Air RB / Aircraft Database / Profile
MiG-23BN
Germany · Rank VI · Strike aircraft
- Acquisition Type
- Tech Tree
- Air RB battle rating
- 9.7Observed October 8, 2026
Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.
Aircraft overview
MiG-23BN rewards choosing the job before takeoff. For Air RB, decide whether you are supporting the fighters or making a ground-attack run, then carry for that job. Do not arrive at the merge with a strike load and no plan for the enemy fighters.
How to fly it
Set up the first engagement
Approach with a route past the first engagement. Identify which enemies are already defending before committing to an attack.
Make the attack count
Keep checking the airspeed as the fight tightens. Make a pass and extend when the target starts dragging you into repeated circles.
Know when to break off
Leave when more enemies arrive, the target draws you away from support, or another turn costs the speed you need to escape. A teammate nearby is more useful than a duel you cannot finish.
Common mistakes
- Forcing the original plan. Staying in a low-speed turning chase after the initial firing opportunity has gone.
- Ignoring the next attacker. Look outside the target chase between attacks. The enemy arriving from behind is often the one who decides whether you get home.
Strengths & limitations
Strengths
Make the first burst count
With 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, line up the shot before you close. Fire a short burst as the target crosses the sight, then look outside the gunsight before deciding to follow.
Plan the guided-weapon attack
Kh-23M missiles lets you plan a guided strike. Identify the target and the way out before starting the attack; searching through the weapon sight is a poor time to notice an interceptor.
Limitations
The strike load changes the fight
Extra ordnance costs weight and drag. If fighters reach you before the release, defend immediately instead of trying to finish the original run first.
You must close for a gun shot
Do not spend the whole opening tail-chasing an opponent you cannot reach. Gain a crossing angle or attack someone who is already turning toward the fight.
Recommended Air RB loadouts
Leave the strike load behind
Take the air-combat fit when you are hunting aircraft. Bombs and rockets add weight; carry them for a planned ground attack rather than on every sortie.
Radar & defenses
React to warnings in time
A radar warning matters even when you nearly have your own shot. Make room to defend, and keep looking for infrared launches that the RWR cannot announce.
Ground attack & CAS
Kh-23M missiles
Set up Kh-23M missiles before entering the target area. Get the target and guidance ready early; if the approach falls apart, break away rather than searching through the sight while flying at an SPAA.
Choose the target before diving
For 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bomb, choose the target before the run and allow room to pull out clear of the blast. Turn away after release; watching the hit leaves you flying a predictable line over the target.
Set the sight before the run
Select the fitted weapon and its supported impact or release cue before entering the target area. Make the correction on the approach; do not circle over the target trying to work out the controls.
Handling & fuel
Keep speed for the next decision
Ease off the pull when the shot is gone. Recover speed and separation before deciding to turn back; holding maximum input through every reversal leaves fewer options.
Plan the return
Check fuel after the opening fight, especially if you have spent the approach on high power. Allow for the flight back and landing rather than using the hangar endurance as an afterburner timer.
Battle Rating History
| Observation | Battle rating |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2026 · Archive | 9.7 |
Unchanged on . Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 9.7.