Mig-27 "Flogger" D and -J

From the Internet DJ takes out a report on MIG-27 combat aircraft

History:

The MiG-27 family are the strike and ground attack optimised variants of the MiG-23, and as such forms an important part of Russia's offensive inventory. The MiG-27 designation originally applied to a range of Mikoyan design studies aimed to meet a requirement for a modern day Shturmovik that was eventually met by the Sukhoi Su-25. Instead the MiG-27 is the definitive strike/ground attack member of the 'Flogger' MiG-23/27 family.

The ground attack MiG-23s, as described in the previous entry, were regarded as interim ground attack aircraft pending the arrival of the optimised MiG-27. Compared with the MiG-23, the MiG-27 features simplified air intakes (as opposed to the F-4 style variable intake ramps of the MiG-23 optimised for high end performance) and simplified two stage afterburner nozzles. An extra external hardpoint and strengthened main undercarriage permit the carriage of over 4000kg (8820lb) of armament. Perhaps its most distinctive feature is the duckbill nose (which it shares with ground attack (MiG-23s) which features a laser rangefinder and other sensors. The MiG-27 features advanced nay attack systems allowing all weather operations, and can be used in the tactical reconnaissance role carrying various recce pods.

The MiG-27 first flew in prototype form in 1972. The initial production MiG-27 was soon followed by the MiG-27K ('Flogger-D'). NATO's 'Flogger-J' designation covers the improved MiG-27D, MiG-27M and MiG-27K ('Flogger-J2') with a TV/laser designator.

Outside the CIS India is the only MiG-27 export customer, where it has been built under licence. India calls it aircraft MiG-27M Bahadur, although Mikoyan refers to them as MiG-27Ls.