MiG-21UM, MiG-23UB (to flying status)

[jonboede]

The thought of doing an on-camera walk-around on the MiG-23 pretty much terrified me, so I went ahead and did it. I learned a lot (but seeing myself on "tv" still mortifies me). The guy who ran the camera is learning how to do that so hopefully when we do our next one it will be a lot better.

But, anyway, here's a 9 minute video on the Cold War Air Museum's MiG-23UB:

http://blog.cwam.org/2009/03/mig-23-tour.html

[Bloke]

Are you planning on flying this rocket sled? Who's doing the Seats?

[CrewDawg]

I have no idea what it was rated for but this is what we used on F-16's in Iraq, I think it was left over from the Iraqi AF. We always stayed clear in case it broke and the guy in the seat told us ahead of time which way he guessed he would turn if it broke loose while he was in full augmentor (it's not an AB on the -16)

[aseanaero]

I love the diamond shock waves.

Just make sure the shackle doesn't have made in China stamped on it

[jonboede]

First taxi of the Cold War Air Museum MiG-23UB was on Wednesday... off the taxiway into the mud. Recovered from that, ran it again on Saturday and shook the earth.

Need pyros for the ejection seats, afterburner test, lots of paperwork, and lots and LOTS of jet fuel!

Jon

[Fouga23]

Saw it on the blog. oops :p

[CAPFlyer]

Great news Jon! Can't wait to see the video of the 'burner run!

[jonboede]

Image from the test run.

[Ztex]

Exciting stuff!

Now...is the runway long enough??

[CAPFlyer]

From what Jon told me, for takeoff - yes. For landing - maybe, but probably not.

Thankfully, they're supposed to extend it (but I still haven't heard a "start work" date becuase they keep changing the "master plan").

My biggest question is, why no pictures of the smile on your face after the last engine run Jon? I looked at the blog and see nothing but the top of your head.

[CrewDawg]

Jon,
PM sent.

[jonboede]

A former Russian pilot who lives in the DFW area showed up the other day at the museum.

He has lots of experience in the MiG-23 and MiG-29 and hopes he can remember a few things to help with our MiG-23UB.

On that note, its likely we'll be starting our MiG-23UB and playing with it a little bit this Saturday the 23rd... probably around lunch time.

Jon

[Chris]

Hey Jon, The 23 looks great. Question. Do you have a source for metric hardware. I'm currently working on a MiG-15 and could really use some.

[jonboede]

Define "metric hardware"? We have lots and lots of sources for nearly almost everything... what are you looking for?

[Chris]

Castellated nuts, screws that hold the fairings on. The MiG21 has the same screws as the 15 but I dont know about the 23. Bolts of any size. If you have a good source I could give them some more business