KITS 01/2022

MiG-21MT, No. 96.40.15, Dolgoye Ledovo, Russia, early 1980´s

This aircraft can be currently found at Dolgoye Ledovo on display, but the unit it served with is uncertain. The MiG-21MT (NATO code

Fishbed K) was produced by the Moscow plant Znamya Truda in 1971, but only 15 of these aircraft were built, because pilots were

very unsatisfied with performance and flying characteristics of the plane. It was developer as a response to foreign customers

calling for longer operational range. More powerful R-13F-300 engine was installed as well as a big internal fuel tank of 900 liters

volume in the fuselage ridge. This gave the MiG-21MT its characteristic hump appearance. Although the MT version was intended

to be an export version, no customers were ever found.

MiG-21SMT, 515 IAP, Tököl, Hungary, late 1970´s

Yellow 31 was serving with the 515 Fighter Regiment in Tököl. The aircraft was delivered in natural metal finish, later on the aircraft

of the unit were given camouflage and the tactical numbers were painted with white outline only. The aircraft was given protective

grey painting on the bottom of the front section of the fuselage and was presented to delegation of Hungarian pilots, who were

undergoing training for usage of special bombs at the time.

INFO Eduard - January 2022

eduard

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