some kind of MIG fighter

**John Brandon** · 04-25-2009, 06:42 PM

Thought you may like to see these pictures, which I took in 2003. It was then the entrance to Shaibah (Shitibah) Airfield in Iraq. And this MIG was right at the front.
The airfield was completely ruined and in a terrible mess when we got there. It used to be an RAF airfield in the 20's until they pulled out. The tower picture (the tidy one) was taken in 1923, the other in 2003, quite a difference I think you'll agree

**Skookum** · 04-25-2009, 07:30 PM

It looks like a MIG 21.

RS

**John Brandon** · 04-25-2009, 07:33 PM

I have no idea what it was (its gone now....I think) what date would it be from?

**Skookum** · 04-25-2009, 07:38 PM

They were introduced around 1955. The NATO code name was "Fishbed". The Soviets sold them off to the Middle East, Cuba and China beginning in the 60s and 70's ,I believe. They were good planes, but poor rear vision made them vulnerable in a Dog Fight.

**Brian Childress** · 04-25-2009, 08:31 PM

It is an early Mig-21 F probably. The later 21's had a large dorsal spine that carried extra fuel.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 04-25-2009, 10:22 PM

Hi John, I liked the "then & now" pics. I agree with the others guys, a MIG 21. I used to have an "Airfix" kit of one many years ago now.

Cheers, Ade.

**John Brandon** · 04-25-2009, 10:44 PM

Thanks guys, and yes Ade, i was lucky to find that picture, I have a few more that I managed to scrounge, I'll post them when i find them, The others are amazing, same place different times

**ian** · 01-01-2010, 09:45 PM

that mig had fallen to the ground when i saw it late 2005
cant put up the pic ive got i dont know how
cheers ian

**Adrian Stevenson** · 01-01-2010, 09:49 PM

Hi Ian, welcome to the forum!

I would like to see your pics. Pity it has fallen.

See "FAQ" at the far top right of the page for instructions as to how to post pics.

Cheers, Ade.