Bharat Rakshak:Indian Air Force

Fujimi 1/72 MiG-21 FL

After much political jockeying, the IAF selected the MiG 21 over the Lockheed F-104 and English Electric Lightning in Aug 1962. The first 12 ac, Mig 21 F-13s (Type-74) were delivered to 28 Squadron (the first supersonics, a new raising) in Apr 63. The early aircraft had twin 30 mm cannon and little fuel (2450 L). A second batch, T-76s had a double shock producing conical intake center body but deleted the guns due weight considerations. Thus the IAF went to war in 1965 with its trials Squadron of 8 aircraft (two lost to a mid air). Little action was seen by the type in the 1965 war with Pakistan except CAP sorties. In 1968 the IAF received aircraft to convert 6 sqns on the type, this time with the GP-9 Gun pack with the GSH-23, 23 mm double barrel gun and a gun sight added to the already existing two K-13s (Atolls) or Two 57mmx16 rocket pods . In the Dec 1971 war with Pakistan, the T-77s performed exemplarily in both ground attack and escort roles. Ultimately the T-77 /F-104 kill ratio being 4:1. Proving finally, after some undeserved criticism during the Arab/Israeli wars, that the aircraft was indeed an outstanding close combat machine even though designed for supersonic dash and sub-stratospheric climb. C-992 is one of the most famous Mig-21 FLs in the modeling world because of its unique scheme. In fact this scheme, much misinterpreted, was not unique at all. Many IAF aircraft during the 71 war were painted in similar schemes eg; AN-12 etc. The scheme was basically a follow on to the shadow pattern created by the camouflage netting on the surface of the ac. It was simply hand brushed black distemper over the natural metal. The aircraft belonged to 1 Squadron Dett at Amritsar; although no shoot down was claimed by this particular aircraft (all shoot downs were in the south west). The aircraft was tragically lost in Sep 97 with OCU at Chabua. Its sisters 991 and 993 soldier-on even after nearly 35 yrs. The kit itself (gifted by Piet van Schalkwick of IPMS Pretoria) is what is to be expected of Fujimi, except that the GP-9 gun pack is short on length, it should sit on the rear airbrake and the R2L radar scope is too small, and too low. Both were modified. Otherwise the kit was built pretty much OOB.