Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a Soviet supersonic fighter with a delta wing and one engine. Introduced in the late 1950s, it became one of the most widely produced and exported jet fighters.

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Delta wing: A triangular wing whose leading edges sweep back toward the aircraft’s tail. The MiG-21’s delta planform supports high-speed flight and distinguishes its silhouette.
Mikoyan-Gurevich: A Soviet aircraft design bureau founded by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich. The bureau developed the MiG-21 as part of its postwar fighter designs.
Indian Air Force: The air force of the Republic of India. India became a major MiG-21 operator and built the aircraft under license.
North American F-100 Super Sabre: A U.S. supersonic fighter-bomber that entered service in 1954. The F-100 was an early Western supersonic counterpart, optimized more for fighter-bomber duties.
Warsaw Pact: A military alliance led by the Soviet Union from 1955 to 1991. Several Warsaw Pact air forces equipped their fighter fleets with MiG-21 variants.
Turbojet: A jet engine that produces thrust by compressing air, burning fuel, and accelerating exhaust through a turbine. The MiG-21’s single turbojet supplied the thrust behind its supersonic performance.
Mikoyan-Gurevich Ye-2: A swept-wing experimental fighter prototype developed by Mikoyan-Gurevich in the 1950s. The Ye-2 was an early design competitor in the development program that produced the MiG-21.
Vietnam People's Air Force: The air force of North Vietnam and, after reunification, Vietnam. Its MiG-21s fought U.S. aircraft during the Vietnam War.
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter: A U.S. supersonic interceptor and fighter known for its small wings and high speed. The F-104 pursued speed with a different airframe and generally more demanding handling.
Soviet Union: A federal socialist state that existed across Eurasia from 1922 to 1991. Soviet production and arms exports made the MiG-21 a global Cold War aircraft.