FROM NVA TO L PART 3
Service in the East German Air Force
W
ith the introduction of the MiG-21 into the East German People's Army (National Volksarmee – NVA) in the fighter role, the surplus MiG-17 aircraft were to be used in the fighter-bomber role. Fighterbomber wing (JBG) 31 was established in 1971 with the MiG-17 equipped with two wing pylons employing unguided missiles and bombs. This was to be the first fighter-bomber aircraft of the armed forces. JBG-31 shared the home base of Drewitz with a squadron from JG-7 equipped with MiG-21 SPS Fishbed. Starting in 1980, the MiG-17F of JBG-31 was replaced
112
SUKHOI Su-22 FIT
in active service and re-equipped with the MiG-23BN (ground attack) and MiG-23UB (two-seater trainer). During the process, the wing was redesignated as JBG-37. To confuse NATO planners, these aircraft were designated by the LSK/LV as MiG-24. In the early 1980s, as part of a general expansion, components of the wing transferred to the incomplete airbase Laage, south of Rostock. On 1 December 1984, the personnel of the JBG-37 at Laage formed the nucleus of the newly established JBG-77, which was due to equip with the Su-22. Due to the incomplete infrastructure in Laage, the first ten brand-new Su22 were delivered to Rothenburg, dismantled, and
Two Su-22M4 of JBG-77 taxiing for tak the UB-32A-73 rocket pod. The pod ca which can be fired in a single salvo.
