Although MiG-21 was considered a very modern aircraft back in the 1960s, in as early as in 1964 Mikoyan and Gurevitch's design bureau commenced works on its successor. The first prototype of the new aircraft, MiG-23, was test flown on June 10, 1967. In July it had been presented to the public. After this test, the aircraft was code named Flogger by NATO. Factory tests were accomplished in July 1968. Shortening run-ways and landing runs as well as avionics were tested amongst others. The works were continued on the prototypes which followed. The wings were made larger and stronger, the nose flaps were added, and the anti-stall system was installed. These changed the leading edge angle to 18.4-74.4 degrees. Since the beginning of 1972 the following in-flight tests were carried out. The series production started that very year. The experiences gathered from the military used aircrafts and the command's needs resulted in the production of the development versions of the aircraft. It was, amongst others, equipped with new turbojets. There were modifications introduced to the outside look: the wings', fin's and rudder's shapes were altered. The undercarriage was raised and the construction strengthened. And at the same time the aircraft's weigh was reduced. The updated accessories were being installed. There were pylons fitted to the moving elements to enable mounting the variety of latest armaments. MiG-23 could carry, apart from the on-board 23mm GSz-23 cannon, air-to-air, guided and not-guided missiles, and bombs.
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