[RJLee]

Have there been any U.S. sightings of the third MiG-21 yet (the "F-14 killer" in Iraqi Air Force markings)? I thought I was going to wait for the Soviet Fishbed, but one look at this one and I had to have it...

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by RJLee

Have there been any U.S. sightings of the third MiG-21 yet (the "F-14 killer" in Iraqi Air Force markings)? I thought I was going to wait for the Soviet Fishbed, but one look at this one and I had to have it...

I was told that the next shipment should arrive in the U.S. around Jan. 8 - 10.

[zed550]

its another fine model from hm.had them in the uk for a couple of weeks

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by hawkonevoodoo

I was told that the next shipment should arrive in the U.S. around Jan. 8 - 10.

I'm contemplating on these scheme as well.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I want this one is a dogfight scene with my F-14 Tomcat.
JP

[RJLee]

Received mine a few weeks ago, my first HobbyMaster model. It could be just the subject matter, or the desert camo, or the fine detail allowed by the high plastic content, but I really like this jet. HM's paint selection is brilliant and reflects just the right shade (a dry brown), and they did a fine weathering job. External stores are nice (if a little hard to attach), and the side-hinged canopy can be displayed open (there's a separate piece for the "open" position, a la Dragon).

Overall quality reminds me of Dragon, to include good panel detail and some very small parts. However, the surface finish is superior -- absolutely first-rate. Whoever's minding the paint shop at HM has hit on the right formula. It's currently front and center on my desk, and is an eye-catcher; will try to post some pictures later.

[PappyB]

What's the story of this bird? Sounds like good fodder for a Dogfights episode, if they dare to tackle it, that is...

(So far everything seems pretty much presented from "the good guys' " perspectives. )

[skidmarksdiecast]

Originally Posted by PappyB

What's the story of this bird? Sounds like good fodder for a Dogfights episode, if they dare to tackle it, that is...

(So far everything seems pretty much presented from "the good guys' " perspectives. )

If I remember correctly, the "F-14 Killer" is in reference to an Iraqi MiG-21 that shot down an Iranian F-14 during the Iran-Iraq war.

[skysurfer808]

The Iraqi Air Force made great Tomcat fodder until the French sold Saddam Mirage F-1's equipped with radar seeking missiles. The HM Mig 21 F-14 "Killer" ought to be called Tomcat food, as the Iranian Revolutionary Air Force had quite a favorable exchange ratio against Iraq. The F Arsh Ashara (Arabic for F-14) was so effective in combat that the USN found in Gulf War One that merely turning on the Tomcat's radar was enough to scare the Iraqis away. Naval Aviators called the Tomcat's AWG-9 radar, Mig Repellent. However, the Iraqi's did score in the end when they pitted their Mirage F-1s against the Iranians during the final stage of the Iran-Iraq war, shooting down a couple F-14s and killing some of Iran's finest Tomcat drivers in the process.

Now that Iraqi Mig 21 would make a great opponent if somebody would release a VFA-81 Sunliners F/A-18C, as that squadron scored the USN's only fixed wing victories in Gulf War One. The two Hornets were on a bombing mission, they punched a few buttons on their HOTAS, and engaged the Migs, thus giving victories to Fox and Mongillo, before switching back to their air to ground mission. Thus the Hornet performed as advertised, and that sortie was instrumental in convincing Navair leadership that the Hornet was the way to go. Meanwhile, the Tomcat managed only to down an Mi-8 Hip that blundered into its path. These Migs have been variously idendified as Chinese made, but regardless of whoever made them, they'd look great next to a 1/72 Sunliners Hornet.

Skysurfer808

[djjeffhall]

Pappy,
Hawkonevoodoo has a link on his website with the history of this bird.