View source for Myeong and Lyang MyL-21

{{wip}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
 |name= MyL-21
 |image= File:MyL-21_side_view.png
 |caption= MyL-21|alt=
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
 |type= {{wp|Air superiority fighter}}, {{wp|Multirole combat aircraft|multirole fighter}}
 |national origin= {{flag|DSRA}} <br> {{flag|Anikatia}}
 |manufacturer= Myeong and Lyang Design Bureau
 |designer=
 |first flight= 8 December 1976
 |introduced=12 November 1984
 |retired=
 |produced= 1984–present
 |primary user={{flag|DSRA}} <br> {{flag|Anikatia}}
 |more users= {{flag|Rodarion}}
 |number built= 400+
 |status= In production
 |unit cost= MyL-21DX: [[UR$]]35 million (flyaway cost, 2014) <br> MyL-27SM: [[UR$]]65 million (flyaway cost, 2013)
}}
|}

The '''Myeong and Lyang MyL-21''' ([[CDI reporting name]]: '''Fathom''') is a twin-engine, all-weather {{wp|multirole combat aircraft|multirole fighter}} aircraft developed by Myeong and Lyang Design Bureau to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It was intended as a direct competitor for growing threats of new large fourth-generation fighters, such as the Sieuxerrian [[Bloch MB.4000]]. It possess great range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high manoeuvrability. The MyL-21 was designed as an air superiority aircraft, but its most modern variants are able to perform almost all combat operations. Complementing the smaller [[Aymovski Ay-05|Ay-05]].

There have been several developments of the MyL-21 design, such as a two-seat, dual-role fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions. The MyL-21 entered service with the Anikatian Air Force in 1996. Later models frequently feature improved engines, glass cockpits with HOTAS-compatible flight controls, modern radar and IRST sensors, increased fuel capacity; some aircraft have also been equipped for aerial refuelling.

===History===
In late 1970s, the [[DSRA]] leadership soon realised that the new [[Aymovski Ay-05|Ay-05]] and older [[Aymovski Ay-04|Ay-04]] would not be enough against the threat of the [[CDI]]. Intelligence showed that the next generation of fighters would represent a serious technological advantage over existing [[DSRA]] fighters. What was needed was a better-balanced fighter with both good agility and sophisticated systems. They realised they needed a way for their air force to fight outnumbered, against the [[CDI]] and thus researchers emphasized that [[DSRA]]’s next fighter should be able to share targeting data, carry a big load of large, high-performance missiles and be able to guide them while retreating. Flying far was more important than flying fast, [[DSRA]] fighter technologists found in studies produced by the Defence force aimed at defining their country’s next combat aircraft. In response, the Air Force issued a requirement for a Advanced Experimental Fighter Program (AXF). Specifications were extremely ambitious, calling for long range, good short-field performance (including the ability to use cold weather runways), excellent agility, Mach 2+ speed, and heavy armament. The aerodynamic design for the new aircraft was largely carried out by Aymovski in collaboration with the Myeong and Lyang Design Bureau. The results of this work committed the [[DSRA]] to full-scale development within four years. 

The Myeong and Lyang design, emerged as the Y-21 which first flew on 8 December 1976. The aircraft had a large delta wing, clipped, with two engines and a twin tail. The Y-21 was spotted by Western observers and assigned the CDI reporting name. The development of the Y-21 was marked by considerable problems, leading to a fatal crash on 18 June 1979. Extensive redesigns followed, and a heavily revised version, the Y-21B, made its first flight on 6 May 1981. The production MyL-21 began to enter operational service in 1984, although manufacturing difficulties kept it from appearing in strength until the 1990s.

==Design==
The MyL-21's basic design is aerodynamically similar to the [[Aymovski Ay-05|Ay-05]], but it is substantially larger and the addition of twin horizontal tailplanes. The swept wing blends into the fuselage at the leading edge extensions and is essentially a cropped delta (the delta wing with tips cropped for missile rails or ECM pods). The MyL-21 is also an example of a tailed delta wing configuration, retaining conventional horizontal tailplanes, though it is not a true delta. The MyL-21 has a retractable tricycle landing gear. It is powered by two Bulgakov K56-107 engines with afterburners mounted side-by-side in the fuselage. The cockpit is mounted high in the forward fuselage with a one-piece windscreen and large canopy to increase visibility.

The MyL-21 had the [[DSRA]]'s first operational fly-by-wire control system, developed based on Yukimov's experience in the [[Yukimov Yuk-31]] project. Combined with relatively low wing loading and powerful basic flight controls, it makes for an exceptionally agile aircraft, controllable even at very low speeds and high angles of attack. Thanks to a high thrust-to-weight ratio enabling the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed. The MyL-21 is armed with a single 27 mm Esk-27-K cannon in the starboard wingroot, and has up to 12 hardpoints for missiles and other weapons. 

===Cockpit===
The cockpit features a conventional centre stick which is used for pitch and roll control while rudder pedals control yaw. A throttle is located to the left of the pilot. The pilot sits in a Wallis-Thornton WTK-14EM {{wp|zero-zero ejection seat}} which has had impressive performance in emergency escapes. The cockpit has conventional dials, with a head-up display (HUD) and a Svalov-1M helmet mounted display, but no HOTAS ("hands-on-throttle-and-stick") capability. On earlier models the emphasis was placed on making the cockpit similar to the earlier [[Aymovski Ay-05|Ay-05]] and other Anikatian aircraft for ease of conversion. Nonetheless, the Ay-05 style bubble canopy provides substantially better visibility than previous [[Aymovski Ay-04|Ay-04]] fighters. Since the MyL-21SM upgrade models have been redesigned to incorporate contemporary features with the latest models having a true "glass cockpits" with modern {{wp|liquid-crystal display|liquid-crystal}} (LCD) multi-function displays (MFDs) and true {{wp|HOTAS}} as well as a uppgraded/new helmet mounted display.

===Avionics===
The baseline MyL-21 are equipped with a AKI/RAL K10R-G look-down/shoot-down coherent {{wp|Pulse-Doppler radar}} and Arsanukayev Type 1094 central digital computer. The aircraft also features electronic countermeasures (ECM) and RAL-05KPG Rakovski radar warning (RWR) systems, chaff/flare dispensers, fighter-to-fighter data link, and a precise inertial navigation system. The AKI/RAL K10R-G  radar was an evolution of the AKI/RAL K05R-EB architecture used on the [[Aymovski Ay-05|Ay-05]]. A useful feature the MyL-21 is the Tagirbekov General Industries Tgk-75, a combined laser rangefinder and IRST in an "eyeball" mount forward of the cockpit canopy.

The latest variants such as the MyL-21 are outfitted with the new AKI/RAL K10R-GX-M2 {{wp|Active Electronically Scanned Array}} (AESA) radar. Applied Kinetics and Rakovski Aeronautics developed the latest AESA radar upgrade for the MyL-21. An evolution of the AKI/RAL K10R, was introduced with the first generation. has greater range and resolution, as well as 25 operating modes, including ground-mapping, Doppler beam-sharpening, ground moving target, sea target, and track-while-scan (TWS) for up to 30 aerial targets, and engage ten targets simultaneously in the attack mode.

===Powerplant===
The MyL-21 is powered by a two Bulgakov K56 turbofan engine, the exact version of this propulsion system depending on the variant. However the latest variants utilise the newer Bulgakov K57 turbofan engines, although the exact version of these propulsion systems is depending on the variant. the MyL-27 variant is powered by the Bulgakov K57-117OVT with thrust vectoring control (TVC) this engine gives more thrust and a lower specific fuel consumption than earlier variants of the engines while also providing even greater maneuverability.

==Variants==
===DSRA-era===
;Y-21 ("Fathom-A")
:Initial prototype configuration.
;Y-21B ("Fathom-A")
:Improved prototype configuration.
;MyL-21 ("Fathom-A")
:Pre-production version used as testbeds, built in small numbers with Bulgakov K56P-101 engine.
;MyL-21S ("Fathom-B")
:Initial production single-seater with improved Bulgakov K56-107 engine. 
;MyL-21PF ("Fathom-B")
:Single-seater specialized air-defense interceptor variant that entered service with the Anikatian Air Force.
;MyL-21DI / MyL-21DX ("Fathom-B")
:Single-seat multirole, export version of MyL-21S with slightly downgraded radar with multiple target tracking ability. The aircraft can be fitted with active ECM systems, weapons guidance aids, improved built-in check and training systems. It was originally given the designated MyL-21DI originally but has been re-designated under the new systems as the current MyL-21DX.
;MyL-21UBI / MyL-21UBX ("Fathom-C")
:Two-seat export version has similar downgraded systems to the MyL-21DX. It was originally given the designated MyL-21UBI originally but has been re-designated under the new systems as the current MyL-21UBX.
;MyL-21UB ("Fathom-C")
:Initial production two-seat operational conversion trainer.
;MyL-21PFU ([[Myeong and Lyang MyL-24|MyL-24]]) ("Fathom-C")
:Two seat version of the MyL-21PF interceptor, designed to support with tactical data other single-seat MyL-21PF, Later prototypes were modified into a multi-role fighter mainly for export market, moving away from the original purpose of the aircraft.

===Post-DSRA-era===
;MyL-21MX ("Fathom-D")
: Single-seat multi-role fighter for export. It is a derivative of the MyL-21S rather than the earlier MyL-21DX export version as it includes substantial upgrades such as advanced cockpit, new Bulgakov K57-117 engine, more sophisticated self-defense electronic countermeasures (ECM) and an in-flight refuelling system. Single-seat multi-role fighter for export. 
;MyL-21M ("Fathom-D")
:Advanced multirole variant, powered by enhanced Bulgakov K57-117OVT engines. The glass cockpit with an enhanced HOTAS design. The upgraded  {{wp|Active Electronically Scanned Array}} (AESA) AKI/RAL K10R Radar system. 
;MyL-21UBM ("Fathom-C")
:The two-seat version of the advanced SM variant. It can be configured for training or as an all-weather strike craft.
;MyL-21MUX ("Fathom-C")
:Comparable upgraded MyL-21UBX two-seater.
;[[Myeong and Lyang MyL-27|MyL-27SM]] ("Fathom-E")
:A 4++ highly advanced multirole variant, incorporates a reinforced airframe, improved avionics and radar, thrust-vectoring engines, and radar absorbing coatings to reduce radar signature. 
;[[Myeong and Lyang MyL-24|MyL-24MX]] ("Fathom-C")
:Next-generation multi-role two-seater. Based on the few MyL-21PFU's that were built for [[DSRA]]. The MyL-30MX export variant was embodied as a series of two demonstrators of different levels of capability.
;[[Myeong and Lyang MyL-24|MyL-24MPRR]] ("Fathom-C")
:Export version for [[Rodarion]] based on the two-seater MyL-24 multi-role variant. MPRR stands for "Modernised, Papal Republic of Rodarion" it is built under licence in [[Rodarion]] for the [[Papal Air Force]]. 

==Operators==
===Current===
;{{flag|Anikatia}}
*{{flagicon|Anikatia}} [[Anikatian Air Force]] - 342 MyL-21 aircraft, including 120 MyL-21Ss, 60 MyL-21UBs, 24 MyL-21PFs, 54 MyL-21UBM and 84 MyL-21Ms in service as of May 2010. A modernisation program began in 2005. Half of the fleet has been modernized by 2012. The Anikatian Air Force (AAF) is currently receiving aircraft modernized to the SM standard.
;{{flag|Rodarion}}
*{{flagicon|Rodarion}} [[Papal Air Force]] - 354 MyL-24MPRR as of June 2012. Rodarion recieved {{wp|domestic production rights}} in 2005.
;{{Flag|Saarland}} 
*{{flagicon|Saarland}}  [[Saarland Air Defense Force]] - Up to 24 were supplied to the [[Saarland|People's Democratic Republic of Saarland]]

===Former operators===
;{{flag|Democratic Socialist Republic of Anikatia}}
*{{flagicon|Democratic Socialist Republic of Anikatia}} [[Anikatian Air Force|Anikatian People's Air Force]] Passed on to successor state.
;{{Flagicon|Saarland}} [[Saarland|PDRS]] 
*{{flagicon|Saarland}}  [[Saarland Air Defense Force|People's Revolutionary Air Force]] Passed on to successor states.

==Specifications (MyL-21MX)==
[[File:MyL-21_view.png|right|650px|3-view drawing of MyL-21]]
{{aircraft specifications
<!-- If you do not understand how to use this template, please ask at [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Aircraft]]/
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|plane or copter?=plane
|jet or prop?=jet
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|ref= ''Myeong and Lyang'' specifications<ref name="Myeong and Lyang specifications">[http://ankitec.gov.ank/myl-21/specs "Myeong and Lyang  MyL-21 Multirole Fighter"] ''[[ANKITEC]].'', Retrieved:  22 November 2014.</ref> 
<!--     General characteristics
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|crew=One / Two (UB)
|length main=21.9 m (72 ft)
|length alt=
|span main=14.7 m (48 ft 3 in)
|span alt=
|height main=5.63 m (18.5 ft)
|height alt=
|area main=
|area alt=
|empty weight main=15,780 kg (34,789 lb)
|empty weight alt= 
|loaded weight main=25,115 kg (55,369 lb)
|loaded weight alt=
|max takeoff weight main=34,450 kg (75,949 lb)
|max takeoff weight alt=
|more general=
<!--     Powerplant
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|engine (jet)= Bulgakov K57-117
|type of jet=afterburning {{wp|turbofan}}
|number of jets=2
|thrust original=Dry: Dry: 88 kN (8,981 kgf, 19,800 lbf)
|thrust main=Wet:137 kN (13,970 kgf, 30,799 lbf) 
|thrust alt=
<!--    Performance
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|max speed main={{wp|Mach number|Mach}} 2.25 (2,400 km/h, 1,491 mph)
|max speed alt=
|max speed more= 
|range main=
|range alt=
|range more=
|combat radius main=1,870 km (1,162 mi)
|combat radius alt= 
|combat radius more=
|ferry range main= 3,890 km (2,417 nmi) with external fuel 
|ferry range alt= 
|ferry range more=
|ceiling main=19,000 m (62,523 ft)
|ceiling alt=
|climb rate main=
|climb rate alt=
|loading main=
|loading alt=
|thrust/weight=1.01 (1.37 with loaded weight plus 50% fuel)
<!--    Armament
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|armament=
* 1 x 27 mm Esk-27k  cannon with 180 rounds
* 12 total (8× under-wing, 2 fuselage, 2× centre-line) with a capacity of 8,500 kg (18,739 lb) of weapons and fuel tanks, including:
* 70-100 Km range beyond visual range active missiles
* Imaging infrared short range missiles
* Air-to-surface missiles
* Air to sea missiles
* Anti radiation missiles
* Laser guided weapons 
* Runway penetration bombs
* General purpose bombs
* Training bombs
* Countermeasures (Flares, Chaff)
* Up to 3 external drop tanks (2× under-wing 1,500 litres, 1× under-fuselage 1,700 litres for extended range/loitering time)

|avionics=
*  AKI/RAL K010R-G all-weather multimode coherent pulse Doppler Radar system
*  Tagirbekov General Industries Tgk-75M sophisticated multi-channel Infrared search and track (ISRT) sighting system
*  Rykovatia Weapon Systems Rtk-5QMP Datalink communications system
*  RAL-05KPG Rakovski RWR
}}

==See also==
* '''Related development'''
** [[Myeong and Lyang MyL-24]]
** [[Myeong and Lyang MyL-27]]
* '''Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era'''
** [[Lawley F-8 Stingray]]
** [[Arthuristan Dynamics Cyclone]]
** [[Aetochoric Dynamics M5 Aetos]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
<br/>

{{Anikatian_Aircraft}}
[[Category:Anikatia]]
[[Category:Weapon Systems in Pardes]]
[[Category:Ajax]]