MiG-21SMT/MT
Weekend Edition

Eduard, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Phil Parsons

Eduard's 1/48 scale MiG-21MF is available online from Squadron.com

The Mikoyan OKB engineers kept on tweaking the enlarged spine introduced on the MiG-21R, coming up with a bulged configuration that raised total fuel capacity to 2,950 litres (778 US gallons). They had originally performed the redesign to provide 300 litres (79 US gallons) more, but flight tests suggested this was too much, leading to fuel trim problems. The spine was so big that it gave a "humpbacked" appearance and, unlike earlier MiG-21 variants, merged back into the brake chute fairing at the base of the tail.

The result was the "MiG-21SMT" or "I-50", which went into production at Gorkiy in 1971. Except for the bulged spine, it was much like a late production MiG-21SM, with the latest in avionics and the R-13-300 engine. The engine fit still didn't provide enough thrust to keep up with the MiG-21SMT's weight growth, and in fact the MiG-21SMT was something of a disappointment, being built in limited numbers.

Operational experience suggested that the swollen spine was another exercise in futility because trim problems once again meant all the fuel capacity couldn't be used. The Znamya Trudaya plant built 15 examples of an export version of the MiG-21SMT designated the "MiG-21MT" or "I-96T" in 1971, but they never left the country.

MiG-21MT (1971; Izdeliye 96T; NATO "Fishbed-J")
M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised")
T = Toplivo ("Fuel," referring to increased fuel capacity)

MiG-21SMT (1971; Izdeliye 50; NATO "Fishbed-K")
S = Sapfir (referring to the Sapfir-21/RP-22 radar).
M = Modernizirovannyy ("Modernised")
T = Toplivo ("Fuel," referring to increased fuel capacity)

Eduard has already released the 1/48 MiG-21 SMT/MT in their ProfiPACK edition. While there is no ProfiPACK SMT review as yet on Hyperscale, the previous reviews by  Jennings  Heilig and myself cover the main sprues that are common to the MF and SMT kits.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

Thumbnail panels:

Because Eduard have considered the numerous variant in their mold design, sprue K contains the major components required for the SMT/MT variant

http://www.hyperscale.com/2011/reviews/kits/eduard8231reviewjh_1.htm
http://www.hyperscale.com/2011/reviews/kits/eduard84125reviewjh_1.htm

My previous review on the Eduard MiG-21MF has 95% in common with this kits construction. While the box lists 464 parts, there are a lot of spare parts. These are however, mostly weapons, so your stash will have a good supply of Eastern Bloc Air-Air and Air-Surface weapons.
Markings.

• Bort 15, Serial Number 96.40.15, Dolgoye Ledova, Russia

While some Eduard Kits have the decals produced by Cartograf of Italy these decals do not carry Cartograf’s marking and state “Made in Czech Republic”. When compared with the Cartograf stencils in the “MiG-21MF in Czeckoslovak Service” kit, the SMT decals are darker in colour and unreadable under magnification.  Is this an issue? I guess it depends upon your individual preference. Either way there are a lot of stencils supplied.

This is another superbly engineered kit either built out of the box or with some Eduard “Brassin” and you will have a great looking aircraft. Many thanks to Eduard for providing this kit for review.

Thanks to Eduard for the samples.

Review Text Copyright © 2011 by Phil Parsons
Page Created 28 November, 2011
Last updated 30 November, 2011

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page