Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; 2nd Air Surveillance Sq., Austrian Air Force, 1996

Dizzyfugu · June 20, 2014, 02:24:37 AM

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Some background:
When it became clear in the 1980s that the sub-sonic aircraft were inadequate for air combat and airspace interdiction, Austria purchased 24 reconditioned J 35 Draken fighter aircraft to supersede the Saab 105 as the Austrian Air Force's main interceptor in 1988. The Saab 105 remained in service as a trainer/surveillance aircraft.

Until 1985, when the first of twenty-four Saab J-35Ö Drakens were delivered, the country had remained essentially without the capacity to contest violations of its airspace. The Drakens, reconditioned after having served the Swedish Air Force since the early 1960s, were armed only with a cannon, in accordance with the restrictions on missiles in the State Treaty of 1955.

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

However, following Austria's revised interpretation of its obligations under the treaty, a decision was made in 1993 to procure Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (also from Sweden) and, after several incidents with Yugoslavian aircraft entering Austrian airspace in the early 1990ies, to enhance the country's defence capabilities.

Being a neutral state with limited resources, the Austrian government was pleased when its neighbor Germany made an unexpected proposal in early 1991: When East and West Germany unified, the West German Air Force inherited in 1990 18 MiG-23BNs, 9 MiG-23MFs, 28 MiG-23MLs, MiG-23UBs from East Germany. None of these aircraft were integrated into the West German Air Force, though.

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Twelve former East German MiG-23s were supplied to the U.S., but surplus airframes, which would otherwise have been scrapped, were offered to Austria for the symbolic price of 1€ per airframe.
Since phaseout of the Austrian Drakens was already scheduled to begin about 1995, these potential replacement aircraft would buy time and fill the gap for a modern interceptor. Studies were already under way to select a Draken replacement, probably one that could be configured for both air defense and ground support missions. Possible replacements for the Draken were the United States F-16, F-18 as well as Sweden's JAS 39 Gripen. In parallel, the Eurofighter project was already taking up pace as another potential option, and this aircraft was finally favored, even though many political issues delayed its service entry far more than expected.

The MiG-23 deal was quickly finalized, and already in late 1991 a total of 18 former NVA-LSK MiG-23ML interceptors were transferred to Austrian Air Force's "Fliegerwerft B" at Nittner Air Base, where they'd be overhauled and updated with NATO-compatible equipment.

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In order to fit into service and existing systems, several modifications were made. The most significant one was the integration of a new planar array radar, the Emerson AN/APG-69. The APG-69 offered beyond visual range capability and a complete suite of air-to-air and air-to-ground modes. The air-to-air modes included velocity search for long-range wide-angle searches, track-while-scan, single target track and dogfight modes that locked onto the closest target.

The air-to-ground modes included Doppler-Beam Sharpening mapping, moving target search and track, and even sea-surface-search modes. The new radar was more reliable and had a maximum detection range of about 65 km against a fighter-sized target, and still 25 km in look-down mode. The MiG's navigation suite received a new, much improved autopilot. New radio and datalink systems were also installed. The original TP-23ML IRST was retained and integrated into the weapon suite, offering passive tracking capabilities.

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Despite being able to carry and guide the AIM-7 Sparrow missile with its APG-69, the MiG-23Ö, how the modified version was now called, would only be equipped with short-range AIM-9P5 all aspect Sidewinders, unguided missiles and a single internal 30mm ADEN cannon, which replaced the MiG-23's original, twin-barreled Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23-2 cannon under the fuselage.

The first aircraft became operational in May 1993 and were to be exclusively used in the interceptor role, as a stopgap and relief for the Saab 35Ö while waiting for the Eurofighter to become available. The latter took much longer than expected: eventually, the venerable MiG-23Ö soldiered on until - finally - the Eurofighter was ready for service in Austria in July 2007, and at that time only 8 MiGs were still in flyworthy condition. The Austrian Drakens had already been taken out of service in 2005, leaving a huge gap in the country's aerial defence. All remaining MiG-23Ö were scrapped and replaced by a total of 15 Eurofighter aircraft, which were all allocated to 3rd Air Surveillance Squadron at Zeltweg AB.

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

General characteristics
Crew: One
Length: 16.70 m (56 ft 9.5)
Wingspan: Spread, 13.97 m (45 ft 10 in)
Height: 4.82 m (15 ft 9.75 in)
Wing area: 37.35 m² spread, 34.16 m² swept (402.05 ft² / 367.71 ft²)
Empty weight: 9,595 kg (21,153 lb)
Loaded weight: 15,700 kg (34,612 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 18,030 kg (39,749 lb)

Powerplant:
1× Khatchaturov R-35-300 afterburning turbojet, 83.6 kN dry, 127 kN afterburning (18,850 lbf / 28,700 lbf)

Performance:
Maximum speed: Mach 2.32, 2,445 km/h at altitude; Mach 1.14, 1,350 km/h at sea level (1,553 mph / 840 mph)
Range: 1,150 km with six AAMs combat, 2,820 km ferry (570 mi / 1,750 mi)
Service ceiling: 18,500 m (60,695 ft)
Rate of climb: 240 m/s (47,245 ft/min)
Wing loading: 420 kg/m² (78.6 lb/ft²)
Thrust/weight: 0.88

Armament:
1x 30mm ADEN cannon in an underfuselage fairing with 200 rounds
Two fuselage, two wing glove, and two wing pylons for up to 3,000 kg (6,610 lb) of stores

The kit and its assembly:
This whif had been in the pipeline for a long time – I had anything ready, but never had the nerve to start it.
Actually, this Austrian MiG-23 is an excuse to apply a rather weird experimental camouflage scheme which the German Luftwaffe had tested on its F-4F Phantom II with the tactical code 38+56 – one of the many experiments during the early eighties. Check this:

Anyway, I did not want to apply it to an F-4F, and eventually my choice fell on the Flogger(!).

The kit is the Academy offering, which is simple, cheap and not really bad. The landing gear is nice and stable, you even have the option to switch the canopy hatch between an open and closed position.

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

I basically built it OOB, just with some minor twists:
● New ejection seat and a Matchbox pilot figure, plus some cockpit details added
● A cannon fairing from a Bae Hwk replaces the GSh-23 cannon under the fuselage
● A pair of AIM-9 and respective launch rails make up the ordnance
● Some pitots and air scoops around the fuselage were added

Painting and markings:
As mentioned earlier, this is a free variation of what 38+56 carried – and it looks weird.
The basic colors are RAL 6014 (Gelboliv, I used RLM 81 and FS 34087 from Modelmaster ), RAL 7000 (Fehgrau, Humbrol 145/FS 34237 is a good match) and a slightly darkened RAL 7035 (used Humbrol 127, which was also used on the flanks); from below, the thing carries a splinter scheme in RAL 7001 and 7035 (Modelmaster's Italian Blue Grey and RAL 63). A very complex scheme, asymmetrical, with many different shapes and patterns mixed into a very effective livery.

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The kit was lightly weathered with a light black ink wash and some dry-painted panels, the cockpit became Neutral Grey (Humbrol 176) instead of the stereotypical turquise, the landing gear and the wells were painted with Steel Metallizer.

The markings come primarily from a Heller F-5E, the '08' on the tail actually belongs under the wing of a Royal Navy Sea Harrier... some stencils and warning signs were added from the scrap box (e. g. from German Tornados) or simply painted.

Finally, the kit was sealed under a coat of matt acrylic varnish.

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Mikoyan-Gurewich MiG-23Ö; aircraft '08' of 2nd Air Surveillance Squadron, Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte/Austrian Air Force, Graz-Thalerhof Air Base, 1996 (Whif/Academy kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

What do you think? The paint scheme might not 100% fit the MiG-23 (esp at the waist area), but together with the Austrian markings the 'Ö'-Flogger looks plausible, if not pretty?

Spey_Phantom · June 20, 2014, 06:13:07 AM

looks great, excellent work

Captain Canada · June 20, 2014, 06:50:21 AM

Oh my that is absolutely perfect ! Never been a big fan of the aeroplane ( although I did love flying it in Ace Combat

) but this one is awesome. Nicest one I've ever seen. I was hooked in the first pic. The camo is just perfect, a mixture of styles and colours. Love it !

And thanks for the Phantom pic ! Love that aeroplane and in that scheme ?

I was lucky enough to see a pair of GAF F-4s in a similar scheme blast off and do a few tower buzzing passes after the Selfridge ANG open house back in the late 80s or early 90s. That was just awesome

Logan Hartke · June 20, 2014, 07:13:26 AM

I love the camo on this, Dizzy. It's quite nice. The Soviet aircraft in Austrian markings doesn't look all that implausible given Austria operated Yak-11s after WWII and into the 1960s.

Cheers,

Logan

Dizzyfugu · June 20, 2014, 07:20:54 AM

Thanks a lot!

PR19_Kit · June 20, 2014, 08:39:49 AM

All totally logical Thomas, and believable too, not to mention VERY well built and painted.

Dizzyfugu · June 20, 2014, 11:38:01 AM

Thanks a lot, Kit, but don't look too closely!

comrade harps · June 20, 2014, 07:18:08 PM

I really like that. Lovely camo and the Aden's a nice touch, too.

nönöbär · June 23, 2014, 09:43:28 AM

Looks nice - and I like the look of the MiG23

lancer · June 23, 2014, 01:08:22 PM

That Austrian Flogger is simply stunning...It looks so damm right. Wish I'd have though of it...

Gondor · June 23, 2014, 02:10:02 PM

How did you make the chaff/flare launchers?

Gondor

Dizzyfugu · June 26, 2014, 03:47:45 AM

Sorry for the delay - was offline for a couple of days... The chaff/flare dispensers are simple, square styrene strips (generic Plastruct stuff), maybe 3x1.5mm in diameter, cut to size, and the front and back end sculpted into an aerodynamic shape with a file - really simple, but works like a charm. Some orange on the upper side makes them look very realistic, at least from far.

Used the same method on earlier models, e. g. on this MiG-21 conversion - this time glued flush to the fin:

1:72 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21G; "24+17", JG 71 'Richthofen', Deutsche Bundesluftwaffe; Wittmundhafen, 1995 (Whif) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The Su-21 got them the same way:

1:72 Sukhoi Su-21D (T-58Sh/Su-15Sh, NATO code 'Flagon H'); aircraft '02 Blue' of 20th GvAPIB, 125th ADIB, 16th VA, Soviet Air Force; Templin (GDR), April 1985 (What-if/Kit-bashing) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Howard of Effingham · June 26, 2014, 07:05:28 AM

very, very realistic indeed.

well done.

Dizzyfugu · June 26, 2014, 07:47:19 AM

Just took a look at the real world benchmarks. There was an updated MiG-23 prototype (the MiG 23-98) with really huge wing fences on the wing roots that contained similar dispensers, so I took that idea an incoporated it as an update detail onto the MiG-23Ö.

This was/is the inspiration:

Gondor · June 26, 2014, 10:56:10 AM

Thanks Dizzy

Gondor