Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA0196 MIG-21SMT Blue 60, 296 IAP, Soviet AF, 1980

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.

The MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau. Some 50 countries over four continents have flown the MiG-21, and it still serves many nations over a half-century after its maiden flight in 1955. It is the most-produced combat aircraft since the Korean War, and it had the longest production run of a combat aircraft (1959 to 1985 over all variants). The MiG-21 SMT is a development of the MiG-21 SM with more fuel capacity. This variant is easily spotted thanks to its larger spine.

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.

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 Empty - 5450 kg Maximum Take off - 7750 kg Maximum Speed - 2230 km/h (mach 2,1) @ 12000 m Maximum 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.