Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>MIG-21>HA0196

General Background

The Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig-21 is the world most widely used supersonic fighter which has been used by over 30 countries and 56 air forces. It is the most produced aircraft since World War II with an estimation of over 10,000 in the Soviet Union alone.

The Mig-21 has a top speed of Mach 2 and has proven to be an effective and easy to maintain aircraft in many conflicts. It first achieved renown in the Vietnam War where it posed itself a challenging adversary for more technological advanced aircrafts like the F-105 and F-4 Phantom. The Mig-21 is certainly one of the most famous aircrafts in the world for all times.

The Aircraft

When the Soviet Union controlled East Germany they had three regiments of MiG-21SMTs located in country. These units were 33 IAP Wittstock, 296 IAP Altenburg and 733 IAP Damgarten. The use of the MiG-21SMT with its great range and other improvements it made it possible for these aircraft to be nuclear delivery capable. Not all the MiG-21SMTs were setup for nuclear use but were trained for ait to ground attacks and strafing. The MiG-21SMT was used until the early 1980s and replaced by MiG-21MLD and MiG-27M.

Specifications :

Developing Nation:	Soviet Union
Task:	Multi-role Fighter
First Flight:	1957
Crew:	1
Dimensions
Wing span:	7,15 m
Wing area:	23.00 m2
Length:	13,46m
Engine(s)	Tumansky R-13 turbojet with 65,48 kN thrust (incl. After-burn)
Weight:	5450kg
Max. Take off weight:	7750kg
Max. Speed:	2230 km/h(mach 2,1) at 12000m
Max. Range:	315 km(on internal fuel only)
Weapons	2 x 23 mm cannons and a maximum of 1000 kg other weaponry depending on type of mission.