12 Feb 2010: A very early example of a MiG-21 that served in the Indian Air Force has been re-discovered. Sandesh Kanchan (aka ghostrider) had correctly identified the MiG-21 displayed in Artillery Center Deolali as an early MiG-21 PF (Type 76). Previously the aircraft was reported as a MiG-21FL.
12 Feb 2010: A very early example of a MiG-21 that served in the Indian Air Force has been re-discovered. Sandesh Kanchan (aka ghostrider) had correctly identified the MiG-21 displayed in Artillery Center Deolali as an early MiG-21 PF (Type 76).
Previously the aircraft was reported as a MiG-21FL. Sandesh noticed that the fin on the aircraft appeared to be of shorter chord than the typical FL – and a leading edge extension like feature at the fin/spine joint further cements the type identification.
The MiG-21 PF (Type 76) as seen at the Officers Mess at School of Artillery, Deolali near Nasik. Photo: Sandeep Unnithan
The photograph on the left, sent to us right back in the days that this site was started was provided by Sandeep Unnithan.
Type 76s had a very short career in the IAF – very few numbers were inducted between 1965 and 67, before full fledged production of the Type 77 (the MiG-21 FL) took over. It is believed the few Type 76s that served all carried “BC” prefixed serials – with a few that were upgraded with new engines shedding the “B” prefix.
With this particular identification, this is only the second PF in existence in India. The first one was identified a few years ago in Ozhar by Simon Watson of UK on a visit to HAL Ozhar.
Update 2012-01-10
The aircraft’s identity has been revealed as BC827, the last of the six Type-76 MiG-21PFs inducted just before the 65 War – Info courtesy – Linescriber
