Review and Editing of Unit Descriptions

[Parel803]

#1440 - A 301 Drakensberg (South Africa - 1988)

OVERVIEW: The Drakensberg is a Fleet Replenishment Ship also capable of small transport missions and disaster relief. There are 2 diesels and one shaft.

DETAILS: She is powered with two diesels and one shaft. She can hold 5500 tons of diesel, 210 tons fresh water, 100 tons dry provisions, 30 tons frozen food, 230 tons of containerized cargo or 1000 tons palletized and general cargo. One 20-ton and two 2-ton cranes. Three RAS positions, one each side and one astern. One VERTREP position.
Two hangars for 2 SA330H/J Oryx helicopters and two helo landing spots, one forward and one astern. The Boats are two RHIB's and two LCU's. Crew is 116 including aircrew, plus 22 berth for casulties.
Sensors are 2 navigation radars (I & E/F). Weapons are 4 Oerlikon 20mm GAM-BO1 and 8 12.7mm MG's.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 6096 tons (standard), 12701 tons (full)
Speed: 20 kts (max)
Engineering: 2 diesels; 16320 hp(m) and 1 shaft
Range: 8000 nm @ 15 kts
Complement: 116 crew and 22 casualty berths

NOTES: Had a refit in 2010

SOURCES: JFS15/16
"SA Navy exploring SAS Drakensberg replacement". defenceWeb. 25-03-2015. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence ... placement/
"SAS Drakensberg". wikpedia. 23-08-2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAS_Drakensberg

[CV60]

DRAFT description Soviet SPS-1. This is my first attempt at a sensor description for the database. There isn't much information on this systen. Any additional info would be appreciated:

OVERVIEW: The SPS-1 is a early airborne jammer.

DETAILS:
The SPS-1 was a first-generation jammer designed for group protection of strike aircraft formations, and intended for use against 1940's radar technology. The system was slow, taking up to three minutes to react to radar signals. Additionally, the system was incapable of effectively jamming multi-channel radars.

Specifications:

Power: 120 Watts


NOTES: IOC 1955.

SOURCES: Gordon, Yefim, Dmitriy Komissarov, and Vladimir Rigmant. Tupolev Tu-16: Versatile Cold War Bomber. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Military History, 2017. pg. 171, 188; Kopp, Dr C. "Soviet Maritime Reconnaissance, Targeting, Strike and Electronic Combat Aircraft." Air Power Australia. Accessed November 9, 2021. https://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Sov-ASuW.html.

[CV60]

DRAFT description of RPB-4 Rubin-1 SHORT HORN radar for comment:

OVERVIEW: The RPB-4 Rubin-1 SHORT HORN aka "RPB-4 Initsiyativa" radar is an airborne bombing/sea search radar, operating in the NATO J band.

DETAILS:
The SHORT HORN is likely a downsized version of the DOWN BEAT radar. It is frequency-agile and has both circular and sector scan.

Specifications:

Frequency: 14-15 Ghz (J-band (NATO); Ku-band (IEEE))
PRF: 313-316; 496-504; 624-626; 1249-53 pps
Pulse width: 1.0-1.8, 0.5-1.4, 0.4-1.3, 0.01-0.9 microseconds
Power: ?? Watts


NOTES: Used in Bear D, Badger G and Hormone A.

SOURCES: Gordon, Yefim, Dmitriy Komissarov, and Vladimir Rigmant. Tupolev Tu-16: Versatile Cold War Bomber. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Military History, 2017. pg. 171, 188; Kopp, Dr C. "Soviet Maritime Reconnaissance, Targeting, Strike and Electronic Combat Aircraft." Air Power Australia. Accessed November 9, 2021. https://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Sov-ASuW.html. ; Friedman, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems, 1997-1998. Annapolis, MD: Naval Inst Press, 1997., pg. 199.

[Parel803]

#3482 - Mk5 SOC (Bahrain - 2021)
#3481 - Mk5 SOC (Bahrain - 0)

OVERVIEW: The Special Operations Craft Mk V is a marine security, patrol, and special forces insertion boat with two MTU 12V396 TE94 engines

DETAILS: Powered by two 2285 HP MTU 12V396 TE94 with two KaMeWa K50S Waterjets. Fuel capacity is 9840 liters. They are Aluminium mono hull. The payload is 2950 kg and could hold 2 5-ton truck (M1083 or equivalent) or 4 5/4-ton truck (M1097 or equivalent). The possibility to load 4 CRRC (Combat Rubber Raiding Craft) and 6 outboard engines.
The Mk V SOC have 5 crew and can have 16 passengers. The sensors can be I-band nav radar and an EO sensor. Weapons differ in version but can be 4 mountings for 7.62 MG or 12.7 MG and 1 mounting for 40mm grenade launcher ans 3 Bushmaster 25mm. Improvements includes 7.62 mm Gatlin, twin 12.7 mm, 25 mm guns and stinger.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 57+ tons in operational configuration
Speed: 22-35 kts (cruise), 47-50+ kts (max)
Engineering:
Range: 500+ nm
Complement: 5 crew plus 16 passengers

NOTES: Transferred 2017 from US. Image showes launch of Scan Eagle UAV from Mk V SOC in US service.

SOURCES:"Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) - Modernization". GlobalSecurity. 31-10-2019. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military ... zation.htm;
"Mark V Special Operations Craft". GlobalSecurity. 07-07-2011. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military ... -specs.htm;
"Mark V Special Operations Craft". Wikipedia. 01-09-2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_V_Sp ... ions_Craft;
"File:MK V SOC launching ScanEagle.jpg". Wikimedia. 07-02-2008. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File ... nEagle.jpg

[ProdigyofMilitaryPride]

I'll give it a try here.

DB3000 #9547 D-102 Netzahualcóyotl (Navy), 1982

OVERVIEW: The Netzahualcóyotl is an ex-Gearing Class Destroyer used by the Mexican Navy. The former ship known as the USS Steinaker was sold to the Mexican Navy alongside her sister ship, the USS Vogelgesang (renamed the E-03 Quetzalcoatl by the Mexican Armed Forces). Retired in 2014.

DETAILS: This vessel is capable of ASW operations with its ASROC launchers, also possesses a helipad, it can act as an air radar picket a long-range air search radar and can shoot at short range surface threats with its 5in. .38-caliber guns. Primarily used in interdicting drug cartel operations and training Mexican Navy cadets.

Specifications:
Displacement: 3460 tons (Full)
Speed: 36.8 knots
Machinery: 4x Foster-Wheeler Boilers, 2x General Electric Turbines (Turbo/Electric)
Range: 5,200 miles at 20 knots
Helicopter: 1x Mi-2 or 1x Mi-8
Period of Service: 1982-2014
Complement: 250 (Main Crew) + 50 (Transport)
Armaments: RUR-5 ASROC Matchbox Launcher, 2x triple Mk. 32 torpedo tubes for Mk. 44 torpedoes, 2x 5-inch .38 caliber mounts, 12 x Bofors 40mm AA guns, 11 x Oerlikon 20mm AA guns
Dimensions: 48.22 feet (Beam), 390.5 feet (Overall Length), 14.3 ft (Draft)
Sensors: AN/SPS-29/37 (Air Search, 2D, VHF Band, 500 Mi Range, 20-Degree Beamwidth), SQS-23 Sonar, SPS-10 Surface Radar

SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gearing-class_destroyer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Steinaker
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARM_Netza ... tl_(D-102)
https://web.archive.org/web/20080617140 ... guerra.htm (In Spanish)
http://www.semar.gob.mx/galeria/buques/ ... lcoatl.htm (In Spanish)
https://www.usssteinaker.org/ships-history.html
http://destroyers.org/shipsstore/profil ... b-tall.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/SPS-29

Do let me know what you all think! Thanks.

[Parel803]

#1236 - 11 Mahamiru [Lerici] (Malaysia - 1988)

OVERVIEW: The Mahamiru class are minehunters and slightly longer than the Lerici class. Diesel electric machinery with two shafts.

DETAILS: The class is designed for minehunting but also often used for patrol duties. The hull is made of heavy (140mm) GRP (glass-reinforced plastic). Powered by 2 MTU 12V 396 TC 82 diesels with 2 Shafts, Kamewa cp (controllable-pitch) propellers. Three Fincatieri Isotta Franschini ID 36 SS 6V diesels. 2 Riva Calzoni hydrolic thrust jets. She features a Draeger Duocom decompression chamber. A folding crane to launch the two small RHIB's.
For minewarfare they have Thomson-CSF IBIS II minehunting system, 2 improved PAP-104 ROV's. Oropesa 'O' MIS-4 mechanical sweep. The sonar is a Thomson Sintra TSM 2022, high frequency. Radars are the KH-1007 and Thomson-CSF Tripartite both I-band navigation. For weapons there is one Bofors 40 mm/70 with a range of 6.8 nm, on the side of the gun mount are decoy or illumination rocket launchers.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 610 tons (full), 470 tons (standard)
Speed: 16 kts (max), 7 kts (minehunting)
Engineering: 2 MTU 12V 396 TC 82 diesels (passage) with 2605 hp sustained. 3 Fincantieri Isotta Fraschini ID 36 SS 6V diesels with 1481 hp.
Range: 2000 nm @ 12 kts, 1400 nm @ 12 kts. 4000 nm @ 12 kts with carrying fuel in passive anti-rolling tanks
Endurance: 14 days
Complement: 42 pax

NOTES: Two units updated in 2007 included the TSM 2022 Mk II sonar and ECA Olister mine disposel vehicles. The other two units are reported also to restore full minehunter capability. The ships were to be retired but reported to stay active and two are to be upgraded with the TSM 2022 Mk III.

SOURCES: JFS2004/2005; JFS2015/2016; MP-Feb2019;
"Lerici-class minehunter". Wikipedia. 06-10-2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lerici-class_minehunter;
"Malaysia Revamps Naval Fleet Modernisation ".jejakdefence. 29-01-2019. https://jejakdefence.blogspot.com/2019/ ... fleet.html;

best regards GJ

[Parel803]

#3321 - 111 Keris (Malaysia - 2020)

OVERVIEW: The Keris class are Littoral Mission Ships with two diesels. Used for Patrol, anti-terrorism, rescue and fishery activities

DETAILS: The Littoral Mission Ship Keris will be able to carry up to 3 standard ISO containers for mission modules including mine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and survey duties. First unit in class is fitted with two MTU-4000 diesel engines, 2 shafts and there are two fixed props.
There are two diesel engined boats which launch and recover from the stern while ship is moving, these boats can hold 10 pax each.
Her sensors are SR-47AG search radar, HEOS-100 and HEOS-300 FC radar. 2 Sperry Marine (VisionMaster FT250)navigation radars (1 for and 1 after mast), a Chinese ESM and EO system also fitted. The weapon fit is 1x 30mm H/PJ-17 gun remote control and 2x 12.7mm Browning M2HB MG's.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 780 tons (standard)
Speed: 23 kts (max)
Engineering: 2 MTU-4000
Range: 2000 nm @ 15 kts
Endurance: 15 days
Complement: 45 pax

NOTES:

"Royal Malaysian Navy’s first littoral mission ship (LMS) arrives Malaysia". NavalPost. 18-01-2020. https://navalpost.com/royal-malaysian-n ... -malaysia/;
"KERIS patrol ships ". navypedia. 2019. https://navypedia.org/ships/malaysia/mal_es_keris.htm;
"More Details on KD Keris". malaysiadefence. 20-01-2020. https://www.malaysiandefence.com/more-d ... -kd-keris/;
"Keris-class littoral mission ship". wikipedia. 25-10-2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keris-cla ... ssion_ship;

regards GJ

[CV60]

Sapfir-23ML radar for comment

OVERVIEW: The Sapfir-23ML aka HIGH LARK 2 aka "N003" radar is an airborne air-to-air fire-control radar operating in the NATO J band.

DETAILS:
The Sapfir-23ML aka HIGH LARK 2 is a lightened and improved Sapfir-23D-III. It features coherent pulse-Doppler detection, using a two-reflector Cassegrain antenna. It is capable of all-aspect engagement of targets above 5,000 feet. The N003E version of the radar is capable of searching for targets 20,000 feet above the radar.


Specifications:

Frequency: J-band (NATO)
PRF: 1Khz
Pulse width: 4 µsec(search), pulse width ~1 µsec(track)
Power: 40 KW (peak)
Scan Limits: 56 degrees azimuth, +56,-42 degrees elevation.
Range: 38/29nm search (bomber/fighter aircraft above radar)
28/19 nm tracking (bomber/fighter aircraft above radar)
13/10nm search (bomber/fighter aircraft above radar)
13/9 nm tracking (bomber/fighter aircraft below radar)


NOTES: Used in the MiG-23ML. Associated with the R-23T,R-3S,R-13M,R-60 missiles, and gunnery. Is capable of providing range information for bombing.

SOURCES: Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017, location 3497 (Kindel ed.) ; Jane's Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems, "Sapfir Series Radars," 19 October 2000;
"MiG Alley." Chicago Web Design Company - Professional Website Designers - Chicago, IL | Toad Web DesignChicago Web Design Company – Professional Website Designers – Chicago, IL | Toad Web Design | Web Design Company | WebSite Design Company | Professional Website Design | Wordpress Web Design. Accessed December 12, 2021. https://toad-design.com/migalley/index. ... aft/mig23/. ;"Modes - Soviet Aircraft Tech." Google Sites. Accessed December 12, 2021. https://sites.google.com/site/sovietair ... 003e/modes. ;"RP-23 Sapfir." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Last modified April 24, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RP-23_Sapfir.

[CV60]

MiG-23ML for community comment

OVERVIEW: The MiG-23ML Flogger G is a single engine, variable-geometry, supersonic 3rd generation fighter aircraft. It had a secondary mission of ground attack.

DETAILS: The Flogger was intended to replace the MiG-21, and featured improved landing and takeoff performance, range and weapons capability over its predecessor.

The Flogger G was designed to to be more reliable, maneuverable, and lighter than earlier Mig-23s. It achieved these goals by removing a fuel tank and improving aerodynamics, modernizing the avionics and flight control and up-rating the power plant. The Flogger G was equipped with the J-band (10-15 Ghz) Sapfir-23ML aka HIGH LARK 2 radar giving it an improved "look-down shoot-down" capability and maximum detection range of 38 nm against a bomber-sized target in "look up" mode, reduced to 9 nm for tracking against fighter aircraft in look-down mode.

The aircraft was powered by an R-35F-300 turbojet engine, producing 28,800 lb of thrust.

The MiG-23ML could maneuver up to 8.5 g below 0.85 mach, and 7.5 g above 0.85 mach. Unlike earlier Floggers, the SOUA system allowed the pilot to exploit this theoretical maneuverability.

The MiG-23 had excellent acceleration characteristics, particularly below 10,000 ft and could out-accelerate any American fighter, making it a good hit-and-run interceptor. The MiG-23's small profile made it hard to visually spot.

NOTES: IOC 1976 (approx.) The R-35F-300 initially was unreliable, suffering from blade failures and combustion chamber cracking. However, these issues were improved in late-production engines.



SOURCE: "MiG-23M." Airwar.Ru. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23m.html. ; Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017. ; Newdick, Thomas. "This Myth-Busting Walk-Around Of The Soviet MiG-23 Flogger Fighter Is A Must-Watch." The Drive. Last modified March 18, 2021. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3 ... must-watch. ; "MiG-23ML." Airwar.Ru.Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23ml.html ; Davies, Steve. Red Eagles: America’s Secret MiGs. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2008 pg. 167 ; "Mikoyan MIG-23." Weapons and Warfare. Last modified November 14, 2020. https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2020/11/2 ... an-mig-23/.

[Parel803]

#209 - 160 Musytari (Malaysia - 1986)

OVERVIEW: The Offshore Patrol Vessels of the Musytari class with two diesels and two shafts.

DETAILS: The Musytari class are ordered for extended patrol duties of the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) even in monsoon conditions. Two diesels are SEMT-Pielstick with 12720 hp and two shafts. No hanger but one helo spot for a medium-sized helicopter like the Sikorsky S-61A, AW139 or the Dauphin. Can have two small boats or RHIB's (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat). They have for sensors the DA-05 air/surface search radar, Decca TM1226 navigation radar and the philips 9LV 230 (J-band) Fire-Control radar & optronic system, also a DR-3000 for ESM. Weapons are Creuset-Loire 3.9inch(100mm)/55 Mk2 compact, 1 twin emerson 30mm/75 gun and Cutless ECM suite.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 1300 tons (full)
Speed: 22 kts (max)
Engineering: 2 SEMT-Pielstick diesels (12720 ph(m)) with 2 shafts
Range: 5000 nm @ 15 kts
Endurance:
Complement: 76 pax

NOTES: They had a modernization in 1994 and in 2000 for weapons and sensors. The class vessels are in 2006 transferred to the MMEA, Malaysian Coastguard. Now known as the Langkawi class.

SOURCES: JFS1989/1990; JFS2005/2005; "MUSYTARI offshore patrol vessels (1985-1987)". Navypedia. 2019. http://old-navypedia.org/ships/malaysia ... sytari.htm; "Musytari-class offshore patrol vessel". Wikipedia. 30-11-2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musytari- ... rol_vessel; "REGISTER OF RMN DECOMMISSIONED SHIPS Part 3 ". securemalaysia blogspot. 14-01-2009. http://securemalaysia.blogspot.com/2009 ... ships.html;

best regards GJ

[CV60]

DRAFT MiG-23P description for community comment:

OVERVIEW: The MiG-23P Flogger G is a single engine, variable-geometry, supersonic 3rd generation fighter aircraft, optimized for use as an air-defense interceptor.

DETAILS: The MiG-23P was designed to counter low-level bombers such as the F-111. While the airframe was largely based on the MiG-23ML, the avionics suite was improved. The MiG-23P was equipped with an improved Sapfir-23P I-band radar, giving it true "look-down shoot-down" capability. Unlike the MiG-23ML, the MiG-23P did not have an IRST. The SAU-23P autopilot included a new digital computer which, along with the Lasur-M datalink, enabled ground-controlled interception (GCI) ground stations to steer the aircraft towards the target.

The aircraft was powered by an R-35-300 turbojet engine, producing 28,660 lb of thrust.

The MiG-23P could maneuver up to 7.5 g. However, control issues at high AOA reduced the theoretical maneuverability of the MiG-23. Overall, the MiG-23 was a poor dogfighter. While its turning capability was comparable to an original F-4E Phantom, the F-15 or F-4E with slats could out-turn a MiG-23. Further, its low-speed dogfighting characteristics were poor. The MiG-23 had excellent acceleration characteristics, particularly below 10,000 ft and could out-accelerate any American fighter, making it a good hit-and-run interceptor. The MiG-23's small profile made it hard to visually spot.

NOTES: IOC 1978. The MiG-23P was low-cost, stopgap interceptor, replacing the Su-9/Su-11 and MiG-19P/PM.


SOURCE: "MiG-23M." Airwar.Ru. Accessed September 20, 2021. http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23m.html. ; Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017. ; Newdick, Thomas. "This Myth-Busting Walk-Around Of The Soviet MiG-23 Flogger Fighter Is A Must-Watch." The Drive. Last modified March 18, 2021. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3 ... must-watch. ; "MiG-23P." Airwar.Ru.Accessed September 20, 2021. http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23p.html ; Davies, Steve. Red Eagles: America’s Secret MiGs. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2008 pg. 167 ; "Mikoyan MIG-23." Weapons and Warfare. Last modified November 14, 2020. https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2020/11/2 ... an-mig-23/.

[Filitch]

the MiG-23P did not have an IRST.

It's a misconception. MiG-23P was equipped with TP-23M IRST. See photo.
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23p.html

[Blast33]

Sapfir-23P

The MiG-23P was equipped with an improved Sapfir-23P I-band radar, giving it true "look-down shoot-down" capability.

MiG-23P
("Flogger-G") This was a specialized air-defense interceptor variant developed for the PVO Strany as an interim low-cost stopgap, replacing the Su-9/Su-11 and MiG-19P/PM still in service. The MiG-23P (P - Perekhvatchik or interceptor) had the same airframe and powerplant as the MiG-23ML, but its avionics suite was improved to meet PVO requirements and mission profiles. Its radar was the improved Sapfir-23P (N006), which could be used in conjunction with the ASP-23P gunsight/HUD (later replaced with the improved ASP-23ML-P) for better look-down/shoot-down capabilities to counter increasing low-level threats like F-111s.[123]

The IRST however was removed.[124] The SAU-23P autopilot included a new digital computer which, operating in conjunction with the Lasur-M datalink, enabled ground-controlled interception (GCI) ground stations to steer the aircraft towards the target; in such an intercept, all the pilot had to do was control the engine and use the weapons. The MiG-23P was the most numerous PVO interceptor in the 1980s - around 500 manufactured between 1978 and 1981 - but was never exported.[124] It also endured after the break-up of the Soviet Union, with the last MiG-23P units operating until 1998. Interestingly, in mock BVR air combat the MiG-23P when flown by experienced pilots proved to be equal or even better than the Su-27.[123]
https://hmong.in.th/wiki/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-23

is also a nice site to remember for intro's.

[CV60]

ORIGINAL: Filitch

the MiG-23P did not have an IRST.

It's a misconception. MiG-23P was equipped with TP-23M IRST. See photo.
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23p.html

It's a misconception. MiG-23P was equipped with TP-23M IRST. See photo.
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23p.html

Flitch-That you very much for your input. I see what you are pointing at in the image, and I have to admit it looks like an IRST. Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017 mentions that externally the -23P was identical to the -23ML, except for some antenna. This would also be consistent with it having the IRST. I hesitate, since some otherwise reliable websites say it didn't have the IRST. Withat that said, I'm leaning towards your position, as that does clearly look like an IRST. Quick question: do you have access to anything in Russian that can confirm the absence of the IRST? If you do, then we should also put in a database correction.

ORIGINAL: Blast33

Sapfir-23P

The MiG-23P was equipped with an improved Sapfir-23P I-band radar, giving it true "look-down shoot-down" capability.

MiG-23P
("Flogger-G") This was a specialized air-defense interceptor variant developed for the PVO Strany as an interim low-cost stopgap, replacing the Su-9/Su-11 and MiG-19P/PM still in service. The MiG-23P (P - Perekhvatchik or interceptor) had the same airframe and powerplant .... which could be used in conjunction with the ASP-23P gunsight/HUD (later replaced with the improved ASP-23ML-P) for better look-down/shoot-down capabilities to counter increasing low-level threats like F-111s.[123]

The IRST however was removed.[124] The SAU-23P autopilot included a new digital computer which, operating in conjunction with the Lasur-M datalink, .....
https://hmong.in.th/wiki/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-23

is also a nice site to remember for intro's.

The issue of whether the Sapfir-23P gave true LD/SD is complex. Heck, I spent a couple of hours trying to determine whether it was I or J band. The Mladenov book cited above (Kindle location 3364) says it had LD/SD. However, this may be just loose use of the teminology, as he later (Kindle location 3500) acknowledges the Sapfir-23P/N006 was "a slightly improved LD/SD" over the N003, which was not a true LD/SD. Based on your comment and this further research, I'll go ahead and change the description to the wording you suggest. Thanks for your input!

[Filitch]

CV60

Quick question: do you have access to anything in Russian that can confirm the absence of the IRST? If you do, then we should also put in a database correction.

It's more like the opposite. The Russian-language sources available to me indicate that the MiG-23P retained a IRST. For example, Markovsky and Prikhodchenko in "MiG-23 Fighter In Defense of the Homeland's Skies." mention the IRST in the list of equipment of the aircraft.

https://books.google.ru/books?id=Llk6Dw ... &q&f=false

Another source also lists IRST in the equipment list: http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23p.html

[Filitch]

CV60
According radar N006 installed at MG-23P. Did you see this discussion: https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/thread ... -radar.25/ ?

[CV60]

ORIGINAL: Filitch

CV60
According radar N006 installed at MG-23P. Did you see this discussion: https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/thread ... -radar.25/ ?

Yes, that is a good discussion, and I used it in the write up about both the N003 and N006. I apprecaite you looking into it.

ORIGINAL: Filitch

CV60

Quick question: do you have access to anything in Russian that can confirm the absence of the IRST? If you do, then we should also put in a database correction.

It's more like the opposite. The Russian-language sources available to me indicate that the MiG-23P retained a IRST. For example, Markovsky and Prikhodchenko in "MiG-23 Fighter In Defense of the Homeland's Skies." mention the IRST in the list of equipment of the aircraft.

https://books.google.ru/books?id=Llk6Dw ... &q&f=false

Another source also lists IRST in the equipment list: http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23p.html

CV60
quote:

Quick question: do you have access to anything in Russian that can confirm the absence of the IRST? If you do, then we should also put in a database correction.

It's more like the opposite. The Russian-language sources available to me indicate that the MiG-23P retained a IRST. For example, Markovsky and Prikhodchenko in "MiG-23 Fighter In Defense of the Homeland's Skies." mention the IRST in the list of equipment of the aircraft.

https://books.google.ru/books?id=Llk6Dw ... &q&f=false

Another source also lists IRST in the equipment list: http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig23p.html

Thanks. That is exactly what I need. I'll go ahead and show the description file to include the -23P as having the IRST, and request a database change.

[Filitch]

Thank you.

[CV60]

And since we are on the topic of IRSTs, here are two proposed description files for MiG-23 IRSTs (TP-26 and TP-23M). Comments/Corrections/Additions are welcome:


OVERVIEW: The TP-23M IRST (Infrared Search and Track) is a passive airborne sensor that detects infrared radiation.

DETAILS:
The IRST provides a passive search capability for use in a high ECM environment. Additionally, when used with an IR missile, it allows for a surprise/no notice passive interception capability. However, the IRST is partially attenuated by atmospheric conditions. Also, it has a shorter range than radar, although its angular resolution is superior.



Specifications:

Frequency: Infrared
Range: 16.0 nm search at high altitude vs. bomber
12.4 nm search at high altitude vs. fighter



NOTES: Used in the MiG-23M.


SOURCES: Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017, location 3497 (Kindel ed.) location 3302-3316, 3584;

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OVERVIEW: The TP-26 IRST (Infrared Search and Track) is a passive airborne sensor that detects infrared radiation.

DETAILS:
The IRST provides a passive search capability for use in a high ECM environment. Additionally, when used with an IR missile, it allows for a surprise/no notice passive interception capability. However, the IRST is partially attenuated by atmospheric conditions. Also, it has a shorter range than radar, although its angular resolution is superior.


Specifications:

Frequency: Infrared
Range: 24.3 nm search at high altitude vs. bomber
13.5 nm search at high altitude vs. fighter, tail aspect, afterburner
8.0 nm search at high altitude vs. fighter, tail aspect, military power
5.4 nm search at low altitude vs. fighter, tail aspect, afterburner
Arc: 60 degrees azimuth, 15 degrees elevation, 6 degree/sec tracking



NOTES: Used in the MiG-23MLD and MiG-23P.


SOURCES: Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017, location 3497 (Kindel ed.) location 3302-3316, 3584;

[ProdigyofMilitaryPride]

Aircraft #3879 for DB3000 - AT-33 Shooting Star, Mexico (Mexican Air Force - 1977, 12x)

OVERVIEW: A trainer aircraft converted as a Counterinsurgency (COIN) and Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft by the Mexican Air Force.

DETAILS: This aircraft is used as a COIN and CAS aircraft against Drug Cartel operations. It has light ground attack capability with rockets and unguided bombs coupled with dual 12.7mm machine guns.

Specifications:

Crew: 1
Length: 11.5m
Width/Span: 11.9m
Height: 4.0m
Empty Weight: 3810kg
Max Payload: 7646kg
Propulsion: 1x Allision J33-A-35 Turbojet Engine
Range: 1,275 miles

Armaments/Loadouts:
-2 x Nose-Mounted M3 12.7mm Machine Guns
-2 x Mk. 82 Bombs
-2 x Zuni HVAR 127mm Rocket Pods
-2 x M47 Napalm Bombs
-225lb USG Drop Tank
-250 ImpG Drop Tank

SOURCES:
https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publi ... tudy_4.pdf
https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraf ... aft_id=726
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_ ... oting_Star
https://www.scalemates.com/cs/kits/hobb ... ar--163520 (In Czech)