MODELSVIT MiG-21I “Analog” A-144-2, 1/72 scale (Catalog No.72004)
In 1968, two months before the first flight of the Concorde, Tupolev achieved to fly the first prototype of Tu-144 or “Concordski”, as it was nicknamed in the West, after the espionage theory that the Soviets had stolen the anglofrench plans. 
To test the behavior of the new wing MiG undertook to design and build two prototypes, based in the fuselage of MiG-21, but with an ogival wing (smoothly blended "wineglass" double-curve, encompassing the leading edges and tip of a cropped compound delta) and no stabilators in the tail. The MiG-21I “Analog” A-144, as it was code named, first flew in 1968. The second prototype demonstrated far better performance. Both aircraft were used to develop an elevon control system suitable for tailless aircraft. Four elevon sections were placed along the trailing edge of each wing. The leading edge of the wing nearer to the fuselage was tested with an extreme sweepback. Behind the cockpit and on the top of the fin special cameras were set up to record the airflow using special threads glued to the wing. On 18 April 1968 the maiden flight was performed. Till the end of 1969 140 flights were performed, in altitude of 19000 meters and speed of 2,06 Mach. After completion of the main test program and while performing aerobatic maneuvres the first prototype crashed, leaving the second prototype intact to be handed over to Monino Air Force Museum, after carrying out tests and training of Tu-144 pilots.
MODELSVIT is an Ukranian manufacturer of plastic model kits, mainly in 1/72 scale, with an extensive range of lesser-known subjects like this special MiG-21I.
The kit comes in a very sturdy box, extremely safe for mail-order! There are six sprues in a light grey colour and one in clear plastic for the canopy and lights: 97 pieces in total. The 8 pages instructions manual is well printed and precise. External detail is finely engraved and correct for the scale. The ejection seat comprises of six parts which have a lot of good raised detail. A nice instrument panel, side consoles and control column complete the cockpit section. Ten parts are given to complete the exhaust pipe which has realistic depth. Landing gear has satisfactory detail all over with thin doors, nice wheel hubs, thin legs and convincing retraction struts & actuators. Canopy is thin, comes in two parts and can be cemented close or open.
The last page of instructions contain a useful painting guide with 7 Humbrol code numbers, which are also used throughout the previous 12 assembly stages in order to paint correctly the smaller parts also. The decal sheet has all the necessary items for the second prototype and is well printed with vivid colours and thin.
All in all a very attractive and well detailed kit which will turn out a realistic model of a very interesting and rare subject of Soviet aircraft design. As it is a Limited Edition, if you like strange aircraft subjects do not miss this one!
Official distributor of MODELSVIT in Greece is FASMA Models, at 52 Ippokratous & Valtetsiou str., Athens, who kindly provided kits for review. You can visit the shop, see all the Modelsvit range, have a free catalog, ask details for suitable colors or browse and buy easily on-line using the following link. Prices are utterly affordable & attractive for the quality & detail provided.
