MiG-27K "Flogger" 61912507006Photographed at the Newark Air Museum on 17 March 2010.
The MiG-27 shares the basic airframe of the MiG-23 (see
picture #12431), but with a revised nose — nicknamed “Utkonos” (“Platypus”) in Russian service, first introduced on the MiG-23B — stronger undercarriage, simpler intakes and a shorter exhaust nozzle, without radar in favor of a downward-sloping profile for improved pilot visibility, a laser rangefinder and marked-target seeker. Among the test pilots it was also called “Balkon” (“Balcony”) because of the increased frontal view from the cockpit. Additional cockpit armour was installed, along with a totally new nav/attack system. Because the MiG-27 is intended to fly most of its missions at low altitude, the MiG-23's variable intake ramps and exhaust nozzles were deleted in favor of a simpler, fixed configuration, reducing weight and maintenance requirements. The aircraft also has larger, heavy-duty landing gear to facilitate operation from poorer-quality airfields.
Picture added on 01 April 2011 at 10:20
