History of Mig-21
MT/SMT
Since the foreign operators of the MiG-21 lightweight frontline fighter aircraft
(Fishbed) often complained about a small range of these otherwise successful machines, in February 1971, OKB MiG was officially responsible for developing the latest MiG-21MF
(Fishbed J) with expanded internal fuel supply. The required modification of the
MiG-21 MF ( Fishbed J ) with expanded internal fuel supply. The required modification of the
MiG 21MF has been known under MiG-21 MT (Fishbed K) and the production code of 96K and has been distinguished from its predecessor development by installing a stronger R-13F-300 engine and new fuel tanks with a larger volume (900 litres versus 510
litres) within the significantly extended dorsal body. This intervention of the fuel system has brought range of 200 to 250 Km and the speed has dropped
significantly 2175 Km/hr versus 2230 Km/h and
accessible altitude of 17,300 to 18,200 metres. This was the result of not only a higher takeoff weight than the MiGem-21MF
(Fishbed J), but also a greater frontal aerodynamic drag.
The MiGu-21MT dorsal body superstructure (Fishbed K) had a larger cross-section than the transparent cabin overhang, while the MiGu-21MF dorsal body
(Fishbed J) did not come out of its contour. In order not to be too small, the dorsal superstructure of MiG-21MT (Fishbed K) was also the cause of unwanted air whirlwinds that reduced the effectiveness of the rudder. In order not to be too small, the dorsal superstructure of the MiG-21MT type (Fishbed K) was also the cause of unwanted air whirlwinds that reduced the effectiveness of the rudder. This again had a negative effect on directional stability. This has a negative effect on the directional stability. For this reason, the MiG-21MT (Fishbed K) aircraft was eventually built in the number of just 15 specimens.
At the same time, the Moscow No. 30 gates, which ensured the production of virtually all export versions of the MiG-21 (Fishbed) aircraft, left during 1971. None of them was eventually exported abroad. At the same time, the Moscow No. 30 gates, which ensured the production of virtually all export versions of the MiG-21 Fishbed aircraft, left during 1971. None of them was eventually exported abroad. Initially, all export MiGy-21MT (Fishbed K) operated a demonstration squadron 234. GvIAP (Garde Fighter Regiment) with the Kubinka home base. Initially, all export MiGy-21MT (Fishbed K) operated a demonstration squadron 234. GvIAP (Garde Fighter Regiment) with Kubinka home base. Later these machines took over one of the fighter-bomber regiments, which operated from the territory of the GDR. Later these machines took over one of the fighter-bomber regiments, which operated from the territory of the GDR.
The MiG-21 Generation three series was the MiG-21SMT (NATO Codename
(Fishbed K). This variant had an improved radar (that also was incorporated into some of the domestic Fishbed J variants) and other avionics improvements, but none of these were
visibility different from the Fishbed J. What earned this MiG it's own NATO designation was another 'improvement' for more fuel storage in the aircraft's dorsal spine. This 'improvement' earned the aircraft the nickname 'humpback (whale)' among its pilots. The type did see operational service within the Soviet Union but the humpback created enough problems that production quickly switched over to the MiG-21bis (sans the humpback) and many of the MiG-21SMTs were converted to the MiG-21bis dorsal spine. While there were plans to export the humpback configuration, a few were built and none were exported given the discontent among Soviet pilots.
They were powered by a Tumanski R-13 F-300 with afterburner and carried Saphar 21/RP-22SM radar., and the armament consisted of GS-23-2L 23mm cannon with 200 rounds. The underwing pylons could carry a combination of FAB bombs up to 500 Kg in size, UB-16-57 or UB-32A rocket pods and R-3S, R-3R or S-24 missiles.
NATO assigned the Mig21 MT/SMT codename Fishbed K.
The S-24 missile (shown carried under the wings of the model subject) is a fixed fin aircraft rocket with a high explosive (HE) warhead for air-to-surface use. The rocket is painted dark green and has two bands at the warhead. Nomenclature and manufacturing information are stenciled in
black on the warhead and rocket motor
The S-24 is a rocket 2.33 metres long with a launch weight of 235 Kg (520 lbs). It has a 123 Kg (271lb) blast fragmentation warhead. Its range is about 2-3 Kilometres
(1.2 - 1.9 miles. The S-24 is carried individually on weapon pylons, rather than in pods. The rocket is also license produced in Iran under the name
Shafaq. The rocket has also been in use with the Indian AF in the closing days of the 1971 War and has been in use by MiG-21s, MiG-23BNs and MiG-27s since then.
Click on
images below to see larger images
|
|
MiG-21
MT/SMT
Manufacturer: Made in Latvia
Scale: 1/72
Kit No: unknown
Type: injection molded
Parts: 41
Decal options: none.
The kit
Injected in light blue styrene with a photo copied single page instructions the
make of kit received from a contact in Latvia some years ago is of an unknown
make and rather crudely produced compared to today's standard with raised
panel lines and other surface features. Cockpit has five pieces consisting of
pilot seat, side consoles, a control column, instrument panel with raised
instruments and no crew figure. A round section piece blanks the rear of the
fuselage from the forward end. There is a cone shaped radar nose and a separate
intake ring piece to go to front of nose area. The extended dorsal body appear
to be convincing and quite pronounced when compared to the MF version at same
scale.
A scrap
view of the underside of the aircraft give indication that the main wheels were
oversize and these I replaced with a spare set that came in recent KP MiG-21
release. I threw away the undercarriage legs.
Construction
Starting with the cockpit area this was built up and painted turquoise green
while seat was gray and decals added to side consoles and instruments at front
panel. The canopy was clear but on the thick side and I thought there was not
much point to add detail inside once a crew figure was added and little could be
visible. An engine pipe was also added to the rear area that makes it visible as
most of the MiGs are when viewed from the rear end. Some nose weight was added.
The fuselage halves were brought together and cemented. The wing assembly and
tail unit went together well, the result was a good fit and with a little filler
and all look the part. Drop tanks and the S-24 missile respective pylons were
all added in place. The nose pitot tube was replaced with a metal one of thinner
diameter than the one given. Three tiny aerials were added to top of fin. I also
used the SAC undercarriage landing gear set No 72146. This was in much greater
detail and to scale than the kit issue.