Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis: Difference between revisions

The compass is driven by a gyro that can be slaved to a magnetic compass, which is not displayed to the pilot. Before moving, press the FDS button to align the gyro to the magnetic compass. Be aware that deviations of 30 degrees or larger are possible, especially if aligning the gyro while banking, climbing, or descending. Being 5 degrees off is quite within the realm of possibility.

All navigation display is shown on the compass on the front panel. The needle with large flags points either directly to the radio station, or to the setting of the internal navigation system.

 

 

All radios should be tuned before flight, using the specific <code>MiG-21</code> sub-menus (NOT the <code>Equipment -> Radio menu</code>).  

On the left hand side of the cockpit is the radio used for VOR controls, and on the upper right hand of that are two switches labeled bearing and azimuth. These two switches control the system.

First ensure that the VOR system is not in use (neither green light should be illuminated) - preferably turn it off (coming soon) or tune it to an unused frequency.

 

Next, enter the desired azimuth using the azimuth switch, and observing the large flag on the compass.

 

Finally, enter the desired distance, observing the distance gauge near the gun sight on the upper front panel (you may need to either zoom out with 'x' or make some change, then rotate your view).

Before flight, tune the radio channel presets via the dialogue in the F10 menu under the MiG-21 sub-menu. While in flight, ensure the RSBN/ARC switch on the left hand side of the cockpit is switched to ARC, and use the ADF panel on the right hand side of the cockpit to select which frequency to use. This panel has channels 1 through 9 available, and is located next to the comm radio which has a large orange knob in the shape of a cross.

 

While in flight, ensure that the NAVIG/PROCEED/LANDING switch on the left side of the gun sight is set to either NAVIG or PROCEED. Set the RSBN/ARC switch on the left side of the cockpit to RSBN. Set your VOR channel using the left knob on the VOR radio. If information is received from a ground radio station, the green lights on the radio will illuminate indicating whether bearing and/or distance information is being received. Note that this input overrides and overwrites the internal navigation system. If contact with a VOR is lost, the internal navigation system will still point towards that VOR, so be sure to use the green lights to make sure you are within range.

Using ILS is very similar. Ensure that the NAVIG/PROCEED/LANDING is set to LANDING, and select your ILS channel using the right nob on the VOR radio. ILS will illuminate the green lights, and override the internal navigation system, just like the VOR would.