Mikoyan-GurevichMig-21PF Fishbed D

Mikoyan-Gurevich’s Mig-21 first flew in E-5 Prototype form in late 1955. After test prototypes with both swept and delta wing designs were evaluated, the now familiar delta was chosen and entered production in -F model form in late 1957. There were at least 30 pre-production examples tested before commencement of production.
 
The PF version was introduced to the world at Tushino in 1961. The PF version was a second generation version of the Mig-21 family. It was designed to enhance both the original's all-weather capability and it's endurance.

External changes included:
 

• increasing the diameter of the intake by 9 inches which allowed incorporation of a large movable nose cone which housed a R1L “Spin Scan” radar
• the pitot boom was mounted above the nose and the vanes for angle correction of the gyro gun sight were deleted (no gun)
• large bulges above the wing root to allow larger diameter main wheels needed for the greater weight of the PF
• deletion of gun armament (Soviet combat doctrine at the time reflected the flawed American view that guns weren't needed in an age of AAMs) allowing simpler airbrake mechanism and incorporation of two forward airbrakes as the dorsal brake could not be used when a belly tank was carried
• the ability to mount GP-9 gunpacks which housed GSh-23 twin-barrel 23mm cannon
• the addition of the distinctive hump on the fuselage spine allowing greater fuelcapacity
• K-13R (AA-2 Atoll) radar guided AAM capable
• numerous electronic changes
• R-11F2-300 engine with 13118 lbs of thrust
• North Vietnam acquired the PFV version designed for the tropical climate of Southeast Asia and equipped with the less capable R-2L radar (I include this because one of Academy's decal options is for the NVAF)

I built my Egyptian Air Force Mig-21PF from the Academy (2166) kit using Testors' Model master enamels and the kit-supplied decals. Not a bad kit overall with nice engraved detail. The instrument panel and side consoles have raised gauges, dials and switches. However, the completed nose assembly (step 2) attaches to the rear fuselage resulting in a marked step. This problem (that I had anyway) can be improved considerably by gluing each nose section to it's corresponding rear fuselage section and then gluing both halves together (this is the route I am taking with the NVAF example I am currently building, and it works quite well). There is ample room behind the nose cone and above the nose wheel well for the required weight to allow the aircraft to sit properly. Some filing was required to get the flaps to look half decent and some was required at the wing fuselage joint.

Construction options include: 2 K-13 Atolls or 2 UB-32 rocket pods for the outer wing pylons. A 130 gallon capacity drop tank or GP-9 cannon pod for the centerline. The one-piece canopy can be open or closed. Two tails are included, one for late and one for early version PFs. The two forward airbrakes and the rear centreline airbrake can be open or closed.

Marking options are for 5 aircraft. A Soviet Air Force and an Egyptian Air Force aircraft (both with four-colour camouflage schemes, the instructions include the FS codes for the colours, as well as side, top and bottom views) can be built using the late model tail, and  2 North Vietnamese Air Force and 1 Chinese PLA Air Force aircraft (all 3 in natural metal finish) can be built using the early model tail. What appear to be kill markings are included for the 2 NVAF aircraft, but no other information is provided.

I wasn't too impressed with the decals and even after using micro-set and -sol there remains some silvering. However, maybe I just need to work on my preparation a little more.

Parts breakdown indicates that some of the spruces will be used in the recently released MF version which I am eagerly awaiting.