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MiG-23P "Flogger" (KPM0286) 1:72 Kovozávody Prostějov


Julien

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MiG-23P "Flogger" (KPM0286)

1:72 Kovozávody Prostějov

 

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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-23P (Flogger G) was a second generation MiG-23. It was designed as a  specialised air-defense interceptor variant for the Russian Air Force as an interim low-cost aircraft to replace the Su-9/Su-11 and MiG-19. P was for Perekhvatchik (or interceptor) it the same airframe and powerplant as the MiG-23ML, but with an improved avionics suite. Its radar was the improved Sapfir-23P (N006), which could be used in conjunction with the ASP-23P gunsight/HUD (later replaced with the improved ASP-23ML-P) for better look-down/shoot-down capabilities to counter increasing low-level threats like F-111s. The IRST however was removed. The SAU-23P autopilot included a new digital computer which, operating in conjunction with the Lasur-M datalink, enabled GCI ground stations to steer the aircraft towards the target. Here all the pilot had to do was control the engine and fire the weapons. The MiG-23P was the most numerous interceptor in the 1980s with around 500 manufactured between 1978 and 1981. This version of the MiG-23 was never exported and managed to endure the break-up of the Soviet Union, with the last MiG-23P units operating until 1998. Interestingly, in mock BVR air combat the MiG-23P when flown by experienced pilots proved to be equal or even better than the Su-27.

 

 

The Kit

This is in general 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. For this version Inside the box are two sprues of grey plastic, a clear sprue; and an additional two small sprues for P specific parts.  

 

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While the front 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 new front fuselage section for this kit, and this can be closed up.

 

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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 this assembly. At the rear additional vents and airbrakes are added followed by the fin/rudder part (yes the one on the box art is incorrect, however the correct one is in the kit). To the front section the intakes are made up and added (make sure to use the new part for this boxing). The rear control surfaces are then fitted along with the main weapons pylons under the fixed part of the wings. 

 

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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.  Two pylons are then fitted to the swinging wings for this version. The last items to be fitted are the canopies. 

 

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Decals

There are three decal options in the box to represent three Russian Aircraft.

 

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

 

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Conclusion

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

 

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Review samples courtesy of

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Thx for your review Julien, nice to see the kit and the decals sheet. I am happy to see the good RV moulds being reused so we can keep building this great type of a/c. 

Grz Wooz

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