The latest image from RAZBAM’s DCS: MiG-23 project is out and it’s our best look yet at their swing wing Soviet interceptor. The latest modeling we’ve seen from them have shown off an impressively detailed set of landing gear and now this look at a good chunk of the model.
Simmering excitement
There’s a background simmer of excitement for this module as near as I can tell around the community. Although the MiG-19 from the same team within RAZBAM did a pretty good job with that module in the end, I think expectations are higher here with the MiG-23 and it also has a much more contemporary capability set that matches better with the more modern types in the sim.
So this latest image, posted to their Twitter, Facebook and Discord channels shows off this module as it slowly comes together.
This image also confirms a debate that has raged on if the type would ultimately be the MiG-23MLA as previously indicated or if there were hints that RAZBAM would be doing the slightly more advanced MiG-23MLD version. The MLA was widely exported while the MLD was not shared nearly as much.
Stretching back to March of 2019 we’ve seen detailed mesh images of the MiG-23 including some very detailed cockpit and exterior model images. Can’t wait to see textures on this aircraft.
Stormbirds 
Oh man, that’s coming together nicely. I cant wait to add this monster to my stable.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It looks good!
LikeLike
Sooooo… which version are they producing?
LikeLike
The MLA version. There were rumours of the MLD but this shape confirms that it’s an MLA.
LikeLike
I want both versions 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a small chance. One export recipient got MLA airframes with MLD avionics. Could RAZBAM build those in? May depend on research data.
LikeLike
That will be fun on the Syria map.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah it would be. That map has quite a bit of usefulness baked in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The MLD has additional sawtooth shapes added to the leading edge wing extension in addition to the teeth already present on the swing wing roots. It also features strakes on top of the fuselage that work with the additional sawtooth features to generate vortices that greatly improve control at high angles of attack. Consequently, the MLD is significantly better at dogfighting. The MLA will struggle against late gen 3 opponents, much less gen 4. It is similar in performance to the Viggen, but with less induced drag and without the high aoa engine surge issue. Compared to the mig-21, it sacrifices all close range ability for a better radar, 15nm ranged missiles, and better low speed control for easier landing.
LikeLike
It’s cool for simulating the Cuban mig-23mla of the Angolan conflict or a late 70s Soviet example for Cold War Europe, but not so great for anything Soviet post about 1980.
LikeLike
Sadly there are no news about this module anymore, I hope for 2021 release but as far as I know RAZBAM’s priority is now Lightnig… 😥
LikeLike
It has definitely been a while since we’ve had much in the way of news on this.
This article I posted midway through last year. Did someone share it somewhere? I’m suddenly getting a lot of comments about it.
LikeLike