The MiG-23 is a variable geometry aircraft developed by the former Soviet Union, the MiG-23 was the first variable geometry fighter developed in the world, the F-111 was the first operational variable geometry aircraft though.
The MiG-23 was designed as a variable geometry wing fighter with beyond visual range armament.
The MiG-23 was greatly influenced by the F-111 and the F-4 however shows the design trends of the 1960s specially if we consider other aircraft programs such as the Mirage G or the Mirage Balzac.
MiG-23ML
This is one of the six MiG-23ML that Russia sent to France and Finland. These MiG-23ML lack the IRST System gondola that the operational aircraft have.
These are the MiG-23MLD specifications:
Crew: One.
Length: 16.70 m (56 ft 9.5).
Wingspan: Spread, 13.97 m (45 ft 10 in).
Height: 4.82 m (15 ft 9.75 in).
Wing area: 37.35 squared m spread, 34.16 squared m swept (402.05 squared ft / 367.71 squared ft) .
Empty weight: 9,595 kg (21,153 lb).
Loaded weight: 15,700 kg (34,612 lb) .
Max takeoff weight: 18,030 kg (39,749 lb).
Powerplant: a single Khatchaturov R-35-300 afterburning turbojet, 83.6 kN dry, 127 kN afterburning (18,850 lbf / 28,700 lbf).
Maximum speed: Mach 2.35, 2,500 km/h at altitude; Mach 1.14, 1,350 km/h at sea level (1,553 mph / 840 mph).
Range: 1,150 km with six AAMs combat, 2,820 km ferry (570 mi / 1,750 mi) .
Service ceiling: 18,500 m (60,695 ft).
Rate of climb: 240 m/s (47,245 ft/min).
Wing loading: 575 kg/ square m (118 lb/ square ft).
Thrust/weight: 0.88.