1/72 FUJIMI MiG-21 FL

POLLY SINGH

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 sqn (the first supersonics, a new raising) in Apr 63. The early ac 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 sqn of 8 ac (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 ac 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 (Atols) 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 ac 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 ac 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 ac belonged to 1 sqn dett at Amritsar; although no shoot down was claimed by this particular ac (all shoot downs were in the south west). The ac was tragically lost in Sep 97 with OCU at Chabua. Its sisters 991 and 993 soldier-on even after nearly 35 yrs.

A T-66, lands at Amritsar on 06 Dec 71 with Air Mshl Enginner AOC-in-C WAC on board.

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.

MiG-21 FLs escorted almost all SU-7 missions during the Dec 71 war. A KP 1/72 SU-7 BMK of 32 sqn (the thunderbirds) in washable distemper scheme of dark earth/dark green/ sea grey is shown next to the Fujimi T-77

Canopy jacks, a new enlarged radar scope and air driven gyros added to the K-13 rear fins were some of the additions while the anti-FOD (foreign object damage) strakes under the auxiliary air intakes were deleted. These did not appear till 1977.