Performance in Practice: Phantom versus MiG-21 — How to do split-S in MiG-21 within 3,000ft: Unexploited low speed maneuverability P. Pavlovic and N. Pavlovic Naucna KMD, Blegrade, Serbia. 2009. (Contact/ordere-mail: arina.biblija@yahoo.com). 103pp. Illustrated. €5 plus postage/packing. ISBN 978-86-

Abstract

T his book, written by two aeronautical engineers from the former Yugoslavia, sets out to provide a comparison of the performance of the F4 Phantom II and the MIG 21. Early chapters are devoted to descriptions of both aircraft together with relevant weights, dimensions and configurations. Data on the F-4C, F-4E, F-4J, MiG21bis, MiG-21-MF and MiG-21-F-13 and their General Electric and Tumansky engines are provided for reference throughout the volume. The sources of data are not stated but simply described as ‘official and already available to the public’. This is followed by chapters devoted to the comparison of the aircrafts’ flight envelopes and performance during take-off, acceleration, climb, cruise, descent, landing and manoeuvring. Each element includes the statement, but generally not the derivation, of the basic well-established performance equations and many diagrams comparing the performances of the two aircraft types. In essence the book leads the reader through the processes normally carried out by engineers working on competitor aircraft analysis for marketing purposes and tactical evaluations by air arms. It does not cover the more difficult areas such as the determination of aerodynamic characteristics and engine installation effects, for example, which are essential to accurate comparisons without access to manufacturers’ configuration and performance data. In comparing the two aircraft types, the authors present many flight performance charts and flight envelopes and offer a number of reasons for the flight limitations included in them. For example, the limitation of the maximum speed of the MiG-21 to Mach 2⋅05 above an altitude of 11,000m is attributed to reduced directional stability rather than a lack of engine thrust. Particular emphasis is given to instantaneous and sustained turning performance culminating in the authors’ view as to how a MiG-21 could be observed to perform a splitS manoeuvre below 3,000ft a.g.l during combat when published data stated that 6,750ft were required this. The final chapter records the authors’ conclusions as to how the two aircraft compare and provides a number of photographs that illustrate their general features. The editorial style of the book could be improved for western readers. Commas are used instead of decimal points, figures are not generally referenced in the text, there is no single list of symbols and equations are presented in a format foreign to UK practice. In conclusion, the book gives an interesting insight into the quantitative comparison of fighter aircraft and the interpretation of the significance of the differences presented in the performance curves and flight limitation boundaries. It makes informative and entertaining reading for anyone interested in the assessment of the merits of competing fighter aircraft. Dick Poole, CEng, MRAeS