New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- In 1973 the Soviet Union offered an improved version of the MiG-21, the MiG-21M, which in the IAF was known as the Type 96. This version had an AI radar (the RP- 21M) and a twin barreled GsH-23 internally mounted cannon which could fire 3000 x 23 mm rounds per minute and had a gyro gun sight as well. In addition, this was equipped with an improved ejection seat (the KM-1) which had ground level ejection capability.
The Soviets offered this version with a new engine, the R-13-300, which had somewhat more thrust than the earlier R-11F2S-300 engine which powered the Type 77 fleet. The airframe could accommodate the R-11 engine as well, but the R-13 engine had a second stage afterburner which cut in at Mach 1.6 to improv...