We can see that climb rate of all planes are quite equivalent around M.65, at lower speed, and MF climb faster, F-4D get the advantage at higher speed, and with a significant margin. If we focus on best climb rate around M.9 (465Kts IAS), we can summarize situation in the following table: Climb rate (ft/s) 262 Height loss (ft) 175 1,426 2 1,17 198 1,43 Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 4

Distance (Nm) Distance (Nm) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 That means that, when an F-4D realize a quarter of turn at M.9 (in approximately 16s), a remains 1,4ft bellow, and or more than 1,ft bellow if they try to follow it. The F-4D 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: 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 - How much behind another a plane (b) can be the plane (a) to rejoin it 3 minutes later: vertical distance along t= 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=, go horizontal along time up the cross the (a) curve, go vertical to read corresponding time. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Distance covered at 15, ft, start at Mach.5 / IAS 25 Kts Focusing on vs. F-4, the figures above can be analyzed as follows: When both planes start at M.9 (465Kts), the F-4D can rejoin the in being 24s late, at this speed the F- 4D can sustain 8.64 d/s, so it will rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes, even after an half turn (22degres). When both planes start at M.5 (25Kts),, the F-4D can rejoin the in being 31s late, at this speed the F- time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Distance covered at 15, ft, start at Mach.9/ IAS 465 Kts time (s) 4D can sustain 7.8 d/s, so it will rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes, even after an half turn (27degres). The distance covered in 3 minutes at 15,ft, all planes starting at mach.5 (25Kts IAS) is described in fig 1.7. The same distance when all planes start at M.9 (465Kts IAS) is described in fig 1.8. In general, the F-4D is equivalent to the and significantly faster than or MF. The F-4D can force any or M to the fight, even from a head-on merge, it can also use its acceleration to disengage from a low speed situation. Facing a is different, both planes have similar acceleration at this altitude and no one can evade nor rejoin the other if the initial spacing is significant. Conclusion At 15,ft, the F-4D is in fairly well balanced situation, its only weaknesses are the low-speed minimum turn radius and the High-G turn of the merge. In all other domain, the F-4D is equivalent or superior to any Mig-21. Compared to the, the F-4D has equivalent turn performance if it keeps its speed higher than 45Kts,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 (25Kts) situation if needed. If the F-4D 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, the only difference is that it is no more possible to force it to fight if it decides to escape. From the other side, the situation is very clear: the only area where the Mig-21 is superior to the F-4D is turn fight at speed lower than 3Kts; 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-4D will have very little time to evade before the Mig-21 takes a definitive advantage. If we try to graphically represent the main seven values: - Average turn rate during quickest half turn - Maximum Sustained Turn rate - 1ft / Minimum Sustained Turn Radius - Maximum Level flight Climb Rate (Mach <.9) - Maximum Turning Climb Rate (Mach <.9) - Distance Covered in 3 from Mach.5 - Distance Covered in 3 from Mach.9 In normalizing them (in percentage of the best value), we get the following diagram: Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 5

; 3167 max lift; 2,166 max lift; 2,29 max lift; 2,4 AoA<28; 2,63 AoA<28; 2,437 AoA<28; 2,599 ; 11.8 max lift; 1. max lift; 1. max lift; 1.8 AoA<28; 11.2 AoA<28; 11. AoA<28; 11.8 Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 Max Distance in 3' from M.9 Max Distance in 3' from M.5 Max level flight climb rate Max Sustained turn rate 1% 75% 5% 25% D. Low Level combat (5,ft). Turning performances % Average turn rate in quickest half turn Max Turning climb rate 1 ft / Min sustained turn radius Quickest half turn At 5,ft, in order to achieve quickest half turn, the F-4D start at M.89/545Kts IAS and follow load factor limits, then maximum lift; the start at M.8/49Kts IAS and fly at its maximum lift (AoA limitation to 28 increases half turn duration). The worst Mig-21 carefully flown is equivalent to the F-4D 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 and F-4D in percentage is the same as the one measured at 15,ft (-18%) but much bigger in term of radius (-43%). All Mig-21 flown at max lift are able to take the advantage over the F-4D in this case, in term of time, but more in term of radius. The flown at its maximum lift will still out-turn the F-4D very easily (-18% in time, -43% in radius), on the opposite, a heavy Mig21-bis flown in respecting AoA indicator limitation has no time advantage and a very thin radius advantage. Maximum Sustained Turn Rate The figure bellow, focused on, clearly shows the limit speed of 4Kts IAS, under has the advantage, over, it goes to the F-4D. 14. 12. 1. Compared half turn are described in fig.2.1 ( at max lift) and fig.2.2 ( AoA limited to 28 deg). The comparison with other Mig-21 sub-types, in term of half turn duration and radius are summarized in the following diagrams: 8. 6. 4. 2.. 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 CAS (Kts) The maximum sustained turn rates at 5,ft are summarized in the following table: STR deg/s Turn Radius (ft) at Mach Time for 36 11.99 4,456.85 3 1.64 3,192.54 34 11.36 3,154.57 32 12.8 3,747.72 3 Time (s) required for a half turn The complete sustained turn rate diagram along speed range is described in fig 2.3. The F-4D appears to be superior to the (and of course M) at all speed exceeding M.65/4Kts. Compared to the, we can say that both planes are equivalent if speed is over M.5/35Kts, the being superior in lower speed. That means that an F-4D can enter a turn fight against any Mig-21 in superior, or least equal, position over 4Kts. Average radius (ft) of the quickest half turn A or M engaged in such a turn fight will become in bad shape if it fail to force the speed to decrease under 35Kts, on the opposite a will consider having an advantage all along the speed domain (large below 3Kts, small above). Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 6

Climb Rate (ft /s) Sustained Turn Radius (ft) Climb Rate (ft /s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 Minimum Sustained Turn Radius Focused on vs. F-4D, the figure below indicates the being able to turn significantly inside the F- 4D as soon as indicated speed is below 3Kts. It also shows the 1-16Kts domain not being reached by the F- 4D, where the can perform its sharpest sustained turn. speed above 2Kts. F-4D advantage is around 15 ft/s above 3Kts, and is around +5% around 5Kts. 7 6 5 4 1, 3 9, 8, 7, 2 1 6, 5, 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 CAS (Kts) 4, 3, 2, 1, 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 The minimum sustained turn radiuses at 5,ft are summarized in the following table: STR deg/s CAS (Kts) Turn Radius (ft) at Mach Time for 36 8.64 2,99.4 42 7.33 2,58.24 49 7.74 1,867.23 47 6.9 2,3.22 52 And detailed in the fig 2.4. This figure clearly shows that as soon as speed goes lower than mach.5 (35Kts IAS), the Mig-21 turns inside the F-4D easily, and even that the F-4D is not able to follow its opponent down to mach.2 or less. Low speed low radius dogfight is not a good option for the F-4D, even at 5,ft. In general, the F-4D is to be considered as superior to a 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 36Kts, it should be able to lead the fight. Of course, if it let its speed decrease, advantage will change of side. Compared to a, the F-4D has no more any positive margin in a turn fight, but no obvious weakness too, the situation is really well balanced. 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 (3Kts or slower). Climbing performances Non turning climb Focusing on vs. F-4D, the figure bellow clearly shows the F-4D climbing much faster than the MIG at all 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-4D is far superior to the and M (except at very low speed) If we focus on best subsonic climb rate (around M.8-.85 for all), we can summarize situation in the following table: Climb rate Time for a (ft/s) 2,ft gain 651 3.1 Height loss (ft) 334 6. 975 392 5.1 797 543 3.7 333 That means that, when an F-4D gains 2,ft at M.85 (in a bit more than 3s), a remains 975ft bellow, a Mig- 21MF 797ft bellow and a 333ft bellow. The F-4D pilot can use a high speed level flight climb to evade from a or even a, even at quite low speed (M.5) if it is in a bad situation, the same maneuver will become less efficient in front of a. On the opposite, no Mig-21 can use vertical maneuver to evade. Turning Climb 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 Focusing on vs. F-4D, the figure above clearly shows the F-4D climbing much faster than the MIG at all CAS (Kts) Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 7

Distance (Nm) Distance (Nm) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 speed in such a 4G turn. F-4D advantage is around +1% around 5-55Kts. Distance covered at 5, ft, start at Mach.5 / IAS 35 Kts time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 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-4D is far superior to the and M and equivalent or better than a. 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 If we focus on best climb rate around M.85, we can summarize situation in the following table: Climb rate (ft/s) 364 Height loss (ft) 115 3,18 173 2,378 37 716 Distance covered at 5, ft, start at Mach.9/ IAS 55 Kts time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 That means that, when an F-4D realize a quarter of turn at M.9 (in approximately 12.5s), a remains 3,1ft bellow, and 2,4ft and more than 7ft bellow if they try to follow it. The F-4D pilot can use this high speed turning climb to evade very easily from any 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, turn climbing is far less efficient than 1G climb. 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= 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=, go horizontal along time up the cross the (a) curve, go vertical to read corresponding time. 4 When both planes start at M.9 (55Kts), the F-4D can rejoin the in being 23 s late, at this speed the F- 4D can sustain 11.6 d/s, so it will rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes, even after ¾ turn (267 deg). When both planes start at M.5 (35Kts),, the F-4D can rejoin the in being 3s late, at this speed the F- 4D can sustain 1.2 d/s, so it will rejoin its target in less than 3 minutes, even after more than a ¾ turn (36 deg). The distance covered in 3 minutes at 15,ft, all planes starting at mach.5 (35Kts IAS) is described in fig 2.7. The same distance when all planes start at M.9 (55Kts IAS) is described in fig 2.8. In general, the F-4D is a bit slower (but not significantly) than the and significantly faster than or MF. The F-4D can force any or M to the fight, even from a head-on merge, it can also use its acceleration to disengage from a low speed situation. Facing a is different, both planes have similar acceleration at this altitude and no one can evade nor rejoin the other if the initial spacing is significant. Conclusion At 5,ft, the F-4D is in an even better configuration than at 15,ft, the only weaknesses are still the low-speed minimum turn radius and the High-G turn of the merge. In all other domain, the F-4D is equivalent or even superior to any Mig-21. Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 8

; 7,553 max lift; 4,545 max lift; 4,521 max lift; 4,643 AoA<28; 5,988 AoA<28; 5,948 AoA<28; 6,354 ; 32. max lift; 23. max lift; 22.6 max lift; 28.4 AoA<28; 24.8 AoA<28; 24.4 AoA<28; 27.8 Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 Compared to the, the F-4D has much better turn performance if it keeps its speed higher than 365Kts, a much larger range speed than at 15,ft, it climbs much better, in straight flight or in turning climb and accelerate so fast that its opponent cannot escape even from a headon merge configuration. This acceleration or climb rate also allows it to evade from a low speed (25Kts) situation if needed. If the F-4D does not try to follow its opponent in a very low speed low radius dogfight it should be considered in a very good situation. In front of the, the situation is much more balanced, will have the advantage in a High-G merge, or if the speed goes down bellow M.5, the F-4D can take advantage of its superior high-speed 1G 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 or M is not clearly out-classed by the F-4D is turn fight at speed lower than 35Kts; this provides a defensive capability, but that is not enough. The 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-4D without major lack (only the 1G climb rate remain inferior to its opponent). E. High Level combat (3,ft) Turning performances Quickest half turn At 3,ft, both planes are supposed to start their half turn at mach.9. As they have close values for maximum sustained turn rate (5.58 d/s for and 5.15 for F- 4D) and maximum available turn rate (between 1.7 and 11.3 d/s for depending on AoA limitation, 11.5 d/s for F-4D), the time needed for an half turn can be imagined as similar. In fact the result is far different. When F-4D 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-4D at 3,ft is realized in limiting AoA to 17 deg. Compared half turn are described in fig 3.1 ( at max lift) and fig 3.2 ( AoA limited to 28 deg). The comparison with other Mig-21 sub-types, in term of half turn duration and radius are summarized in the following diagrams: If we try to graphically represent the main seven values: - Average turn rate during quickest half turn - Maximum Sustained Turn rate - 1ft / Minimum Sustained Turn Radius - Maximum Level flight Climb Rate (Mach <.9) - Maximum Turning Climb Rate (Mach <.9) - Distance Covered in 3 from Mach.5 - Distance Covered in 3 from Mach.9 In normalizing them (in percentage of the best value), we get the following diagram: Time (s) required for a half turn started at M.9 Max Sustained turn rate 1% Max Distance in 3' from M.9 75% 5% Average turn rate in quickest half turn Max Distance in 3' from M.5 25% % 1 ft / Min sustained turn radius Max level flight climb rate Max Turning climb rate Average radius (ft) of a half turn started at M.9 The conclusion is quite easy to find: all Mig-21 are able to take the advantage in this case, especially the flown at its maximum lift (-29% in time, -41% in radius) that will out-turn the F-4D very easily. Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 9

Sustained Turn Radius (ft) Climb Rate (ft /s) Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 Maximum Sustained Turn Rate If we focus on, the following figure clearly shows that the is superior to the F-4D in turn fight at quite any speed (for any speed under 65Kts IAS) 4.44 6,166.48 81 4.62 5,924.48 78 4.1 7,19.5 9 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. And detailed in the fig 3.4. This figure clearly shows that as soon as speed goes lower than mach.7 (27Kts IAS), the Mig-21 turns inside the F-4D easily, and even that the F-4D is not able to follow its opponent down to mach.35-.4. Low speed low radius dogfight is not a good option for the F-4D.. The maximum sustained turn rates at 3,ft are summarized in the following table: STR deg/s Turn Radius (ft) at Mach Time for 36 5.15 9,41.85 7 5.33 8,454.79 68 5.58 7,881.77 65 5.35 11,515 1.8 67 The difference of maximum values seems to be quite small (- 8% for the F-4D 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 M.85 and.9 (32-35 Kts IAS), the F-4D is equivalent to the (the worst Mig-21 at this altitude), but it can be easily seen that, even if high-speed area, the Mig-21 will out-turn the F-4D in a constant speed turn fight. Minimum Sustained Turn Radius If we focus on, the following figure clearly shows that the can turn inside the F-4D circle at any speed at this altitude. 3, 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 The minimum sustained turn radiuses at 3,ft are summarized in the following table: STR deg/s CAS (Kts) 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 CAS (Kts) Turn Radius (ft) at Mach Time for 36 4.32 8,35.63 83 In general, the F-4D will be in bad situation if it enters a turning fight at 3,ft 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 M.7/27Kts, 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 vs. F-4D the figure bellow indicates the clear superiority of the in the trans and supersonic domain (M.95-1.5 / 37-59Kts), and bellow 18Kts. In between, where quite all air combat occurs, the F-4D climbs faster. 3 25 2 15 1 5 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 CAS (Kts) 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 M.45, at lower speed, Mig-21 climb faster, F-4D get the advantage at higher speed, up to M.9. If we focus on best subsonic climb rate (around M.85 for all), we can summarize situation in the following table: Climb rate Time for a (ft/s) 2,ft gain 251 7.97 Height loss (ft) 198 1.13 426 213 9.38 31 Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 1

Distance (Nm) Distance (Nm) Climb Rate (ft /s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 221 9.4 236 That means that, when an F-4D gains 2,ft at M.85 (in less than 8s), a remains 426ft bellow, a 31ft bellow and a 236ft bellow. The F-4D pilot can use a high speed level flight climb to evade from a or even a, the same maneuver will become less efficient in front of a. The result is the opposite only if all planes fly at very low speed (bellow M.45). Turning Climb Focused on vs. F-4D the figure bellow indicates the speed domain where the get a climb faster than the F-4D in performing a constant speed 2G turn. climb faster in the trans and supersonic domain (M.9-1.55 / 36-6Kts), and bellow 24Kts. In between, where quite all air combat occurs, the F-4D climbs faster. bellow, a 619ft bellow and a 765ft bellow if they try to follow it. The F-4D 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. 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= 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=, go horizontal along time up the cross the (a) curve, go vertical to read corresponding time. 25 2 Distance covered at 3, ft, start at Mach.5 / IAS 185 Kts time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 15 5 1 1 15 5 2 25 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 55 6 65 7 75 8 CAS (Kts) 3 35 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 M.75, at lower speed, and MF climb faster, F-4D get the advantage at higher speed, up to M.9. If we focus on best climb rate for speed lower than M.9 (35Kts IAS), we can summarize situation in the following table: Climb rate (ft/s) 138 Height loss (ft) 98 1,6 114 619 18 765 That means that, when an F-4D realize a quarter of turn at M.86 (in approximately 25s), a remains 1,6ft 4 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Distance covered at 3, ft, start at Mach.9/ IAS 35 Kts Focused on vs F-4D, the figures above can be analyzed as follows: The question is to determine in which case the has a reasonable chance to rejoin a F-4D if its try to evade in just accelerating. When both planes start at M.5 (185Kts), can rejoin the F-4D in being 7s late, at 185Kts/M.5 the Mig- 21MF can sustain 4.77 d/s, so if the Mig-21 has an aspect angle of less than 33 degrees on its target, it will rejoin it in less than 3 minutes. time (s) Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 11

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 When both planes start at M.9 (35Kts), can rejoin the F-4D in being 1s late, at 35Kts/M.9 the Mig- 21MF can sustain 5.24 d/s, so if the Mig-21 has an aspect angle of less than 52 degrees on its target, it will rejoin it in less than 3 minutes. The distance covered in 3 minutes at 3,ft, all planes starting at mach.5 (185Kts IAS) is described in fig 3.7. The same distance when all planes start at M.9 (35Kts IAS) is described in fig 3.8. In general, the F-4D is equivalent to the (so no need to detail here) and slower than (as explained above) and much slower than the. The question is only to determine in which case the Mig- 21bis have a reasonable chance to rejoin a F-4D if its try to evade in just accelerating. When both planes start at M.5 (185Kts), can rejoin the F-4D in being 22s late, at 185Kts/M.5 the Mig- 21bis can sustain 4. d/s, so if the Mig-21 has an aspect angle of less than 88 degrees on its target, it will rejoin it in less than 3 minutes. When both planes start at M.9 (35Kts), can rejoin the F-4D in being 22s late, at 35Kts/M.9 the Mig- 21bis can sustain 5. d/s, so if the Mig-21 has an aspect angle of less than 11 degrees on its target, it will rejoin it in less than 3 minutes. Straight forward acceleration can be an acceptable defensive maneuver for a F-4D in front of a, it can be used in facing a if it does not come from rear sector (3 or 5 degrees depending on speed), it can be used facing a only if it comes from front sector (+/- 9 degres) Conclusion In facing a Mig-21 at 3,ft, the F-4D 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 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 be successful but not efficient if facing a, and straight forward acceleration is only possible against old or if the aspect angle is head-on. It is clear that a F-4D is not in a good position at 3,ft when facing any kind of Mig-21. On the other side, a can take advantage at the merge, or in turn fight, especially if speed goes lower than M.7, but it will not be able to force its opponent to the fight if the F-4D decides to evade. The has a better offensive advantage than the and can also force the F-4D to the fight, except in head-on merge, or if the F-4D decides to climb, especially in high-speed-turn. The have a smaller offensive turning advantage than lighter and MF, but this can be balanced by the ability to more easily force the F-4D to the fight (up to 3-9 o clock crossing), the only possibility to evade being to perform a high-speed-turn-climb. All Mig-21 can use their low speed turning capabilities as a defensive tactics; F-4D will not be able to follow them. If we try to graphically represent the main seven values: - Average turn rate during quickest half turn - Maximum Sustained Turn rate - 1ft / Minimum Sustained Turn Radius - Maximum Level flight Climb Rate (Mach <.9) - Maximum Turning Climb Rate (Mach <.9) - Distance Covered in 3 from Mach.5 - Distance Covered in 3 from Mach.9 In normalizing them (in percentage of the best value), we get the following diagram: Max Distance in 3' from M.9 Max Distance in 3' from M.5 Max level flight climb rate Max Sustained turn rate 1% 75% 5% 25% % Average turn rate in quickest half turn Max Turning climb rate 1 ft / Min sustained turn radius F. Conclusion If we want to compare F-4D and Mig-21 there are few generalities: the F-4D is not efficient at high altitude (3,ft or higher) or at low speed (less than 35Kts IAS). To go deeper we need to clearly separate and M from. The F-4D and can be considered as equivalent at medium altitude (15,ft), the F-4D having much more a boom & zoom profile (climb, acceleration, high speed turn), when having a more classical dogfighter profile: low radius, low speed turn. At low altitude (5,ft), F-4D is clearly superior to Mig- 21MF (except at very low speed). The succeed in closing the gap between F-4D and : Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 12

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 - Opus 1 The 21-bis is less efficient at high altitude than older and lighter MF and M, but is still better that the F-4D. At medium altitude, it rebalance between turn and climb/acceleration performance, but remain globally equivalent to the F-4D and give back to the Mig-21 the capability to refuse the fight. At low altitude, it give back to Mig-21 performances equivalent to the F-4D, both planes should be considered as very close to each other in close air combat at this altitude. Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 13

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 G. Appendix and Figures 1, AC1 Path t = 16.2s mach =.56 Ng = 3. t = 13.2s mach =.52 Ng = 4. t = 15s mach =.57 Ng = 3.15 t = 12s mach =.62 Ng = 3.63 AC2 Path 1 shoot 2 2 shoot 1 AC1-5 s 5, t = 12s mach =.56 Ng = 4.44 t = 9s mach =.66 Ng = 5.94 t = 9s mach =.68 Ng = 4.39 F-4D AC2-5s t = 6s mach =.8 Ng = 6. t = 6s mach =.78 Ng = 5.64 t = s mach =.87 Ng = 6. t = s mach =.99 Ng = 6.6 t = 3s mach =.84 Ng = 6. t = 3s mach =.92 Ng = 6.94-5, 5, 1, Fig 1.1 F-4D and max lift quickest half turn at 15,ft AC1 Path 5, t = 16.2s mach =.56 Ng = 3. t = 14.4s mach =.68 Ng = 4.64 t = 15s mach =.57 Ng = 3.15 t = 12s mach =.7 Ng = 5.2 t = 9s mach =.75 Ng = 5.67 t = 12s mach =.62 Ng = 3.63 t = 9s mach =.68 Ng = 4.39 F-4D AC2 Path 1 shoot 2 2 shoot 1 AC1-5 s AC2-5s t = 6s mach =.8 Ng = 6. t = 6s mach =.78 Ng = 5.64 t = s mach =.87 Ng = 6. t = s mach =.99 Ng = 6.6 t = 3s mach =.84 Ng = 6. t = 3s mach =.92 Ng = 6.94-5, 5, Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 14

Climb Rate (ft /s) Sustained Turn Radius (ft) Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 1. 9. 8. Fig 1.2 F-4D and AoA < 28 quickest half turn at 15,ft 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1....5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 1.3. F-4D and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Rate at 15,ft 2, 18, 16, 14, 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2,..5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 1.4. F-4D and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Radius at 15,ft 45 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5..5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 1.5. F-4D and Mig-21 Constant Speed Climb Rate at 15,ft Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 15

Distance (Nm) Distance (Nm) Climb Rate (ft /s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 3 25 2 15 1 5..5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 1.6. F-4D and Mig-21 Constant Speed and 3G Load turn Climb, Rate at 15,ft Distance covered at 15, ft, start at Mach.5 / IAS 25 Kts time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 5 1 Fig 1.7. F-4D and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3, from mach.5 at 15,ft Distance covered at 15, ft, start at Mach.9/ IAS 465 Kts time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 Fig 1.8. F-4D and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3, from mach.9 at 15,ft Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 16

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 8, AC1 Path AC2 Path t = 11.8s mach =.44 Ng = 3.84 t = 1s mach =.56 Ng = 5.97 t = 8s mach =.76 Ng = 7.88 1 shoot 2 2 shoot 1 AC1-5s 4, t = 1s mach =.45 Ng = 4.63 t = 8s mach =.53 Ng = 6. t = 6s mach =.63 Ng = 8. F-4D t = 6s mach =.82 Ng = 7.53 AC2-5s -4, t = s mach =.8 Ng = 8. t = s mach =.89 Ng = 7.17 t = 2s mach =.76 Ng = 8. t = 4s mach =.71 Ng = 8. t = 2s mach =.87 Ng = 7.27 t = 4s mach =.85 Ng = 7.37 8, Fig 2.1 F-4D and max lift quickest half turn at 5,ft AC1 Path AC2 Path t = 11s mach =.61 Ng = 5.39 t = 11.8s mach =.44 Ng = 3.84 t = 1s mach =.56 Ng = 5.97 t = 8s mach =.76 Ng = 7.88 1 shoot 2 2 shoot 1 AC1-5s 4, t = 1s mach =.62 Ng = 5.58 t = 8s mach =.64 Ng = 6.8 F-4D AC2-5 s t = 6s mach =.68 Ng = 6.72 t = 6s mach =.82 Ng = 7.53-4, t = s mach =.8 Ng = 8. t = s mach =.89 Ng = 7.17 t = 2s mach =.76 Ng = 8. t = 4s mach =.71 Ng = 7.6 t = 2s mach =.87 Ng = 7.27 t = 4s mach =.85 Ng = 7.37 Fig 2.2 F-4D and AoA < 28 quickest half turn at 5,ft Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 17

Climb Rate (ft /s) Sustained Turn Radius (ft) Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 14. 12. 1. 8. 6. 4. 2....5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 2.3. F-4D and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Rate at 5,ft 1, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,..5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 2.4. F-4D and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Radius at 5,ft 7 6 5 4 3 2 1..5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 2.5. F-4D and Mig-21 Constant Speed Climb Rate at 5,ft Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 18

Distance (Nm) Distance (Nm) Climb Rate (ft /s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5..5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 2.6. F-4D and Mig-21 Constant Speed and 4G Load turn Climb, Rate at 5,ft Distance covered at 5, ft, start at Mach.5 / IAS 35 Kts time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 5 1 Fig 2.7. F-4D and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3, from mach.5 at 5,ft Distance covered at 5, ft, start at Mach.9/ IAS 55 Kts time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 15 2 25 3 35 4 45 Fig 2.8. F-4D and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3, from mach.9 at 5,ft Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 19

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 2, AC1 Path AC2 Path 1, t = 32s mach =.67 Ng = 2.1 t = 22.6s mach =.47 Ng = 1.83 t = 3s mach =.67 Ng = 2.4 t = 25s mach =.69 Ng = 2.13 t = 2s mach =.71 Ng = 2.25 F-4D 1 shoot 2 2 shoot 1 AC1-5s AC2-5s t = 2s mach =.5 Ng = 2. t = 15s mach =.74 Ng = 2.41 t = s mach =.9 Ng = 5.31 t = s mach =.9 Ng = 3.8 t = 15s mach =.56 Ng = 2.41 t = 5s mach =.75 Ng = 3.87 t = 1s mach =.65 Ng = 3.3 t = 5s mach =.81 Ng = 2.96 t = 1s mach =.77 Ng = 2.63-1, 1, 2, Fig 3.1 F-4D and max lift quickest half turn at 3,ft AC1 Path AC2 Path 1, t = 32s mach =.67 Ng = 2.1 t = 24.4s mach =.7 Ng = 2.65 t = 3s mach =.67 Ng = 2.4 t = 2s mach =.72 Ng = 2.79 t = 25s mach =.69 Ng = 2.13 t = 2s mach =.71 Ng = 2.25 F-4D 1 shoot 2 2 shoot 1 AC1-5s AC2-5s t = 15s mach =.75 Ng = 3.1 t = 15s mach =.74 Ng = 2.41 t = s mach =.9 Ng = 4.41 t = s mach =.9 Ng = 3.8 t = 5s mach =.67 Ng = 3.78 t = 1s mach =.78 Ng = 3.34 t = 5s mach =.81 Ng = 2.96-1, 1, Fig 3.2 F-4D and AoA < 28 quickest half turn at 3,ft t = 1s mach =.77 Ng = 2.63 Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 2

Climb Rate (ft /s) Sustained Turn Radius (ft) Sustained Turn Rate (d/s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1....5 1. 1.5 2. 3, 25, Fig 3.3. F-4D and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Rate at 3,ft 2, 15, 1, 5,..5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 3.4. F-4D and Mig-21 Sustained Turn Radius at 3,ft 35 3 25 2 15 1 5..5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 3.5. F-4D and Mig-21 Constant Speed Climb Rate at 3,ft Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 21

Distance (Nm) Distance (Nm) Climb Rate (ft /s) Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 25 2 15 1 5..5 1. 1.5 2. Fig 3.6. F-4D and Mig-21 Constant Speed and 2G Load turn Climb, Rate at 3,ft Distance covered at 3, ft, start at Mach.5 / IAS 185 Kts time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 5 1 15 Fig 3.7. F-4D and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3, from mach.5 at 3,ft Distance covered at 3, ft, start at Mach.9/ IAS 35 Kts time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 2 25 3 35 4 45 5 Fig 3.8. F-4D and Mig-21 Distance covered in 3, from mach.9 at 3,ft Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 22

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 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-, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-, 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, 15 th 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. - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-F-4D-blk37, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-F-4E-blk31, by J.M. LANGERON - NATOPS_FLIGHT_MANUAL-F-4E-blk46-TO-556, by J.M. LANGERON Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 23

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 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 combat configuration.... 1 combat configuration.... 2 combat configuration.... 2 combat configuration.... 2 C. Medium Level combat (15,ft).... 2 Turning performances.... 2 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,ft).... 6 Turning performances.... 6 Quickest half turn... 6 Maximum Sustained Turn Rate... 6 Minimum Sustained Turn Radius... 7 Climbing performances.... 7 Non turning climb.... 7 Turning Climb.... 7 Acceleration performances.... 8 Conclusion.... 8 E. High Level combat (3,ft).... 9 Turning performances.... 9 Quickest half turn... 9 Maximum Sustained Turn Rate... 1 Minimum Sustained Turn Radius... 1 Climbing performances.... 1 Non turning climb.... 1 Turning Climb.... 11 Acceleration performances.... 11 Conclusion.... 12 F. Conclusion.... 12 Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 24

Compared Air Combat Performances Mig-21 versus F-4 Opus 1 G. Appendix and Figures.... 14 H. Bibliography.... 23 Thursday, March 7, 213 Page - 25