Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA0147 MiG-21 SMT Soviet Air Force “16”

Background history of the Mig-21SMT The Mig-21SMT ( NATO designation Fishbed K ) was a third generation version and only flown by the pilots of the Soviet Air Force Frontal Aviation Units and they were used primarily in an air-ground role. Along with a new ECM package the designers made an effort to increase the endurance of the Mig-21 by enlarging the dorsal fin and lengthened it so it went back and merged with the brake chute fairing. This gave it a humpbacked look and made it possible to carry 3,250 liters internally but this lead to fuel trim problems, when 2/3 of the fuel was burned off the center of gravity would shift towards the tail, severely hampering performance and handling. To make things worse the R-13- 300 engine was used which didn’t produce enough thrust to compensate for the increased weight of the SMT over previous models. The SMT version turned out to be quite a disappointment with only about 150 - 200 machines ever being built from 1971 - 1972 and 15 of the export version, the MT were produced but none were ever exported. However lessons were learned from this and since the full amount of fuel couldn’t be carried the next version arrived with a smaller spine that didn’t go back to the brake chute fairing.

1/72 scale. Die-cast metal with a minimum use of plastic. Canopy can be displayed open or closed. Model comes with a display stand. Landing gear can be displayed closed or in the down position. Rubber tires. A large assortment of weapons. Fully assembled and painted. Markings are tampo applied not decals.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21SMT specs Developing Nation: Soviet Union Task: Multi-role Fighter First Flight: 1957 Crew: 1 Dimensions: Wing Span: 7,15 m Wing Area: 23 m² Length: 13,46 m Engine (s): Tumansky R-13 turbojet with 65,48 kN thrust (incl. After-burn) Weight: 5450 kg Max. Take off weight: 7750 kg Max. Speed: 2230 km/h (mach 2,1) at 12000 m 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.