Kovozávody Prostějov MiG-23MF "Arabian Floggers" (KPM0309) 1:72 Kovozávody Prostějov

[Julien]

MiG-23MF "Arabian Floggers" (KPM0309)

1:72 Kovozávody Prostějov

 

 

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 (NATO Code name Flogger) is a single-seat, variable geometry interceptor and ground attack aircraft. Designed to be tough and reliable yet cheap to manufacture, the Flogger was widely exported outside of the Soviet Union and is still in service with various air forces around the world. The aircraft was intended as a successor to the MiG-21, which although tough and agile, suffered from a limited range, poor weapon carrying ability and a relatively weak radar. The MiG-23 was a significant step forwards for the Soviet Union, providing the VVS and PVO with look down/shoot down capabilities as well as a beyond visual range missile platform. The MiG-23 is powered by a single Khatchaturov turbojet which provides a maximum 28,700 lb/ft of thrust with afterburner. This power gives the MiG-23 sprightly performance, enabling it to achieve a climb rate of 47,000 feet per minute and reach a maximum speed of mach 2.3 at altitude. Over 5,000 Floggers were produced, and although this is far fewer than the 11,400 MiG-21s that rolled off the production line, it still enjoyed considerable export success, finding its way into the inventory of air forces across Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

The MiG-23MF or Flogger B was an export derivative of the MiG-23M produced from 1978 to 1983. There were two versions produced, the first (2A or 23-11A), intended for sale to the Warsaw Pact countries, was practically the same as the MiG-23M with small differences in communication and IFF equipment. The second (2B or 23-11B) was designed for sale for certain Third World client states. Like the 23-11A it featured the Sapfir-23D-III radar (redesignated Sapfir-23E), this however lacked electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) features and had a lower overall performance. The communication equipment was also less powerful, with the Lasour-SMA datalink removed from some aircraft. Until 1981, these were delivered to customers with the R-13M missile instead of the R-60.

 

 

The Kit

This is the 2011 RV Aircraft kit which is being re-boxed by KP, however this is just the plastic without RV's photoetch. The clear parts are also remade by KP. Inside the box are two sprues of grey plastic and a clear sprue. Its noted there are parts on the spure for other versions not used here. 

 

 

Construction begins with the cockpit/ Decals are provided for the instrument panel either in Grey, or the Russian Turquoise colour. Next the seat is added to the cockpit tub along with the control column. Seat belts are provided as decals. We now move onto a couple of sub-assemblies. The 5 part engine exhaust nozzle, and the main gear wheels are built up. Now the cockpit tub and front wheel well can be added into the front fuselage section and this can be closed up. 

 

 

While the front fuselage was split left/right the rear is split upper/lower to accommodate the variable geometry wing. The single part wings are placed on their locating pins on the lower fuselage and the upper can then be added trapping the wings and allowing them to swing as needed. These are not interconnected like some kits. The exhaust is then fitted at the rear, and at the front the front fuselage including cockpit is added. The nose cone then goes onto theis assembly. At the rear additional vents and airbrakes are added followed by the fin/rudder part. To the front section the intakes are made up and added. The rear control surfaces are then fitted along with the main weapons pylons under the fixed part of the wings. 

 

 

Next up at the front the nose gear, its bay doors and the 23mm cannon pod are added. Following this we move to fit the main gear and its doors. Care must be taken to get the sit if the legs correctly. The last items to be fitted are the canopies. 

 

 

Decals

There are three decal options in the box to represent Aircraft from Algeria, Iraq, and Libya. 

 

 

Decals are printed in-house and have good registration, colour density and sharpness, with a very thin carrier film cut close to the printing. 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Another great release from KP with excellent detail, and plenty of choices. Recommended.

 

 

Review samples courtesy of

[Wooz]

Thanks for your review Julien. Especially the decals.

 

Grz Wooz