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An evolution of the previous MiG-23 Cheburashka, the MiG-27 Alligator (Аллигатор) is an improved TSF built by further developing the MiG-23. It takes its name from the alligator, the reptilian species.

History[]

First deployed in 1983, the close-combat-oriented MiG-27 is a further development of the MiG-23. While the layout and airframe remain similar to the MiG-23, 90% of the MiG-27's components and parts are entirely new designs (hence its separate unit identification number[1]), resulting in its improved ease of maintenance and heightened operation uptime.[1] Its Arm Sheaths have also been enlarged to accommodate larger Close Combat Daggers for close-quarters combat.

While the MiG-27's wire cutter had been reduced in size, its maneuverability and mobility have been enhanced: an enlarged head sensor mast has also resulted in the MiG-27's improved communications and target acquisition/identification capabilities[1]. However, despite its remarkable overall increase in performance compared to the MiG-23, its operational capabilities were within the scope of 2nd generation TSFs from other nations, and it was considered outdated at the time of its deployment[1].

Deployment[]

Despite their problems and average performance compared to other, more modern TSFs, the MiG-27 continued to support the Soviet Army's anti-BETA capabilities until the more advanced MiG-29 Lastochka and the Su-27 Zhuravlik were deployed.[1] Even then, the Aligatori has not been retired from service; as of 2001, the MiG-23 Cheburashka, MiG-27, and their related variants account for approximately 40% of TSFs in Soviet service.[1]

The Mig-27 also saw use in other Eastern European Socialist Alliance countries, notably East Germany as far as the 1980s. One particular unit was assigned to the Stasi's Werewolf Battalion commander Beatrix Brehmer to replace for her old MiG-23. However, Beatrix was then killed and her unit destroyed by Theodor Eberbach in his custom MiG-23.

Trivia[]

  • The real-life Mikoyan MiG-27 was not an evolution of the MiG-23, but a variant optimized for air-to-ground attack. Changes include a smaller nosecone and, like its TSF counterpart, modifications to the airframe and some components to reduce maintenance requirements.
  • There is no official name for the MiG-27 in real life. Its NATO reporting name is "Flogger-D/J".
  • It is likely that the TSF's alligator motif was inspired by Gena the Crocodile, an iconic Soviet literature character created by Russian author Eduard Uspensky (who is also the creator of Cheburashka), thus stressing the connection between the MiG-23 and MiG-27.
  • The MiG-27 made a brief appearance in the Total Eclipse anime and manga adaptation when a group of them attempt to land as Argos Flight arrives in Kamchatka. One (two in the manga) crash-lands due to heavy damage sustained during combat, giving Yuuya Bridges his first front-line experience.
  • In the Lunatic Dawn 1 infobook, its Russian name is rendered as Алигатори instead of the correct Аллигатор.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Integral Works, pg. 82, MiG-27 アリゲートル.


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