1/48 Revell MiG 21 FL

Gallery Article by Shailesh Karkhanis on Apr 7 2020

 

      

MiG 21 FL of the Indian Air Force

History of the MiG -21:
India is the largest operator of MiG-21s. In 1961, the Indian Air Force (IAF) opted to purchase the MiG-21 over several other Western competitors. As part of the deal, the Soviet Union offered India full transfer of technology and rights for local assembly. In 1964, the MiG-21 became the first supersonic fighter jet to enter service with the IAF.

Since 1963, India has introduced more than 1,200 MiG fighters into its air force. As of 2019, 113 MiG-21s are known to be in operation in the IAF.

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The 1971 war witnessed the first supersonic air combat in the subcontinent when an Indian MiG-21FL claimed a Pakistan Air Force [PAF] F-104A Starfighter with its GSh-23 twin-barrelled 23 mm cannon. By the time the hostilities came to an end, the Indian Air Force [ IAF ] MiG-21FLs had claimed four PAF F-104As, two PAF Shenyang F-6, one PAF North American F-86 Sabre and one PAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules. According to one Western military analyst, the MiG-21FLs had clearly "won" the much anticipated air combat between the MiG-21FL and the F-104A Starfighter. 

Model Length: 33.02 cm/ Wingspan: 14.92 cm/ No of pieces: 64 / Body Mold in: Light Grey / Decal Options Or Markings HAL built Mig-21 PF C588 in No 08 ; The Eight Pursoot” Squadron, Indian Air Force and Soviet Air Force

Colours used: Fevicryl Acrylic paints.

Kit Verdict: Overall a Good kit with strong decal sheet. 

Shailesh Karkhanis

Photos and text © by Shailesh Karkhanis