FPP082 - MiG-21 Fishbed

The MiG-21 Fishbed. There may be no more recognizable, mass produced, widely proliferated, iconic, enduring fighter jet in existence or throughout history. With more than 11,500 produced and at one time operational in 60 countries on four continents, incredibly this 65-year-old fighter is still in widespread use today.

On this episode, retired Indian Air Force Air Commodore Suren “Bundal” Tyagi joins us to discuss this legendary aircraft—not just the numbers but how effective it was, what it was like and how the pilots who flew the MiG-21 enjoyed it. And Bundal would know, having amassed over 4,000 flight hours and several combat missions in the Fishbed.

Returning as guest cohost to help explain the MiG-21 is episode 60 guest and former squadron mate with Bundal, Harsih Masand, who helps answer listener questions about the stinger on the back of Flanker aircraft, whether the future of air warfare will be ultra-long range or within visual range, and whether AC-130s operate from unprepared airfields.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.