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“Mig 21” is one of the legendary fighter planes that still attracts a lot of attention when it appears in the sky.
The prototype took off for the first time in the mid-fifties of the last century. Since then, many have fallen in love with the “balalaika”, as it is often called for its similar appearance to a Russian instrument.
The music of “balalaika” intoxicated many from the beginning. If you install one of the most famous games on mobile phones that simulates air battles “Air Combat”, start with “Moment 21” (NATO Fishbed rating).
Why? This “veteran” has been used in numerous conflicts throughout history and is very popular with aviation enthusiasts.
The plane was very easy to maintain. The Egyptians are, for example, in the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, they armed and resupplied their “21 moments” in just seven minutes.
He is living great moments during the Vietnam War, when he proved to be a very dangerous opponent of the American “ghosts” F-4.
Perhaps the most recent example of the use of “MiG-21” was in the conflict in Syria, although Syrian aircraft were supported by more modern Russian aircraft.
Still in use today
And while the start, as in many stories, was great, its designers probably had no idea that “MiG 21” engines would thunder even today, and in active use in some air forces.
He was licensed in Czechoslovakia, India and China. It is estimated that in total, in all variants, more than 10,000 copies of the “MiG 21” were made, making it the most produced fighter plane in the world after World War II.
It also holds a record in terms of length of serial production, from 1959 to 1985. It was used in more than 50 countries and sent many contemporaries into retirement.
According to the Museum of Aviation, the “Mig 21” aircraft set 24 world records.
“Mig 21” is a second generation fighter plane. There are many versions of this aircraft, so the technical characteristics also vary.
It came to Yugoslavia in the early 1960s.
Yugoslavia has been a user of these aircraft for a long time. The first “Migs 21” were introduced into the armament of the Yugoslav Air Force in 1962 (the first of a total of 41 “Mig 21F-13” aircraft entered the registry on September 14).
Over time, more modern variants have been introduced, and the “Mig 21” has long been the backbone of the national air force (216 aircraft in various variants were introduced in operational use).
Today, in front of the Aviation Museum in Surčin, a reconnaissance variant can be seen: a single-seater “Mig 21R”. In addition, a “Miga 21” model was placed at the entrance to the Batajnica military airport.
According to data from the Serbian army website, today he is armed with “mig 21BIS” and “mig 21UM”. Another variant is a two-seater, intended for training.
However, those planes don’t fly and not much is known about them. The Air Force is known to have used only three two-seater aircraft since 2015, one of which was completely decommissioned.
But they stopped flying too soon, until this year, when the media reported that the “two-humped camel” (so popularly called the two-seater version) was flying again.
What did Serbia use the two-seater “Mig 21” for?
It is the youngest model with the registration number 16185. Exactly that number was seen on the tail of the plane that was crashed in the town of Brasini.
After the review, the plane was supposed to fly in 2026. According to the announcement by the Ministry of Defense, the plane was inspected in accordance with all procedures before take-off, and it was indicated that it was correct and ready for flight. The investigation will determine the cause of the accident and, sadly, both pilots were killed.
It is important to note that the “Mig 21” is a second generation aircraft, and that it is outdated compared to modern combat aircraft (the care of the Serbian sky today is handled by the twin-engine “Mig 29” aircraft that have been repaired and whose resources have been expanded).
However, the two-seater is suitable for pilot training, especially as a step towards “moment 29”. Additionally, in some scenarios, they could simulate an opponent in air combat exercises.
What do we know about the accident today?
A commission has been formed to investigate the causes of the crash of the Serbian army “Mig 21” plane in the Brasine village area. What can be reliably known by now?
– The plane crashed at 9.10. The locals testify that at one point it flew very low and “struggled” and turned.
– Both pilots died: Major Dejan Krsnik and Captain 1st Class Zvonko Vasiljevic of the 101st Fighter and Aviation Squadron of the 204th Airlift Brigade of the Serbian Air Force.
– “Mig 21” was running a regular flight task.
– Before taking off, it was inspected and indicated that it was correct and ready for flight, announced the Ministry of Defense.
– A resident whose plane crashed in the courtyard was also injured.
