Developing and mass-producing a warplane is a particularly complex and winding endeavor in itself, but during the Cold War, politics, bureaucracy, and budgetary restraints further muddled the process. Still, with aircraft design, the potential for failure lurks behind every corner.While Russia is known for its powerful fighter jets such as the Su-35 and Su-57, the old Soviet Union had top-tier fighters that were tarnished with a questionable reputation decades ago.The MiG-23 was the Soviet response to American and European third-generation fighters, replacing the aging MiG-21.However, with a poor safety record, a mixed combat history, and an unfortunately flying reputation, many people, especially from the Western world, consider the MiG-23 as the Russian Air Force’s worst fighter in history.Still, the nation stands by its Mach-2 capable aircraft with a groundbreaking design, long range, and nuclear-weapon capability, giving it a side role that might have improved its performance…