Aerospace

How many MiG-21 jets are there in the IAF ? when will it be phased out

Here is details about how many MiG 21 fighters have crashed since they were first used by the Indian Air Force.

The fighter plane MiG 21 of the Indian Air Force crashed in Rajasthan, India, yesterday. There are no rumors building up or questions being directed at the Indian Air Force regarding the continued use of such aircraft in the air force despite their poor safety record and history of mishaps.

Is the MiG-21 a good plane?

The MiG-21 has been used by about 60 nations on four continents, and six decades after its debut flight, it is still in widespread use in many countries. The MiG 21 was created in the Soviet Union by Mikoyan Gurevich. It made its initial flight on June 16, 1955, and was later released as the MiG 21F for military use. As of right present, the Soviet, Indian, Croatian, and Romanian Air Forces are the four defenses operating this fighter plane. According to the source, 11,496 of this aircraft were built between 1959 and 1989, when it went out of production.

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon have since surpassed it, making it the most-produced supersonic jet aircraft in aviation history, the most-produced combat aircraft since the Korean War, and the combat aircraft with the longest manufacturing run.

How many MiG-21 are there in Indian Air Force?

India is the country that uses the MiG 21 fighter the most. As opposed to the western fighter jets, India purchased the MIG 21 in 1961. The Soviet Union provided Indian technology and the right to assemble aircraft locally as part of the agreement.

More than 1200 MiG fighters have been introduced to the Indian military since 1963. India currently has 113 fighter aircraft in service. However, the aircraft has experienced numerous safety issues.

Why The Fighter Plane is Called ‘Flying coffins’?

Due to repeated crashes, this plane was also known as the widow maker and the flying coffins. The aircraft’s safety record was poor.

The fighter jet has earned the nickname “flying coffin” as a result of its frequent crashes. Due to the accidents, it is also referred to as the “widow-maker.” The aeroplane has recently had an extremely bad safety record.

This fighter plane has claimed the lives of more than 180 Indian pilots and 50 civilians since 1970. In the past 60 years, the Indian Air Force has lost around 400 MiG-21 aircraft in crashes.

What is the main contributor to MiG 21 fighter plane crashes ?

Older design components and compatibility have serious problems, and this plane’s engine design is also a significant problem. Even a small bird can cause an engine surge or seizure and flame out when the engine is in afterburner because it works so closely to its surge line. Predictive maintenance is difficult because the aircraft is almost 35 years old and is an old one.

What will happen to the MiG-21 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force?

The choice has been made by the Indian Defense department. The Indian Air Force (IAF) chose to retire one more squadron of the MiG-21 Bison aircraft by September 30 and the whole fleet by 2025 after the IAF fighter plane disaster claimed the lives of two pilots. The investigation into the accident’s cause was mandated by the court of inquiry.

The indigenous fighter jet Tejas aircraft was intended to replace the MiG 21 in a phase-out plan by the Defense Department. Thus, a plan will be put into action as soon as the aircraft are introduced to the squadron; by 2025, nearly all MiG 21 fighter jets will have been phased out of service. The IAF is also preparing a new fleet for the future, complete with upgraded features and armaments.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.