Russians started developing the MiG-21PFM around ’64, which included the Gsh-23 internal. Some PF/FL models could use a podded canon at the expense of the ventral center-line fuel tank. The MiG-21 cannot go far without that tank (might as well be permanently attached). The thinking of the day was that targets were being engaged farther out than what a canon could hit. Would you want to take on a B-52’s tail with a canon or a missile? A missile with a proximity fuse. The PF/PFM were never destined to carry radar-guided missiles, but the platform as a whole were never used in that capacity. The Su-11/15, Yak-25/28, Tu-28 were the interceptors that relied on those types of weapons. During the 60s, the Soviets were not exporting those. I always thought of the Su-7 as a frustrated ground attack plane because it seemed to have all of the trappings of an interceptor and very few needed by a CAS/ground attack platform. Strap some R-3’s to an Su-7 and with the canons in the wing roots you might have something.
Crusader rocks! The last gunfighter… Just watched “Thirteen Days” recently, which contains some great Crusader footage.
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