MiG 27 - Flogger

MiG 27 - Bahadur

The Mikoyan MiG-27 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-27; NATO : Flogger-D/J) is a variable-geometry ground-attack aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union and later licence-produced in Bharat (India) by Hindustan Aeronautics as the Bahadur ("Valiant"). It is based on the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 fighter aircraft, but optimised for air-to-ground attack. Unlike the MiG-23, the MiG-27 did not have widespread use outside Russia, as most countries opted for the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23BN and Sukhoi Su-22 "Frogfoot" instead. It remains in service only with the Kazakh Air Forces in the ground attack role. All Russian, Indian and Ukrainian MiG-27s have been retired.  

The MiG-27 designation was used by the Mikoyan-Gurevich firm some time before, this occurring while trying to fulfill another Soviet requirement for a dedicated low-level close-support aircraft. While this aircraft went on to become the Sukhoi Su-25 "Frogfoot", the MiG-27 designation resurfaced again in the dedicated ground-attack version of the MiG-23 interceptor. The MiG-27 retained the same NATO codename of "Flogger" as the MiG-23.

Development

Development of the Flogger fighter always included provision for making it a dedicated strike version. The original MiG-23 was an interceptor at heart, built on straight-line speed and designed to engage in air-to-air combat with ground strike as a secondary (albeit limited) role. The MiG-23 entered service in the early 1970s and replaced the aging MiG-21 "Fishbeds" in their air defense roles. The MiG-21, while fast and capable, suffered from having short range and a limited ordnance capability. The arrival of the MiG-23 remedied that.

Though the MiG-23 was converted into a modified fighter-bomber version, it still retained much of its "fighter" origins. However, the aircraft was cheap to produce, robust, reliable and - with some modifications - could be made adapted into a more dedicated role. The result was the MiG-23BM "Experimental" which ultimately became the MiG-27 "Flogger".

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 130 ground attack fighters.

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.  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.  

This fighter got decommissioned on December 31st 2019.

IAF's "lethal" fighter aircraft Mig 27, which proved to be "ace attacker" during the 1999 Kargil war and earned nickname of 'Bahadur' from pilots, passed into the glorious history of country's air force on Dec 31st 2019 when their last squadron of seven planes had its last sortie from Jodhpur airbase.
The fleet also took an active part in Op-Parakram.

This was the only squadron left now known as Scorpion 29 comprising seven upgraded MiG 27 at Jodhpur Air Base. This will be the end of an era of swept wing ground attack fighters in the world.
The No. 29 Squadron, known as the ‘Scorpios’, will be ‘numberplated’ (placed in suspension) until it can be re-operationalised with new aircraft and manpower.

The Last Flight

As a matter or remembering the MiG 27 Flogger, a watch has been created. The watch is inspired by the swing wing of the MiG 27. Its a limited edition watch that were made only in 25 numbers. 

MiG 27 Flogger Design

Aircraft Design for Dial

Proposed Dial

Case Back Design - (Smallest Swept Angle for Greater Speed)

Patch for MiG 27 - Flogger

Squadron of 25 MiG 27 (Case Back)

The case back was lazer etched using the MiG 27 art work and also numbered. 

The arrow was inspired by the IR sensor on the aircraft nose and antenna. The Crown is based on the duck billed/ platypus nose. 

The Bahadur

Lume Shot

Something for this great nation Bharat.

उत्तरं यत्समुद्रस्य हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षिणम् ।

वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र संततिः ।।

The greatest lesson on nationalism was taught by Sir Rama to Lakshmana after the war with Ravana 

अपि स्वर्णमयी लङका न मे लक्ष्मण रोचते ।
जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी ॥
Api swarnamayi lanka na me Lakshman rochate
janani janmabhoomishch swargaadapi gasriyasi

Sri Rama says to Lakshmana ,” Even though this Lanka is made of gold, still it does not appeal to me. The Mother who gave birth to me and my motherland are more respected and at a higher level than heaven itself.”