Eduard 08231, MiG-21MF Soviet Cold War Jet Fighter. ProfiPack 1:48 Scale

MiG-21MF Soviet Cold War Jet Fighter, 1:48 Scale

08231 - Eduard

ProfiPACK edition kit of Soviet Cold War jet fighter plane MiG-21MF in 1/48 scale.

The MiG-21 is one of the most successful supersonic fighters ever produced. The first production MiG-21 was a day fighter that was equipped with 2 NR-30 30mm guns and a range-only radar that would provide optimum firing range data for the pilot, similar to the F-100 Super Sabre. Like the F-100, these early MiG-21s were not effective in clouds or adverse weather, so an air-intercept radar was added along with two infrared homing missiles (K-13 Atoll) and the guns were deleted.

This first all-weather interceptor was the MiG-21PF (NATO Codename: Fishbed D). To enhance landing performance as well as pilot safety, the next version would replace the Fowler flaps with engine-blown flaps to reduce landing speeds as well as replace the forward-hinged canopy that acted as a supersonic shield during high-speed ejections. The problem with the canopy was that while it protected the pilot from supersonic wind blasts during ejection, it was also notorious for not coming off the seat after ejection to allow the pilot to deploy his parachute. This new version was the MiG-21PFM (NATO Codename: Fishbed F) and all subsequent versions of the Fishbed were equipped with a side-opening canopy and the KM-1 ejection seat.

Following the MiG-21R was a wide range of MiG-21s that represented the first increment of the Generation Three fighters and were all NATO Codenamed Fishbed J. These included the MiG-21M, MiG-21MA, MiG-21S, MiG-21SM, and the primary export variant, the MiG-21MF. The reason all of these variants were given a common NATO designator was that the Soviet model numbers were not commonly known in the west.

Like the MiG-21R, the MiG-21MF (and its kin) had four underwing pylons, centreline pylon, and a new addition - the GSh-23 twin-barrel 23mm cannon. The gunfighter had returned. In combat operations, the MiG-21MF (and its kin) could carry weapons on its two inboard pylons, but for the first time it could also carry two underwing fuel tanks and a centreline tank for extra range and tops this off with the new gun. One other improvement not immediately evident with the Fishbed J was the R-13 engine that replaces the R-11 used in previous MiG-21 variants. US aircrews knew that they could fly faster than the Gen 1/Gen 2 MiG-21s on the deck, but the R-13 added a two-stage afterburner that gave the pilot two thrust settings: fast and faster. With the R-13 in the North Vietnamese MiG-21MFs, US aircrews couldn't shake off these new MiGs quite as easily.

Kit Highlights:

• Detailed cockpit with colour photo-etched parts
• Detailed KM-1 ejection seat
• Positionable canopy
• Detailed afterburner chamber and nozzle
• Detailed main wheel wells (nose gear well nice too)
• Positionable rudder
• Positionable flaps, ailerons and stabilators (with some minor tweaks)
• Positionable speed brakes
• Choice of plastic or Photo Etch FOD shields under auxiliary blow-in doors
• Paint masks
• Marking Options - 6
• Eduard Decals
• Pre Painted Photo Etch Parts

Kit requires glue and paint to complete - not included.