1/72 HobbyMaster (HA0143) Miikoyan MiG21MF Fishbed 1973-1982 5th Sqdn, Syrian Arab Air Force (Limited Edition #037 of Only 850)
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG21MF
Fishbed
Syrian Arab Air Force
5th Sqn
Limited Edition 850 Pieces Worldwide
Originally built by the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union with a NATO nickname "Fishbed". No other jet has had as many planes produced as the Mig-21. Depending on the reference source 8,000 – 13,000 planes of all versions were made in the Soviet Union, under license to allied countries and China without license. At the time of it's introduction into the Soviet Air Force service in 1959, it was exactly what they wanted. A small, fast, agile, dependable and most importantly simple making it easy to turn out great numbers of the plane. The skies of Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and Central America seemed to be filled with thousands of the Mi g-21. Because of it's relatively low cost since it was heavily subsidized by the Soviets, it became the plane of choice for many third world countries. Taking this into account this plane this plane has seen more wars then any other modern day jet. The Mig-21 was used in front line service for over 30 years equaling that of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. There were 5 generations of the plane in many versions and each generation brought with it great improvements over it's predecessors. The Mig-21MF (Fishbed J) was powered by the lighter and more powerful Tumansky R 13-300 Turbojet. The most predominant visual feature difference between the MF and M is the periscope on top of the MF canopy.
Designed as a successor to the Soviet Union's family of early MiG jet fighters, the MiG-21 was first flown on February 14, 1955. This supersonic jet fighter was the first Soviet aircraft to successfully combine fighter and interceptor characteristics. Its delta wing design gave it the ability to climb quickly and its light loading further improved its performance, making it possible for a skilled pilot to successfully engage in dogfights with contemporary enemy fighters. Today, more than 50 years after its introduction, the MiG-21 still serves the air forces of many nations and has become the most-produced supersonic jet in history.
