The MiG-27D was a dedicated nuclear strike derivative that was kept on stand-by to guard against any perceived nuclear air attack (the Americans had developed their long-range, swing-wing, nuclear-capable General Dynamics FB-111 Aardvark bomber by then). These Floggers were fitted with the RSBN-6S nav-attack system for the particular job at hand. Production began in 1973 and lasted until 1977 to which some 560 total examples were produced.
The MiG-27 and the MiG-27D fell under the NATO "Flogger-D" codename.
The MiG-27M was an upgrade to the Flogger-D production line. The electro-optical and radio-frequency heads of the original models were removed and the laser rangefinder window in the nose was enlarged. The type originally retained the GSh-6-23M Gatling gun but later gave way to a more powerful GSh-6-30 Gatling gun of 30mm caliber. The Electronic CounterMeasures (ECM) suite was upgraded to counter new ground-based threats and a new PrNK-23K navigation/attack system was introduced. The new suite enabled greater automation to cut down on pilot responsibility and fatigue. These new upgrades only netted a production total of 150 aircraft, with construction taking place from 1978 to 1983. Sri Lanka became a client of this Flogger type by way of Ukraine and put them into action against Tamil Tiger elements.
The MiG-27K became the final Soviet/Russian production ground attack Flogger. It incorporated an onboard Fone-brand laser designator and could now be used in conjunction with new TV-guided ordnance. The nav-attack system revolved around the PrNK-23K. Like the MiG-27M before it, the MiG-27K also upgraded its early 23mm Gatling gun with the more powerful and potent 30mm system and the weapons suite as a whole was revised and customized for easier weapons selection and delivery. This new Flogger allowed for actions in day-or-night and in bad weather, proving an accurate bombing platform as a result. The Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and its applicable Electronic CounterMeasures suite were enhanced to auto-respond to incoming threats. Some 200 K-models were ultimately produced. The Fone laser rangefinder eventually gave way a newer Klen-brand system.
The MiG-27K was powered by a single Khatchaturov R-29-300 afterburning turbojet engine developing up to 18,300lbf on standard thrust and up to 27,600lbf with afterburner. Top speed was listed at approximately Mach 1.77 at 26,000 feet altitude. Ferry range was limited to 1,550 miles while the service ceiling was restricted to 45,900 feet. Rate-of-climb was 39,400 feet-per-minute.
The MiG-27 was developed into an export model by way of the MiG-27L. India was the major customer to which Mikoyan and the Soviet government sent the aircraft in parts to the South Asian nation for indigenous production. The MiG-27L was based on the MiG-27M and differed only in a revised Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) housing under the nose. HAL of India handled construction of some 130 total examples.
India was also the recipient of an indigenous upgrade program that produced the improved MiG-27H in 1988. MiG-27Ls were used in the upgrade program and fitted with French-based avionics. The aircraft sported a lighter operating weight and included a revised cockpit introducing twin MFDs (Multi-Function Displays), GPS navigation and a new HUD (Heads-Up Display) among other modern additions. There was also an optional French-based Agave or Russian-based Komar radar system to be housed in the nose radome for improved air-to-air and anti-ship capability as needed. The upgrade program covered some 140 to 180 aircraft.
The NATO codenames of "Flogger-J" encompassed the MiG-27M, MiG-27L and MiG-27H. The MiG-27K took on the similar NATO codename of "Flogger-J2". All Flogger-Js have the identifiable bullet fairing on the wing glove as well as wing leading edge extensions. Their ILS antenna have been moved from the nose to the port side of the forward fuselage.
Conclusion
Despite the success of the original MiG-23 interceptor model, the MiG-27 did not see similar results through overseas sales. Only some 1,075 MiG-27s made it into circulation with production running from 1970 to 1986. The MiG-27 saw its first combat in actions over Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion in the 1980s. Deployment was at regiment strength to Shindand and consisted of the MiG-27D mark. The aircraft was called to actions against the American-backed Mujahedeen rebels.
As of this writing, current operators of the MiG-27 Flogger series remain Cuba, Iran, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka. Former operators were India (retired in 2008 with the Indian Air Force), Ukraine and the Soviet Union/Russia. Russia still maintains a bevy of Floggers in storage and reserve though the last were retired from operational status in the 1990s.
Due to its redesigned nose over that of the MiG-23 interceptor, pilots affectionately referred to their MiG-27s as "Platypus".
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