RW build - MiG 21I Analog (A-144-1)

[zenrat]

MiG 21I Analog (A-144-1)
MiG 21 Analogue - 1 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
Text from airvectors.net.  Picture from me.
MiG 21 Analogue - 11 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
Arguably the most drastic variation on the MiG-21 was the "MiG-21I", where the "I" stood for "Imitator", with the type also informally known as the "Analog". Two were built in the later 1960s, strictly as research machines to test out wing configurations for the Tupolev Tu-144 supersonic transport (SST). They were production MiG-21S aircraft refitted with a long-chord double-delta wing.
MiG 21 Analogue - 13 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
The whole thing turned out to be mostly an exercise in futility, since Mikoyan engineers needed to get the proper specifications for the wing from the Tupolev engineers, while the Tupolev engineers couldn't give them specifications without data from Analog flights. According to the story, in 1968 Artyom Mikoyan lived in the same state apartment block as Andrei N. Tupolev, at 80 years old still working and revered as the "grand old man" of Soviet aircraft design. When the two men met in the elevator, Tupolev would politely ask Mikoyan: "When do I get my Analog, Artyom Ivanovich?"
MiG 21 Analogue - 4 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
The first Analog didn't perform its first flight until 18 April 1968, with test pilot Oleg V. Gudkov at the controls. By that time, the Tu-144 prototype was close to completion. The second Analog didn't fly until late 1969. The prototypes were used to evaluate variations in wing configurations, and were also used by Tu-144 test pilots to acquire experience in flying a machine with the double-delta configuration.
MiG 21 Analogue - 16 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
Handling was surprisingly good for an aircraft that was intended solely as an aerodynamic demonstrator for a big commercial transport, though it had some quirks that could trap the unwary. In fact, some of the test pilots found it so agile, with its low wing loading, that they lobbied for its production as a fighter. The first Analog was lost in a crash on 28 July 1970, when the test pilot, Viktor Konstantinov, got overly enthusiastic in some freelance low-level aerobatic maneuvers and lost control, Konstantinov being killed when the machine fell to earth. The second Analog remained in test and trials service for several more years, to be finally retired to the Monino air museum near Moscow.
MiG 21 Analogue - 17 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
This build is the Modelsvit 1/72 A-144-1 (there are minor differences between the A-144-1 and the A-144-2).  According to Scalemates the mould dates from 2013.
It is very much a kit of its time and place.  Good, if clumsy detail, overly large sprue attachment points, no part numbers moulded on the sprues...
Fit is good without too much putty being required and the canopy is thin and clear.
I got the vertical tail transfers to work but those for the long sky blue lines along the wing roots broke up.
Paint is a combination of silver car touch up paint (rattle can) and various shades of Mr Metal Colour metalisers.
I also have the Modelsvit A-144-2 kit which will prolly get a whiff in service paint job.
MiG 21 Analogue - 18 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

[NARSES2]

Very neat mate. She's a nice looking aircraft 

[Dizzyfugu]

Very pretty, and a beautiful aircraft in itself, too.

[zenrat]

Thanks guys.  Glad you like it.  MiG 21 is one of my favourite aircraft and the delta wings just made them better IMO.

[Tophe]

Very elegant!
Is it what-if as imagined being produced in 100s number?

[PR19_Kit]

I'm a big fan of test bed aircraft, and you've made a BLINDING job of that one Fred. 

The NMF finish is truly magnificent!

Reminds me I MUST build the BAC 221 that I've been thinking about for 30 yrs or more............

[zenrat]

Thanks folks.

Very elegant!
Is it what-if as imagined being produced in 100s number?

No Tophe.  This one is a Real World build.  I do produce them occasionally,  They are easier than whiffs as I just do what I am told and don't have to think for myself.

[Dizzyfugu]

The 144 Analog would certainly look good in a cammo scheme and with some serious mud mover ordnance, too. IIRC there was actually a project for a delta-winged derivate of the MiG-21, as a contender for the Su-25, but it had a nose cone and side intakes. Far from the Analog's clean lines, though, and the project thankfully never made it off of the drawing board.

[Old Wombat]

Really good, Fred!

[zenrat]

Thanks Womby.

Dizz, the tail-less delta MiG 21 which went into service was the rocket boosted MiG 21 11-3.  Pictured here in Republique Socialiste Canadienne Air Force use (flown by Cuban 'volunteers') during the Quebec Missile Crisis.
MiG 21 11-3 7 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

[chrisonord]

Jrad gone moment  strikes again.  Thought I had commented on this. Very nice Fred, I  like  these and have built one too mind  is in cartel  service  as a ground  pounder 
Chris

[su27rules]

 

[zenrat]

Thanks guys.

[DogfighterZen]

Beautiful bird...  Very nice work, Fred!  IMHO, one of the prettiest fighters ever built.

[zenrat]

Thanks guys.