1/72 HobbyMaster (HA2414) MiG15bis "Fagot" (Red-573) "Red Falcons" Soviet Aerobatic Team, U.S.S.R. 1950s (Limited Edition of Only 500)
The MiG-15 (NATO name Fagot) was designed from information and technology gathered from captured WWII Germans. The main features of the Mig-15 were its simplicity and swept wings. The MiG-15bis was an improved single-seat fighter with better cannon, fuel capacity, avionics and a Klimov turbojet engine developed using an unlicensed Rolls-Royce Nene engine. All this was put in a strengthened airframe. The Allies were completely surprised when the Mig-15 arrived in Korea and quickly brought about the development of the F-86 Sabre.
The first organized Soviet air show was held August 18, 1933 at the Central Moscow Aerodrome called Gorky Park. In 1934 the exhibition moved to Tushino Airfield just outside Moscow. The displays were mostly large numbers of aircraft in formations spelling out Lenin, Stalin or SSSR. Between then and 1950 there were a few display teams such as the Red Five performing basic maneuvers but in 1950 the Red Falcons were formed performing high speed formation flying. The team lasted until about 1955.
