Polish Aviation Museum
Krakow, Poland
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During one day in August 2025, I left Amsterdam for a visit to the well-known Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow, Poland. It was a bloody hot day. Temperatures were far above the 30 degrees Celcius and there was hardly any wind. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my visit to this interesting museum very much. It is located at the site of the no-longer functional Kraków-Rakowice-Czyzyny Airport. This airfield, established by Austrai-Hungary in 1912, is one of the oldest in the world. The museum opened in 1964, after the airfield closed in 1963. |
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The Museum's gate guardians are seen here basking in the sun.
WSK (Wytwórnia Sprzętu Komunikacyjnego) TS-11bis DF Iskra Jet-trainer, serial '1409'.
The TS-11 Iskra bis-DF is a tactical reconnaissance aircraft type with 100 units deployed. It was mainly used for reconnaissance training. In addition to three cameras, it is possible to mount weapons on the aircraft.
WSK TS-11R bis DF Iskar Jet-trainer, serial '1909'.
The Iskar is powered by a PZL Rzeszów SO-3 turbojet engine.
WSK TS-11R bis B Jet-trainer, serial '1 RED'.
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The TS-11 Iskra bis-B is the second mass-produced model with 117 deployed, and is equipped with four pylons on the underside of the main wing, allowing it to be used for combat training.
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Indian Air Force WSK TS-11R bis D Jet-trainer, serial 'WI741'.
The TS-11 Iskra bis-D is the third mass-produced version with 24 deployed, and the payload has increased. Another 76 aircraft were built and were exported to the Indian Air Force.
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Margansk & Myslowski EM-10 Bielik Jet-trainer.
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PZL105 Flaming, registrated SP-PRC.
Yak-17W, registrated SP-GLM.
The Yakovlev Yak-17 'Feather', is an early Soviet jet fighter and powered by a Klimov RD-10 turbojet
Instytut Lotnictwa received one Yak-17 from Polish Air Force and used it with civilian markings SP-GLM for tests between 1957 and 1960.
Polish Air Force WSK TS-8 Bies BII, serial '0309 RED'.
The PZL TS-8 Bies (Devil) is a Polish trainer aircraft, used from 1957 to the 1970s by the Polish Air Force and civilian aviation.
The Bies II was powered by a 7-cylinder, very noisy, WN-3 radial engine, delivering 330 hp take-off power and 283 hp normal power to a 2.2 diameter two-blade variable pitch wooden propeller.
PZL M-4 Tarpan, registrated 'SP-PAK'.
PZL M-4 Tarpan was a Polish trainer and sports aircraft prototype of the 1960s, designed in WSK-Mielec factory.
Due to its high price only 2 Tarpan's were ever build!
Polish Police Mil Mi-2, serial '003 SN-02XP'.
Polish Aviation Institute WSK SM-1, registrated 'SP-SAD'.
Polish Police Mil Mi-8, serial '620'.
The Mi-8 is powered by two Klimov TV2-117A turboshaft engines.
Polish Police Mil Mi-8S 'A016 SN-4OXP'.
Polish Police PZL Kania, serial 'G020 SN-51XP'.
The PZL Kania is a follow-up design to the Mil Mi-2 helicopter, developed in Poland by PZL-Swdnik.
Polish Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MF 'Fishbed', serial 'RED 9107'.
MiG-21MF (1970; Izdeliye 96F; NATO "Fishbed-J")
M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated engine")
Export version of the MiG-21SM, with RP-22 radar and R13-300 turbojet. The choice of weapons loads was increased with the addition of the R-60 (NATO: AA-8 "Aphid") and later the R-60M IR-seeking AAM
M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated engine")
Export version of the MiG-21SM, with RP-22 radar and R13-300 turbojet. The choice of weapons loads was increased with the addition of the R-60 (NATO: AA-8 "Aphid") and later the R-60M IR-seeking AAM
Polish Air Force MiG-21UM Mongol-B, serial '9349 RED'.
MiG-21UM (1968; Izdeliye 69; NATO "Mongol-B")
U = Uchebnyy ("Training"), M = Modernizovannyy ("Modernised")
Two-seat training version of the MiG-21MF.
U = Uchebnyy ("Training"), M = Modernizovannyy ("Modernised")
Two-seat training version of the MiG-21MF.
The MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bereau in the Soviet Union in the early 50's. She made her first flight on June 14, 1956. The nicely swept lines and small cross-section are the hallmarks of the Fishbed.
Most of the MiG-21's were powered by the Tumansky R-25 turbojet engine.
French Air Force Fouga CM.170 Magister Jet-trainer, serial '5 MF'.
The Magister is powered by a two Turbomeca Marboré turbojet engines.
Czech Air Force Aero L-29 Delfin Jet-trainer, serial '3241 BLACK', is powered by a Motorlet M701 turbojet engine.
Polish Air Force PZL I-22 Iryda M93K Jet-trainer, serial '0305'.
The Iryda is powered by two PZL K-15 turbojet engines.
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Polish Air Force PZL 130TC-1 Orlik trainer, serial '013 'WHITE', is powered by a Walter M601 turboprop engine. |
PZL-Mielec M-20 Mewa, registrated SP-DMA, at the Polish Aviation Museum, Krakow, Poland.
The PZL M-20 is a licence-built version of the well-known Piper PA-34 Seneca IIi manufactured in Poland by WSK PZL Mielec from the 1980's. Only 33 were build.
Polish Central Medical Aviation Team Aero 145, registrated SP-LXH.
The prototype Aero 45 first flew on July 21, 1947.
The name was chosen to indicate it was a 4 or 5 seater. The type was developed as Super Aero 45 and then the improved more powerful Aero 145.
A long production run at Kunovice, Czechoslovakia was terminated in 1961 after approximately 700 had been delivered, all but 80 of these being exported.
Czech Air Force Aero L-60 Brigadyr utility aircraft, serial '1101'.
USAF Republic F-105D Thunderchief, serial 'RE 822 AF591', looking a little dusty.
The F-105D was the definitive production model. She had an all-weather capability because of advanced avionics, including AN/APN-131 navigational radar. 610 were built.
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief is an American fighter-bomber that served with the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1984.
'Thud RE822' on a broiling, hot Polish Aviation Museum in August, 2025.
The "Thud" nickname was inspired by the character "Chief Thunderthud" from the Howdy Doody television series.
The aircraft was powered by a Pratt & Whitney J75.
The F-105D's early career was plagued with maintenance problems and in-flight failures. The origins of the nickname "Thud" were obscure; some claim that it stood for the sound of an F-105 crashing into the ground.
The F-105 was one of the primary attack aircraft of the Vietnam War, with over 20,000 Thunderchief sorties flown. Out of the 833 produced, 382 aircraft were lost, including 62 operational (non-combat) losses.
French Air Force Dassault MD.454 Mystére IVA, serial '8-MC 146'.
This Mystére was powered by a Rolls-Royce Tay turbojet.
French hardware on a sweltering Polish Aviation Museum tarmac in August 2025.
Belgian Air Force Dassault Mirage V, serial BA 'BA 03'.
In 1968, the Belgian government ordered 106 Mirage 5's from Dassault. All aircraft but the first one of each variant were to be license-built by SABCA in Belgium.
The Mirage is powered by a Snecma Atar 9C engine.
South Vietnamese Air Force Northrop F-5E Tiger II Freedom Fighter, serial '00852'.
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'00852' Northrop F-5E Tiger II Freedom Fighter was one of the 3.800 F-5's built at Northrop production line at Hawthorne, California and powered by two General Electric J85-GE-21B afterburning turbojet engines. |
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RAF SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1, serial 'EC XX730'.
In the early 1960s, Britain and France began a collaboration to build a new trainer / strike aircraft. After some difficulties, this machine finally emerged as the SEPECAT "Jaguar", which provided excellent service for decades in the air forces of Britain, France, and several other nations.
A very scruffy and weathered Jaguar. This Jaguar was powered by two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofan engine. The engine is named after the Adour, a river in south western France.
Royal Navy BAC Harrier GR.3 'XW919'.
This Harrier was powered by a Rolls Royce Pegasus 6 engine.
South Vietnamese Air Force Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, serial '87916'.
This Cessna A-37B Dragonfly was used in the counter-insurgency role and was powered by two General Electric J85-GE-17A engines.
Belgian Air Force Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, serial 'FU-36'.
This Thunderstreak was is powered by a Wright J65 engine. It was a turbojet engine produced by Curtiss-Wright under license from Armstrong Siddeley.
Swedish Air Force Saab J.35J Draken, serial '10/14'.
The Saab 35 Draken is a fighter aircraft, equipped with a distinctive double delta wing.
The Saab 35 Draken is a Swedish fighter-interceptor developed and manufactured by Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (SAAB) between 1955 and 1974.
The Swedish word "Draken" has a double meaning, translating either as "The Dragon" or "The Kite". It is said that the name was derived from the appearance of the prototype, like a paper kite, when seen from above.
The number "35" comes from the aircraft's Swedish Air Force-designation: “aeroplane 35”. Depending on the given role, the aircraft received a prefix to indicate its type, the most common being "J 35" to indicate "jaktflygplan" (pursuit-aircraft), the Swedish term for fighter aircraft.
Propulsion for the Draken was provided by a single Svenska Flygmotor RM6B/C turbojet engine, a licence-built model of the Rolls-Royce Avon 200/300 engine (also known as Avon Mk. 48A and Mk. 60).
Norwegian Air Force F-104G Starfighter, serial 'R-855', was powered by a General Electric J79-GE-11A afterburning turbojet engine.
Swedish Air Force Saab AJSF 37 Viggen, serial '54', is seen here on a sweltering Polish Aviaiton tarmac in August 2025.
The Viggen is powered by a Volvo RM8 turbofan engine.
This vintage Saab Viggen after-burner tailpipe forms a fitting frame for some even older classic jet fighters, lined up at the Polish Aviation Museum.
Here, an impressive line-up of Polish Air Force MiG-15's, caught on camara on a sticky day at the Polish Aviaiton Musuem in August 2025.
Polish Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15UTI 'Fagot' jet-fighter, serial 'RED 304'.
'304' joined the Polish Air Force in the early 50's.
Nine MiG-15's are on display at the museum.
The MiG-15 is powered by a Klimov VK-1 jet engine.
The Polish Air Force used the MiG-15, designated as the Lim-1/Lim-2 in Poland, which was a license-built version of the Soviet fighter produced by the WSK-Mielec plant. These aircraft served throughout the Cold War, with the two-seat Lim-2 trainer variant being particularly important for pilot training.
'304' and sistership '712' warm their natural metal finish in the strong Polish sunshine.
Polish Air Force WSK (Wytwórnia Sprzętu Komunikacyjnego) Lim-1, serial ' RED 712'.
The Lim-1 was a licensed build MiG-15 built in the Polish WSK factory.
The Lim-1 was armed with one 37mm N-37D cannon and two 23mm NR-23 cannons, all mounted in the nose.
Polish Air Force WSK Lim-2, serial 'RED 1230'.
Polish Air Force WSK SBLim-2, serial 'RED 018'.
Polish Air Force WSK SB Lim-2A, serial 'RED 2004'.
Polish Air Force WSK Lim-5, serial 'RED 1023'.
Polish Air Force SWK Lim-5R, serial 'RED 1414'.
Polish Air Force WSK Lim-6Bis, serial 'RED 105'.
Polish Air Force WSK Lim-6M, serial 'RED 606'.
The radar cover in the central air intake is very striking.
As Lim-5P fighters became obsolete, from 1971 they were also converted to the Lim-6bis standard, under the designation of Lim-6M. Their radars were removed, but the radar covers in the central air intake remained.
WSK Lim-6MR, serial 'RED 618'.
Lim-6bis, 6R, 6M and 6MR were used by the Polish Air Force as its most numerous attack aircraft until the 1980's. The last were finally withdrawn in 1992.
Many decades ago built MiG-21's are seen gleaming on Polish Aviation Museum lawn in August August 14, 2025.
Former Polish Air Force stars from yesteryear seen here in the second week of August 2025 at Polish Aviation Museum, down-town Krakow.
Bare metal jet-fighters.
The MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bereau in the Soviet Union in the early 50's. She made her first flight on June 14, 1956. The nicely swept lines and small cross-section are the hallmarks of the Fishbed.
Polish Air Force MiG-21F-13, serial 'RED 809'.
MiG-21F-13 (1960; Izdeliye 74; NATO "Fishbed-C")
F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated"), 13 = refers to K-13 missile system
Short-range day fighter; the MiG-21F-13 was the first MiG-21 model to be produced in large numbers. Unlike the MiG-21F, the MiG-21F-13 had only one NR-30 cannon on the starboard side, with only 60 rounds; however, it added the capability to use the K-13 missile system, of which two could be carried on underwing hardpoints. On early-production MiG-21F-13s the launch rails were of the APU-28 type; later models had these replaced by APU-13 rails. The launch rails were removable, allowing the MiG-21F-13 to carry two UB-16-57 unguided rocket launchers, two S-24 rockets on PU-12-40 launch rails or two FAB-100/250/500 bombs or ZB-360 napalm tanks. The F-13 had further upgrades: an improved ASP-5ND optical gunsight and an upgraded SRD-5ND ranging radar.
F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated"), 13 = refers to K-13 missile system
Short-range day fighter; the MiG-21F-13 was the first MiG-21 model to be produced in large numbers. Unlike the MiG-21F, the MiG-21F-13 had only one NR-30 cannon on the starboard side, with only 60 rounds; however, it added the capability to use the K-13 missile system, of which two could be carried on underwing hardpoints. On early-production MiG-21F-13s the launch rails were of the APU-28 type; later models had these replaced by APU-13 rails. The launch rails were removable, allowing the MiG-21F-13 to carry two UB-16-57 unguided rocket launchers, two S-24 rockets on PU-12-40 launch rails or two FAB-100/250/500 bombs or ZB-360 napalm tanks. The F-13 had further upgrades: an improved ASP-5ND optical gunsight and an upgraded SRD-5ND ranging radar.
'809' is seen here gleaming in the sun.
Afterburner section cooling air intakes are clearly visible.
A total of 10.158 (or 10.645) aircraft were built. 5.278 of them were manufactured in Gorki, 3203 in Moscow and 1.677 in Tbilisi. The tasks were divided clearly between the three factories: in Gorki (today again Nishni Novgorod) the single-seaters for the Soviet forces were built while Moscow made those for the export. Tbilisi delivered the twin-seaters for both the domestic and the export market. The mass production of the MiG-21 in the Soviet Union ended in 1975. In limited numbers the MiG-21 was also manufactured in China, India and Czechoslovakia.
Polish Air Force MiG-21PF, serial 'RED 1901'.
MiG-21PF (1961; Izdeliye 76; NATO "Fishbed-D")
P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated")
Production version of the all-weather interceptor. These were powered by the R11F2-300 turbojet and, starting with the seventh production batch, fitted with the RP-21 radar (the first six batches used the older TsD-30T radar (aka RP-9-21). Further, the weapons control system was modified from that of the F-13 to allow use of the RS-2US (aka K-5MS) beam-riding AAM in addition to the IR-seeking K-13.
P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated")
Production version of the all-weather interceptor. These were powered by the R11F2-300 turbojet and, starting with the seventh production batch, fitted with the RP-21 radar (the first six batches used the older TsD-30T radar (aka RP-9-21). Further, the weapons control system was modified from that of the F-13 to allow use of the RS-2US (aka K-5MS) beam-riding AAM in addition to the IR-seeking K-13.
You can just make out the air brake actuator poking out on the MiG's forward fuselage.
Polish Air Force MiG-21PFM, serial 'RED 4205'.
MiG-21PFM (1964; Izdeliye 94; NATO "Fishbed-F")
P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated"), M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised")
The production version of the Ye-7M was a modernised MiG-21PF, with an upgraded RP-21M radar, SRZO-2 Khrom-Nikkel IFF transponder and other changes in avionics. Further, later-production PFMs reintroduced cannon armament, in the form of the capability to carry a GSh-23 cannon and 200 rounds in an underbelly pod. Following tests in 1966, MiG-21PFM aircraft built after 1968 could carry the Kh-66 air-to-surface missile.
P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated"), M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised")
The production version of the Ye-7M was a modernised MiG-21PF, with an upgraded RP-21M radar, SRZO-2 Khrom-Nikkel IFF transponder and other changes in avionics. Further, later-production PFMs reintroduced cannon armament, in the form of the capability to carry a GSh-23 cannon and 200 rounds in an underbelly pod. Following tests in 1966, MiG-21PFM aircraft built after 1968 could carry the Kh-66 air-to-surface missile.
The aluminum looks shiny.
On early model MiG-21's, the cone has three positions. For speeds up to Mach 1.5, the cone is fully retracted to the maximum aft position. For speeds between Mach 1.5 and Mach 1.9, the cone moves to the middle position. For speeds higher than Mach 1.9, the cone moves to the maximum forward position.
Rows of MiG-21's and in the background some Sokhoi-22 sisterships.
Big elongated intakes between wings and stabilators are for cooling the afterburner section.
Polish Air Force MiG-21PFM, serial 'RED 01'.
MiG-21PFM (1964; Izdeliye 94; NATO "Fishbed-F")
P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated"), M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised")
The production version of the Ye-7M was a modernised MiG-21PF, with an upgraded RP-21M radar, SRZO-2 Khrom-Nikkel IFF transponder and other changes in avionics. Further, later-production PFMs reintroduced cannon armament, in the form of the capability to carry a GSh-23 cannon and 200 rounds in an underbelly pod. Following tests in 1966, MiG-21PFM aircraft built after 1968 could carry the Kh-66 air-to-surface missile.
P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated"), M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised")
The production version of the Ye-7M was a modernised MiG-21PF, with an upgraded RP-21M radar, SRZO-2 Khrom-Nikkel IFF transponder and other changes in avionics. Further, later-production PFMs reintroduced cannon armament, in the form of the capability to carry a GSh-23 cannon and 200 rounds in an underbelly pod. Following tests in 1966, MiG-21PFM aircraft built after 1968 could carry the Kh-66 air-to-surface missile.
'01' warms her natural metal finish in the strong sunshine.
Most of the MiG-21's were powered by the Tumansky R-25 turbojet engine.
Big elongated intakes between wings and stabilators are for cooling the afterburner section.
Engine air intake and the three-position intake shock cone. Inside the radar antenna.
On early model MiG-21's, the cone has three positions. For speeds up to Mach 1.5, the cone is fully retracted to the maximum aft position. For speeds between Mach 1.5 and Mach 1.9, the cone moves to the middle position. For speeds higher than Mach 1.9, the cone moves to the maximum forward position.
Polish Air Force MiG-21M, serial 'RED 2003'.
MiG-21M (1968; Izdeliye 96; NATO "Fishbed-J")
M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised")
Export variant of the MiG-21S with two major differences: the RP-22 radar of the MiG-21S was substituted with the older RP-21MA radar, and featured a built-in GSh-23L cannon instead of a cannon pod. In the air-to-air role it could only carry the R-3S IR-seeking AAM on its four pylons, as the SARH variant, the R-3R, was not cleared for export.
M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised")
Export variant of the MiG-21S with two major differences: the RP-22 radar of the MiG-21S was substituted with the older RP-21MA radar, and featured a built-in GSh-23L cannon instead of a cannon pod. In the air-to-air role it could only carry the R-3S IR-seeking AAM on its four pylons, as the SARH variant, the R-3R, was not cleared for export.
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Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) antenna.
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The fairing of the radar warning receiver and above the AN/ARL-5 data link antenna.
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'2003' provided yeoman service for Polish Air Force and still is wearing their uniform.
MiG-21's look majestic in their bare metal livery.
The brake parachute housing and the split conical fairing parachute doors.
On the right hand side MiG-21 the variable afterburner nozzle is clearly visible.
Air data boom (Pitot head, pitch vanes and yaw vanes).
Polish Air Force MiG-21R, serial 'RED 1125'.
MiG-21R (1965; Izdeliye 03/94R; NATO "Fishbed-H")
Initially designated Izdeliye 03 to confuse outsiders, the MiG-21R's official "type" designation was Izdeliye 94R. The first production unit was rolled out in early 1966 and production continued until 1971. For recce missions, the MiG-21R could carry a Type D daylight PHOTINT pod, a Type N nighttime PHOTINT pod, a Type R general-purpose ELINT pod or a Type T pod housing a TV system, making the MiG-21R one of the first Soviet recce aircraft to make use of ELINT equipment. Small changes were made throughout the production run. Early-production units had the R11F2S-300 turbojet, which was replaced in later machines by the R13-300 powerplant. In the air-to-air role, the MiG-21R could carry two RS-2US or R-3S AAMs, and in the strike role it could be loaded with two UB-16-57UM or UB-32 rocket pods, two S-24 heavy unguided rockets or two bombs of up to 500kg weight (each).
Initially designated Izdeliye 03 to confuse outsiders, the MiG-21R's official "type" designation was Izdeliye 94R. The first production unit was rolled out in early 1966 and production continued until 1971. For recce missions, the MiG-21R could carry a Type D daylight PHOTINT pod, a Type N nighttime PHOTINT pod, a Type R general-purpose ELINT pod or a Type T pod housing a TV system, making the MiG-21R one of the first Soviet recce aircraft to make use of ELINT equipment. Small changes were made throughout the production run. Early-production units had the R11F2S-300 turbojet, which was replaced in later machines by the R13-300 powerplant. In the air-to-air role, the MiG-21R could carry two RS-2US or R-3S AAMs, and in the strike role it could be loaded with two UB-16-57UM or UB-32 rocket pods, two S-24 heavy unguided rockets or two bombs of up to 500kg weight (each).
The intake suction relief door, just in front of the wingroot, of 'RED 1125' is open. This is an auxiliary air door that was designed to remain open on the ground or at low speed with the engine gulping down more air than the annular intake could supply. The auxiliary air door closed off as ram air pressure built up in the intake duct with increasing forward speed.
Massive cooling air scoops on the aft fuselage and ahinge control linkage on top of the wing.
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Polish Air Force MiG-21MF, serial 'RED 6504'.
MiG-21MF (1970; Izdeliye 96F; NATO "Fishbed-J")
M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated [engine]") Export version of the MiG-21SM, with RP-22 radar and R13-300 turbojet. The choice of weapons loads was increased with the addition of the R-60 (NATO: AA-8 "Aphid") and later the R-60M IR-seeking AAM. |
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'6504' caught by the camera on a sun-drenched day at Krakow.
Polish Air Force MiG-21U, serial 'RED 1217'.
MiG-21U (1961; Izdeliye 66-400; NATO "Mongol-A")
U = Uchebnyy ("Training")
Two-seat training version of the MiG-21F-13.
U = Uchebnyy ("Training")
Two-seat training version of the MiG-21F-13.
Mid-day sunshine glints off the aluminum MiG-21 fuselages.
Polish Air Force MiG-21US, serial 'RED 4401'.
MiG-21US (1966; Izdeliye 68; NATO "Mongol-B")
U = Uchebnyy ("Training"), S = Sduv [Pogranichnovo Sloya] ("[Boundary Layer] Blowing")
Two-seat training version; upgrade of MiG-21U 66-400 with blown flaps.
U = Uchebnyy ("Training"), S = Sduv [Pogranichnovo Sloya] ("[Boundary Layer] Blowing")
Two-seat training version; upgrade of MiG-21U 66-400 with blown flaps.
A rather scruffy ‘RED 4401’ stands proud in the MiG-21 line-up at the Polish Aviation Museum, Krakow.
The brake parachute housing and the split conical fairing parachute doors.
Polish Air Force MiG-21Bis, serial 'RED 9204'.
MiG-21bis (1972; Izdeliye 75; NATO "Fishbed-L/N")
The ultimate development of the MiG-21, fitted with the Tumanskiy R25-300 turbojet engine and a great number of other advances over previous types. Those MiG-21bis for the Soviet PVO (Air Defence Force) were equipped with the Lazur GCI system (NATO: "Fishbed-L"), while those for the Soviet Air Force were fitted with the Polyot ILS system (NATO: "Fishbed-N").
The ultimate development of the MiG-21, fitted with the Tumanskiy R25-300 turbojet engine and a great number of other advances over previous types. Those MiG-21bis for the Soviet PVO (Air Defence Force) were equipped with the Lazur GCI system (NATO: "Fishbed-L"), while those for the Soviet Air Force were fitted with the Polyot ILS system (NATO: "Fishbed-N").
'9204' sitting pretty under the intense Polish sunshine in August 2025.
Polish Air Force MiG-21PF, serial 'RED 2004'.
MiG-21PF (1961; Izdeliye 76; NATO "Fishbed-D")
P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated")
Production version of the all-weather interceptor. These were powered by the R11F2-300 turbojet and, starting with the seventh production batch, fitted with the RP-21 radar (the first six batches used the older TsD-30T radar (aka RP-9-21). Further, the weapons control system was modified from that of the F-13 to allow use of the RS-2US (aka K-5MS) beam-riding AAM in addition to the IR-seeking K-13.
P = Perekhvatchik ("Interceptor"), F = Forsirovannyy ("Uprated")
Production version of the all-weather interceptor. These were powered by the R11F2-300 turbojet and, starting with the seventh production batch, fitted with the RP-21 radar (the first six batches used the older TsD-30T radar (aka RP-9-21). Further, the weapons control system was modified from that of the F-13 to allow use of the RS-2US (aka K-5MS) beam-riding AAM in addition to the IR-seeking K-13.
Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-7BM, serial 'RED 06'.
The Sukhoi was is powered by a lyulka AL-7 engine, which had such high fuel consumption that it seriously limited the aircraft's performance.
Huge wing fences!
Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-7Bkt, serial 'RED 806'.
Sukhoi was founded in the Soviet Union by Pavel Sukhoi in 1939 as the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-7UM, serial 'RED 116'.
Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-20R, serial 'RED 4242'.
Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-22M4 Fitter, serial 'RED 3305'.
Wing fence sticking up from the top surface.
Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-22UM3K, serial 'RED 304'.
This Sukhoi needs painting.
Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-22M-4, serial 'RED 3005'.
Stepping out from under the wing, the first thing you notice is the big sucker of a wing fence sticking up from the top surface. Wing fences are used to halt the span-wise flow of air across the wing that would otherwise thicken up toward the wing tip and increase the tendency to tip stall.
Big elongated intakes between wings and stabilators are for cooling the afterburner section.
Polish Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MF 'Flogger', serial 'RED 120'.
The 'Flogger' is is powered by a Tumansky R-29B engine.
Flogger 'RED 120' is basking in the sun at the Polish Aviation Museum, with a MiG-29 for company.
Polish Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29GT (UB) 'Fulcrum', serial 'RED 4115', is seen here being taken care of.
Republic of Polond Yakovlev Yak-40 '037 RED'.
This ship was donated to the Museum during in December 2006.
'037' still in uniform.
On the left photo the bucket thrust reverser on the center engine.
Nicknamed; - The kerosene guzzler.
The Yak-40 is powered by three Ivchenko AI-25T turbofan engines.
The antenna's of the Il-14 forms a fitting frame for Yakolev business-jet.
WSK TS-11 Iskra bis B, serial 'RED 1007'.
When bare metal was sexy.
The Iskar is powered by a PZL Rzeszów SO-3 turbojet engine.
Polish Air Force Ilyushin (VEB) IL-14S (former serial '3078').
This Ilyushin is a longtime resident at Polish Aviation Museum.
This veteran surely can use a lick of paint!
This Cold War bomber forms a fitting frame for the Il-14 preserved at the Polish Aviaition Air Force Museum, Krakow.
This IL-14 is powered by two Shvetsov ASh-82T-7 radial piston engines.
Crying out for cosmetic attention!
A Polish Air Force veteran without a lick of paint on its hull, grimy hide other than the Polish Air Force roundel.
This Il-14 retired at Krakow decades ago but still wears the faded roundel from its days with Polish Air Force.
Polish Air Force Ilyushin SII-28 trainer, serial 'RED S3'.
A great looking brute. What a treasure.
This IL-28 was powered by two Klimov VK-5 engines.
Ice, hail and rain have battered away the paint from the radome and the fuselage skin aft of the cockpit windows, making this workhorse look a little the worse for wear.
Polish Air Force Ilyushin II-28R, serial 'RED 72'.
Everywhere, gray water streaks flows towards the belly.
Fine detailed shot of the mighty 'Beagle' Jet Bomber.
The 'Beagle' was powered by two Klimov VK-5 fuel guzzelers.
PZL-105 Flaming SP-PRD was intended as a STOL utility aircraft. Only two were built.
Hungary Air Force Mil Mi-24W Hind-E, serial 'RED 717'.
This 'Hind' was powered by two Isotov TV3-117 turboshaft engines.
Portuguese Air Force LTV A-7P Corsair II. serial '5502'.
The LTV A-7P Corsair II was powered by a Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-408 turbofan engine.
Michail Mil Mi-4, serial 'RED 511' is seen here hanging on by its teeth, paint chipping, dents and scratches.
The 'Hound' was powered by a Shvetsov Ash-82V radial engine.
French and British hardware on a sweltering Polish Aviation Musuem tarmac in August 2025.
What's inside?
McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II.
The McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojet engines, each producing significant thrust, making it a highly successful Mach 2 capable supersonic fighter.
The ASz-62R radial engine.
Wytwórnia Sprzętu Komunikacyjnego has been a Polish aviation industry enterprise since 1952. They are the only producer of ASz-62 IR piston engine.
Bell CH-136 Kiowa '255'.
Aérospatiale SA 316B AlouetteIII 'V-257'.
The helicopter is powered by a Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turbo-shaft engine.
Polish Air Force MiG-19PM, serial 'RED 905'.
The MiG was acquired by the Polish Air Force in the late 50's, and was powered by a Tumansky RD-9 engine.
The Italian Air Force Lockheed F-104S ASA-M Starfighter was powered by a General Electric J79-GE-11A afterburning turbojet engine.
.
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Sun scorched heli's.
A motley line-up of decrepit Mil helicopters and other russian hardware.
Polish Air Force Mil Mi-4ME, serial 'WHITE 6'.
What the f*ck is this?
Polish Air Force Mil Mi-2M2, serial '44??' on the grass with colleagues.
Polish Air Force WSK Mi-2T Wiarus.
Polish Air Force WSK Mi-2FM.
Polish Air Force WSK Mi-2Ch Chekla, serial '6048'.
These Hoplite's were powered by two Isotov GTD-350 400-hp gas turbines.
WSK Mi-2 sprayer.
PZL-101 Gawron sprayer SP-WAK.
The Gawron is powered by an Ivchenko AI-14 radial engine.
PZL-106AR Kruk sprayer SP-KFB, is seen here in terrible shape at Polish Aviation Museum.
If an airplane is preserved outside, it will be subject to wind, rain, hail and whatever else the local climate can throw at it.
The PZL-106 has a single radial engine PZL-3S and a four-blade propeller.
WSK PZL An-2R sprayer SP-WMK.
Its blue and cream-colored paint scheme is a bit haggard but still generally intact, chipped off in a few places, and mostly vacant on each side of the nose cowling.
This nose riding high Antonov is powered by a Shvetsov ASh-62IR nine-cylinder radial engine, a Soviet-designed engine developed from the Wright R-1820.
PZL M-15 Belphegor '0603' sits forlornly at the Polish Aviation Museum.
The Belphegor looked rather lackluster during my visit in August 2025.
The airplane's paint has faded extremely due to ultra—violet exposure.
Parked in a remote corner of the museum I found these two bare metal Sukhoi's.
Sukhoi Su-7BM 'Fitter-A'.
Su-7BM
Upgraded AL-7F-1 engine, upgraded fuel system with external piping on either side of the fuselage spine, fuel tanks installed in the wings, "wet" underwing hardpoints for carrying external fuel tanks, capable of carrying tactical nuclear bombs. Manufactured 1963–1965 with 290 built.
Upgraded AL-7F-1 engine, upgraded fuel system with external piping on either side of the fuselage spine, fuel tanks installed in the wings, "wet" underwing hardpoints for carrying external fuel tanks, capable of carrying tactical nuclear bombs. Manufactured 1963–1965 with 290 built.
Stripped back to bear metal.
This 'Fitter' was powered by an upgraded lyulka AL-7 turbojet engine.
Cleared skin Sukhoi's at Krakow.
Mid-day sunshine glints off the aluminum fuselages both Sukhoi's.
I just loved the Sokhoi Su-7, even naked from any user markings.
A very old looking Antonov An-26 stands alongside a Tupolev Tu-134A as part of the impressive Polish Aviation museum collection within the city of Krakow, Poland in August 2025.
Antonov An-26, serial 'WHITE 1509'.
The weather-beaten nose of a veteran Polish Air Force Antonov.
The An-26 is powered by two Ivchenko AI-24 turboprop engine.
A very scruffy and weathered LOT Tupolev Tu-134A.
A close up of the glazed nose of the beast!
SP-LHB was delivered new to LOT in April 1974 and withdrawn from use in 1992.
Such a svelte, sleek fuselage. A wonderful airplane for its time.
Billboard titles.
The most elegant jet airliner ever built.
SP-LHB has been standing outside a couple of years at the Krakow museum without any upkeep. Dirt has gathered in all the panel lines showing most clearly around the tail section and engine cowlings.
This '134A' was powered by a two updated Soloviev D-30 turbofan engines.
Things are going a bit pear-shaped at the time!
Misztal-Dulęba MD-12F, registrated SP-PBL, on a broiling Polish Aviaiton Museum ramp in August 2025.
The MD-12 is a Polish four-engined short-range passenger and civil utility aircraft of the 1960s, which remained in the prototype stage.
The aircraft was developed as a successor to the Lisunov Li-2 on short domestic routes for Lot Polish Airlines.
The first prototype flew first on 21 July 1959.
The MD-12 is powered four Polish 315 hp WN-3 engines.
Aerial photography variant MD-12F. It was fitted with several cameras and other equipment The fuselage nose was glazed, with a navigator post.
It’s a design classic!
Only 3 were built.
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